Images by Brad Clarke www.radcollector.com
Vans made a power move into Brooklyn Saturday October 18, 2010 and unveiled its new, state-of-the-art event space, the House of Vans, opening it’s doors to 900 of New York’s skate community.
The new space is located in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood and is a prime example of Vans’ commitment to and respect for the East Coast skate scene. The House of Vans is a 25,000-square-foot renovated warehouse, featuring an indoor concrete bowl and outdoor street course, a permanent stage for concerts and enough space to do whatever the Vans heart and soul could desire. The House of Vans will be Vans’ East Coast hub, with two full-time employees to start.
The new space’s outdoor skate park and bowl, designed by California Skateparks and influenced by Lance Mountain and Brian Pino, were well received by those in attendance.
Vans pulled out all the stops for Saturday’s opening, with a full deck of Vans skaters on the scene at 6 p.m. sharp for the opening event, including Tony Alva, Steve Caballero, John Cardiel, Geoff Rowley, Jeff Grosso, Tony Trujillo, Dustin Dollin, Omar Hassan, Anthony Van Engelen, Johnny Layton, Gilbert Crockett, Andrew Allen and Curren Caples. Other Vans team riders who came out to show support included Joel Tudor, Zac Marben, Ryan Guettler, Robbie Morales, Chase Hawk, and Dakota Roche.
John Cardiel and Tony Alva kicked off the evening’s music with DJ sets, as artist Mike Giant began creating a custom piece on the back wall by the bowl. Gilbere Forte followed up with a rap-infused set as the crowd began to grow in anticipation of an appearance by Public Enemy. Mos Def then quietly took to the stage and quickly stole everyone’s attention in a surprise performance. Next, Chuck D, Flava Flav and the Public Enemy crew turned up the energy another notch. The Blackouts, Atiba and Ako Jefferson, then eased everyone into the night with a reggae-infused mix.
The event was dialed, right down to the smallest details. Hors d’oeuvres reminiscent of more youthful days included candy, fish sticks, chicken fingers, cupcakes, whooper malt chocolate, and many more goodies. The digital photo booth was also a huge hit, spitting out prints while simultaneously screening them on a wall for all to see in real time.
Vans, welcome to Brooklyn. It’s safe to say, everyone is happy to have you as our newest resident.
House of Vans Venue Highlights:
- 25,000 square feet; 15,000 indoors and 10,000 sq. ft outdoor enclosed patio and skate plaza
- raised indoor flowing concrete bowl with numerous contours, shapes, banks & transitions
- outdoor skate plaza with steps and railings
- permanent, removable professional stage, lighting and sound system
- performer “green room”
- installed custom art by Mike Giant
- will serve as Vans’ East Coast marketing headquarters with two full time employees at launch
- home to Vans’ East Coast touring RV
TAGS: agatha wasilewska, brooklyn nyc, flava flav, house of vans, public enemy, tony alva, vans skateboarding
