Jay Z, who grew up in Brooklyn and is part owner of the Nets, announced yesterday a change in the team’s name from the New Jersey Nets to the Brooklyn Nets. The rap mogul held the press conference across from the Barclays Center, where the team will begin playing next fall.
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The rapper also spoke of his plans to perform concerts at the center.
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Jay-Z shook hands with Barclays Center developer Bruce Ratner with the new arena in the distance.
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Team officials revealed they had briefly considered renaming the team the Brooklyn Dodgers.
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Jay-Z also announced that he will open the 18,000-seat arena in September 2012.
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Attendees at the press conference included students from Jay-Z’s Brooklyn alma mater George Westinghouse High School.
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Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Developer Bruce Ratner (above) were also on hand during the event.
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The Barclays Center in Brooklyn will be the new home for his basketball team the Brooklyn Nets.
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