Wednesday, April 13 will forever be the start of what will now be known as #MambaDay, the celebration and also closing of now former Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant‘s illustrious career. On that Wednesday, millions paid tribute via social media (fans and colleagues alike) to Bryant as he bid farewell to the game of basketball. While Bryant set the record for most points scored at his age (37) in his final game, the Staples Center, home to the Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers as well, set a record of their own, too.
Via ESPN:
On Wednesday alone, the Staples Center sold $1.2 million worth of Kobe merchandise, Sean Ryan, AEG vice president of merchandise told ESPN. Ryan said that’s a single-day sales record for any arena in the world.
The previous record, Ryan said, was set by Led Zeppelin, who sold $1 million worth of merchandise in London at the O2 Arena on Dec. 10, 2007, the group’s first full-length concert in three decades.
The high-end Kobe memorabilia, dubbed the “24 Collection,” was a partnership between AEG; Kobe’s company, Kobe Inc.; his merchandise partner, MainGate; and the Lakers.
“The 24 Collection started with a vision of gold and diamonds and how this translated with the fans of Los Angeles,” Ryan said. “We wanted every person who purchased with us the opportunity to have a piece which was special for the moment. The support and buy-in exceeded our expectations.”
The average fan inside the arena spent $61 on merchandise alone, with the average bill being $230, Ryan said.
