UNKNWN Akron 3v3 Courtyard Classic Basketball Tournament and Block Party Presented by Nike

UNKNWN is taking over downtown Akron on South Main Street (also known as King James Way) to host an all-ages block party and basketball tournament presented by Nike. The event celebrates the local Akron community and the launch of the limited edition UNKNWN x Nike LeBron XX “Message In A Bottle” sneaker collaboration.
The basketball tournament features a pop-up basketball court on South Main Street in front of the UNKNWN Akron store with basketball teams hosted by UNKNWN ambassadors and Ohio locals wearing the new UNKNWN x Nike LeBron XX sneakers. Attendees watching the tournament will be able to shop booths from local businesses, learn about regional Akron organizations, and enjoy bites from independent food trucks. The event is open to the public and is for all ages with additional games and activations for visitors.
During the event, UNKNWN will pre-release the new UNKNWN x Nike LeBron XX “Message In A Bottle” sneaker at the UNKNWN Akron store which will provide attendees and residents of Akron an exclusive chance to buy the shoe early one week before it releases to the general public.
“I grew up playing ball on neighborhood courts and anywhere I could hoop, so this UNKNWN collaboration with NIKE that celebrates those early days and brings the community together is pretty special,” said LeBron James. “I’m proud to see the opportunities and experiences UNKNWN continues to bring to the Akron community.”
After the event the modular basketball court will be donated to the City of Akron for future events thanks to the partnership with the Knight Foundation.
Food partners include Southern Comfort Kitchen, Vegan A Go-Go/The Green Vegetarian, 4 Bros and a Sis Lemonade Stand, Cookie's BBQ, and more. Street vendors include City of Akron Recreation and Parks Department, University of Akron Men's and Women's Basketball Teams, Akron Marathon, and more.
This event is brought to you by Knight Foundation, City of Akron, Lock 3 Park, Downtown Akron Partnership, Akron Civic Theatre, UNKNWN, and Nike.
"As we engaged people under 30 in planning for downtown, one of the most common themes was the desire for more unique programs and events with a younger appeal. We are thrilled to start the summer of 2023 with the Courtyard Classic, and couldn’t be more proud that UNKNWN chose to locate in downtown Akron." -Suzie Graham, President of Downtown Akron Partnership
"The City of Akron is excited to host UNKNWN's Courtyard Classic front and center on Main Street," said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. "This is a fun, unique event for everyone to enjoy and I can't wait to help celebrate the launch of LeBron's newest sneaker right here in his hometown with our Akron community."
Join us on Saturday, June 17th 2023 at 199 S Main Street (across from Lock 3 Park) between 3-10pm. Entrances are located on the corner of S Main Street/University Ave and S Main Street/Church Street and suggested parking will be available at the State Street, Summit County, and Cascade parking decks.