Having your own shoe sure has its perks. Especially if you’re a part of the Jordan family brand of sneakers. Team Jordan opened Terminal 23 in Café Rouge (formerly of Hotel Pennsylvania) in the Big Apple and presented Carmelo Anthony with the key this winter. The hoops utopia has been erected in celebration of the release of Anthony’s 10th signature shoe, the “Melo M10.” Right next door to Madison Square Garden, the sounds of utensils tapping on fine china and smooth jazz that used to fill the elegant ballroom have been replaced with screeching sneakers, screens being called out, and the oh so pure splash of the net.
As you walk up, one might actually miss the double-doors with the colorful lighting seeping through the slight opening at the bottom. But once you’re in and walk down dimly lit corridor that also includes a wall of fame for Michael Jordan and Carmelo Anthony, you’ll realize that entering was the best decision anyone could make. The first unique angle to Terminal 23 is that you don’t even need to bring your own gear. “Why?,” you ask? This court is home only to getting fresh in Jordan brand clothing and no intruders are allowed from head to toe. Adidas, Reebok, Nike, and any other non-Jordan paraphernalia is off limits, as the Jordan aura must be completely embraced. As far as the kicks go, the Terminal 23 staff has your back by providing you with a pair of M10’s. If that isn’t enough, the spa-like treatment continues in the locker room where your Team Jordan uniform is waiting for you at your own personalized locker. Suddenly, playing basketball becomes surreal and similar to what Melo and the pros do for a living.
As you step onto the court, a significant upgrade from your average run at the local YMCA can be noticed. With “Melo” inscribed in cursive beneath each free throw line, the seven time All-Star’s presence is definitely felt. On top of that, this is a crib His Airness helped build as the iconic Jordan logo is emblazoned across the center circle at mid-court, and adds a certain flare to an already exciting venue. With the scoreboard lit up on the wall of what is still a pristine architectural sight, the scene is set to just ball out and let the sweat hit the hardwood.
Though access is limited to youth and high school players, along with those who are invited, this mid-town gem must make the bucket list. From the arcade basketball tucked in the back, the shrine of Melo’s sneakers that resembles an Egyptian tomb, and the DJ bumping tunes in the background, an atmosphere that is one-of-a-kind is created and will lead to a surefire slam dunk of an experience.
-Clinton Jackson
