Fans line up for chance to buy LeBron James 76ers jerseys at special team store opening
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Hundreds of fans turned out for a special offseason opening of the Philadelphia 76ers team store, eager to purchase LeBron James jerseys ahead of the upcoming season.
The excitement was evident as fans lined up outside the store at Xfinity Mobile Arena, with many hoping to secure a jersey before supplies ran low.
Steve Bellis of Audubon was among those near the front of the line.
"I promised my son a LeBron jersey," Bellis said.
Bellis said demand was expected to be high.
"I think they're going to sell out; they usually do. And then you gotta wait and wait and wait, and then the season is going to start, and you're not going to have one," he said.
Fans waiting in line were getting their first opportunity to purchase the jerseys in person.
Joseph Welcome of North Philadelphia said he arrived early to ensure he could get one.
"I came here from North Philly. I've been here since 6:30 this morning," Welcome said.
Welcome was the first customer into the store.
"I love LeBron. I'm a LeBron fan. I love LeBron, and I love the Sixers too," he said.
Inside, the store was stocked with blue Nike and Fanatics jerseys. Welcome chose the more expensive option, priced at $139.
Victoria Isley, vice president of partnership solutions for the Philadelphia 76ers, said the store opening was unusual for the offseason.
"This isn't something we normally do in the offseason, so it's going to be a great opportunity," Isley said.
The two-day event drew hundreds of fans.
"We know fans have been so excited to get merchandise, so we decided to do a special store opening so they can get their LeBron jerseys, they can get their Jaylen Brown jerseys," Isley said.
About 200 LeBron jerseys were sold during the first hour of the event.
Some fans were purchasing jerseys for family members who could not attend.
"For my son who is in London and definitely wants one of these jerseys, he's tried all over the world to get one and he can't," said Mina Fader of Center City.
Among those leaving with jerseys was the Zorzi family of Williamstown, New Jersey, a household of devoted 76ers fans.
"Joelle, after Joel Embiid. And this is Ben after Ben Simmons. That didn't work out too well," Lauren Zorzi said while introducing her children.
Fans who were unable to attend the first day of the event will have another opportunity to visit the team store, which is scheduled to be open again from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
