12ozProphet Exclusive: 24 Hours in LA with NIKE+ “Game On, World!”

Our caravan of black Escalades stretched more than twelve deep, staying in line as we cruised through the streets of Los Angeles. We must have appeared as foreign dignitaries, or mafia perhaps. As the sun creeped past the horizon and the California air cooled down to a brisk 65 degrees, we approached our next destination, the Montalbán Theater in the heart of Hollywood. The historic Montalbán was built in 1926 by Cecil B. DeMille. In 2008 Nike transformed the space into a unique shopping experience as the west coast home of Nike Sportswear. Since then the theater has been utilized by Nike for screenings and special events.

The entire interior had been decked out for the occasion of our arrival. The space was lit in black-light with big, bold, block-letters painted on the walls and rafters reading “Game On, World.”  The teams took turns heading up to the balcony where gym bags with each of our names had a complete Nike dri-fit wardrobe for us to change into.

Three pairs of Hyperdunk 2012+ sneakers were on display in slick, glowing, futuristic cases. The aura of light illuminated the lobby, drawing in onlookers like moths to a flame. Anticipation built as each team returned in matching uniforms, anxious for the impending competition that the whole day has been leading up to.

Doors to the theater opened and SNL star, Seth Meyers took the stage as our host for the evening. Though we weren’t privy to a live Weekend Update, he continued to reiterate the talking points of the innovative qualities of the new Nike+ technology, peppering his presentation with jokes. Really.

We joined him on stage where professional athletes demonstrated the challenges that each of the teams were soon to be taking on head to head.

Utilizing the new Nike+ technology, each of our athletic abilities were soon to be charted based on our vertical jump, skills with a jump rope, and footstep quickness. As the competition began everyone yelled as loud they could cheering on their teammates. The brief challenges appeared easy but were deceivingly exhausting. I’m sure I wasn’t the only competitor who thought, goddamn, I’m really out of shape, while trying to catch my breath after taking my turn.

Filmmaker Casey Neistat and fashion designer Carri Munden lacing up their new kicks before competing head to head.

We were then lead up onto the rooftop of the theater where a wall of lights made for a dramatic backdrop against epic views of the city. The cold air didn’t feel so bad anymore after breaking a good sweat.

There was a basketball hoop set at 8-feet high where guests could channel inspiration from the dunk contest we attended earlier. Pro BMX rider Nigel Sylvester came closest, taking home the title of dunk champion amongst the ‘influencer’ crowd.

There was also a physical fitness training course on the roof, you know, in case you weren’t already exhausted by that time.

Hors d’oeuvres were passed and drinks flowed as our adventure neared its end.

Seth Meyers, Storm, Pia Arrobio and Casey Neistat sharing a laugh on the roof.

After all of the figures were calculated, Team 4 was victorious. It was the culmination of a long and exciting day. We’ll get you next time!

A big THANK YOU goes out to Nike for inviting 12ozProphet and making this fun-filled adventure possible!