Jay-Z to open Barclays with concerts, as Nets get new name
In this undated photo, Jay-Z attends the Los Angeles Clippers vs New Jersey Nets game at the Prudential Center. Credit: Getty Images
They’ve got an arena, and now Brooklyn’s basketball team finally has a name.
The New Jersey Nets will become the Brooklyn Nets when they move to their new home at the Barclays Center for the 2012-13 season, team minority owner Jay Z announced Monday.
Jay Z will also be the inaugural performer at the arena in Prospect Heights, playing up to three concerts.
"This is where I'm from, I'll always be Brooklyn, and opening this arena will mean more to me than anywhere else," he said yesterday.
"Without Brooklyn, I wouldn’t be standing here right now. I’m humbled, I’m excited, so get ready for the Brooklyn Nets," said the hip-hop mogul, who has a stake in the Nets since 2004.
The Barclays Center, under construction since 2009, is set to open Sept. 28, 2012.
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz was also on hand at the announcement boasting about the forthcoming teams potential.
"I can’t wait, I can’t wait, until those Knicks, aka Manhattan Knicks, step out of the way for what will be our NBA champions, the Brooklyn Nets," he said, according to the Daily News.
Dates and ticket prices for Jay Z’s concerts have yet to be announced.
(with Reuters)
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