AKRON, Ohio — Akronites are invited to attend the UNKNWN Akron Courtyard Classic, an all-ages block party and basketball tournament celebrating the pre-release of the limited-edition Nike LeBron XX “Message in a Bottle” sneaker.
Set for Saturday, June 17 from 3-10 p.m., the event will take place in front of the UNKNWN store, 199 S. Main St. — also known as "King James Way" — across from Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron, organizers said in a release. An RSVP is required for the event and online sign-up is available.
Co-founded by NBA star LeBron James, Frankie Walker and Jaron Kanfer, UNKNWN is an apparel brand, retail store and community venue with locations in Akron and Miami. UNKNWN collaborated with Nike Inc. on the Nike LeBron XX “Message in a Bottle” sneaker, which displays the UNKNWN logo.
Saturday’s basketball tournament will be held on a pop-up basketball court, with teams hosted by UNKNWN and local ambassadors, all wearing the new UNKNWN x Nike LeBron XX sneakers, the company said.
After the event, organizers said the pop-up basketball court will be donated to the city for future events via a partnership with the Knight Foundation.
“I grew up playing ball on neighborhood courts and anywhere I could hoop, so this UNKNWN collaboration with Nike that celebrates those early days and brings the community together is pretty special,” James said. “I’m proud to see the opportunities and experiences UNKNWN continues to bring to the Akron community.”
During the event, UNKNWN will pre-release the “Message in a Bottle” sneaker at its store, offering sneaker aficionados the opportunity to buy the $210 shoe about a week before it is released to the public, the company said.
Design elements of the unique sneaker call up the beach through embossed water droplets on an aqua-blue Nike “Swoosh,” while tan suede uppers and speckled midsoles represent beach sand, according to the UNKNWN website.
The shoe was inspired by “connecting one generation of athletes to the next,” and will feature the UNKNWN logo, the company said.
The block party, complete with DJs, features booths by local businesses and sports-related organizations in the block party zone, where attendees can shop and learn about the Akron Recreation and Parks Department, University of Akron Men's and Women's basketball teams, Akron Marathon and others.
“This is a fun, unique event for everyone to enjoy and I can't wait to help celebrate the launch of LeBron's newest sneaker right here in his hometown with our Akron community," said Mayor Dan Horrigan.
Attendees can dine on fare from local food vendors and trucks, including Southern Comfort Kitchen, Vegan A Go-Go/The Green Vegetarian, 4 Bros and a Sis Lemonade Stand, Cookie's BBQ and more.
Presented by Nike, the event is also sponsored by the Knight Foundation, the city of Akron, Lock 3 Park, Downtown Akron Partnership, Akron Civic Theatre and UNKNWN.
Entrances to the UNKNWN Akron Courtyard Classic are located at the corner of South Main Street and University Avenue and South Main and Church streets, with parking available at the State Street, Summit County and Cascade parking decks.