Last week, I attended an informational media lunch for the New York Sports Tours June 28th launch at Keens Steakhouse. It’s a new, 3-hour, multimedia tour focusing on the history of sports in NYC. Before I went to the lunch, my husband Reggie joked that he could be “Mom in the City” for the day in order to cover the event. While I am the history major of the family, he is an avid sports fan. The great thing about this new sports history tour offering is that it appeals to both types (history lovers and sports lovers) and those who appreciate a great meal.
Really?
Before I share the launch highlights, I’ll share my two “really Kim?” moments at the event:
1.) I had to google an image of John Starks to make sure that I had the right person. He was the only tall Black guy at the beginning of the event so “duh”. (John Starks was the reason that Reggie – a loyal Knicks fan – wanted to attend the event in the first place!)
2.) Keens Steakhouse has been specializing in steak since 1885 (over 130 years!) YET when given the choice of filet mignon or fish, I chose (wait for it!) fish. The fish was great, but I’ll admit that I was like, “really Kim?” as I noted how much everyone was relishing their filet mignon!
New York Sports Tours
Now, on to the launch highlights…
- It’s a unique, luxury offering. While there are several museums in NYC, this is more of an experience. It’s a guided luxury bus tour ride that begins on Vanderbilt Avenue near Grand Central Terminal and passes 50+ spaces that are important to New York sports history. It’s also a mixture of live narration along with short documentaries and content for the various tour stops. During the tour, guests are can see and touch some of the rare historical items that are connected to the stories. (Tickets are $150 for the tour alone or $200 for the tour plus a meal at Keens with a sports personality.)
- At the end of the tour, each guest is given a password to access New York Sports Tours’ virtual New York sports history museum online. The website includes more exclusive content (i.e. more original documentaries that are tied into places on the tour route).
- The tour appeals to a variety of people. Sports fans will obviously enjoy it. History lovers will also be entertained by it. The sports stories connect to a variety of other things that were taking place historically (i.e. politics and civil rights). History is never one-dimensional. Rather, it intertwines and it’s good to be reminded of what took place in the past – both the good and the bad. In addition, food lovers will savor the lunches and dinners offered after the tours. The fact that the meals are hosted by various New York sports personalities make them all the more special. I really see this as something that practically anyone (teens and up) would really like.
John Starks on MJ vs. LeBron
If John Starks is going to be the sports personality host on one of the upcoming lunches or dinners, I know that it will sell out. He has a very humble, easygoing demeanor – at least he did at the lunch. Besides, he gave the best answer (in my opinion) when asked whether Michael Jordan or LeBron James was the GOAT/greatest basketball player of all time.
Starks started off by answering that it was unfair to make the comparison because of the fact that the players are from two different eras. (True!) Starks played against Michael Jordan though so he had this to say about him,
“You couldn’t get to Michael. You couldn’t break his will.” For that reason, Starks considers Michael Jordan the greatest player ever.
As for LeBron, Starks praised the fact that he is the “most fundamentally sound” player. Starks said that he is “like Charles Oakley and Karl Malone plus he has guard-like skills. He is faster and jumps higher.”
I agree with that assessment. It’s a toss-up. If you’re talking about mindset/will, it’s Jordan for the win. If you’re talking about pure athleticism, then it’s LeBron all the way. Starks went with Jordan but I’m going to call it a tie. They both win the GOAT title in my mind. 🙂
Upcoming Tours
In case you are available, below are a sampling of upcoming New York Sports Tours:
-Sunday, July 8, 2:00 pm
Includes post-tour dinner meal and conversation with New York Times writer Richard Sandomir at Keens.
Each guest will receive a complimentary copy of his 2017 book, The Pride of the Yankees.
-Friday, July 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Tour only, no post-tour meal
-Wednesday, July 18, at 9:30 a.m.
Includes post-tour lunch at Keens (Personality TBD)
You can visit New York Sports Tours to check tour availability, purchase tickets or even to buy a gift card for the tour as a gift.