The proposed return of pro sports to Brooklyn is supposed to be a great boon
for Brooklyn, according to Forest City Ratner and its Atlantic Yards cheerleaders.
Right? Brooklyn pride, Brooklyn business. Brooklyn, Brooklyn, Brooklyn. Well here
are the major deals Ratner has made using his mythological arena which he hopes to build upon a foundation of eminent domain abuse:
The UK
Well first there was the huge $400 million arena naming rights deal with the
UK's Barclays Bank. A sweet deal for Ratner, no doubt, but Brooklyn would just get
the Barclays logo slapped all over it every which way.
Seattle
Then last November the Nets announced an exclusive
arena soda deal with Seattle-based Jones Soda Company. Why Seattle-based
Jones Soda? Nets "marketing guru" Brett Yormark explained:
“At the end of the day, Jones was the most compelling opportunity
for us when you factor in the financial benefits, but most importantly the brand
activation opportunities to not only glamorize the Barclays Center but to glamorize
our franchise.”
And now, the Brooklyn
Eagle reports,
it's Chicago:
Brooklyn Nets Chooses Food Service Co. For Planned Barclays Arena
“Brooklynites are passionate
about their food and that will be a crucial ingredient for a best-in-class experience
at the Barclays Center,” said Brett Yormark, president and CEO of Nets Sports
and Entertainment. “We chose Levy Restaurants because it has an award-winning
track record as the preeminent premium dining provider at sports and entertainment
venues. This is another big step forward as we continue moving closer to bringing
a world class arena and the Nets to Brooklyn.”
The Barclays Center’s premium restaurants and luxury suites will feature menus
with the flair of contemporary American cuisine and diverse ethnic specialties.
At general concessions, guests can enjoy a range of menu offerings with a distinct
Brooklyn flavor including pizza, hot dogs, knishes, egg creams, cheesecake,
and much more. There will also be kosher dining options in restaurants, suites
and concession stands.
...
Levy Restaurants, based in Chicago, draws upon its roots as restaurateurs to
bring the restaurant dining experience to sports and arena venues across the
U.S. and U.K., including the Billie Jean King USTA National Tennis Center in
Flushing Meadows, N.Y., Churchill Downs in Louisville and the 02 arena in London.
Yup, it's all about Brooklyn; we can just smell the freshly grilled 8 dollar
"civic
pride" hot dog.
