Where are you watching the World Cup? Are you cramped up at your friends house watching the games on a standard 26 inch television?
Do you need a spot where you can blow your vuvuzela at the top of your lungs without getting yelled at by your neighbors?
Why aren't you here watching the games with us on a 20 by 30 foot screen?
You are missing it! You should be cheering on your team with 750 plus people, bleeding colors.
NIKE could not have chosen a better place to create a World Cup Headquarters, Los Angeles is known for it's significant mixture of cultures. Nonetheless, I was completely caught of guard to see so many people from Brazil, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Argentina, and Holland all in one place.
Now I understand some of your favorite teams might have already been kicked out of the World Cup, but that should not stop you from coming down here and enjoying the rest of the matches. Here is why.....
If the 20 (High) by 30 (Wide) foot screen and booming sound (Which make you feel like your in one of the Southern African soccer stadiums) is not enough to grab you, maybe you just want some refreshments.
As soon as you walk in through the doors, you can immediately spot a bar. What's good about the bar? Everything is free, from hot chocolate, coffee, and fancy pants lattes for those early games, to beers and mixed drinks to party with your friends. (Responsibly of course) Simply show your i.d at the front door with NIKE's friendly staff and you will be stamped.
"Yeah dude thats cool, but I'm not 21 and I cant drink. Is this a 21 and over thing only?"
Don't worry kiddos, I know how it feels to be left out of dope events because of your age. Luckily for everyone, The Montalban NIKE Headquarters is open to all ages. On both sides of the bar, right before you enter the theater, there are buckets of chilled refreshing beverages to wash down the tacos and lamb kabobs . Waaaaaaaah!! Did I just say free tacos and lamb kabobs?
The cool thing about the food is that depending on who is playing, the food will be served to commeorate a certain country. For example the tacos when Mexico was playing, bread covered cheese balls for Brazil, and the lamb with roasted tomatoes when Spain is playing.
During half time you could have the chance to compete in a penalty kick off to win some NIKE swag.
Body painting for you extra enthusiastic fans.
Are you starting to feel it yet? You know what I'm talking about. That same feeling you get after you watch an action movie. You just want to punch everything in your path and blow up an 18 wheeler with a bazooka. Except here I'm reffereing to playing soccer and yelling while watching the matches.
Oh yes, they have an open rooftop field for you to get your Maradona on during store hours and matches.
Is any of this working for you yet?
What if they throw in a NIKE SPORTSWEAR store?
With an option of sneaker and jacket customization to please even the pickiest of choosers.
Okay,now that I have covered most of the features, I think I might have hooked a handful of you to check out NIKE's SOCCER HEADQUARTERS. If not, then you must be made out of something equivalent to soccer kryptonite.
Lets jump ahead to the "How" and "When". All you have to do is e-mail RSVP.NIKESPORTSWEAR@NIKE.COM with your name and the date of the match you want to see.
*Saturday's match 7/03 is scheduled for 7 am*
1615 VINE STREET HOLLYWOOD CA. 90028
The doors open 30 minutes before the time listed on the schedule. I if were you I would definitely take advantage of that because sometimes the line can get pretty long.
Once you arrive the entrance should be fairly quick due to NIKE's on point staff.
There you have it, everything you to need to properly enjoy the World Cup matches and more. We are nearly to the end of the semi-finals and the battles just keep on getting more intense with every round. Put on your jersey, bring your flag, grab your vuvuzela and get down here, yo.
AWESOME PHOTOS BY: Marla Aufmuth
AND Myself.
