TRAVEL+FOOD

TENNESSEE TOURISM SPOTS

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Tennessee has something to sing about in its newest tourism spots launched this week by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD). The state unveiled three new commercials to rotate in broadcast and digital markets nationally emphasizing Tennessee’s matchless scenic beauty, family experiences and unparalleled music. An extension of the award-winning “Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee.” campaign, the department and its ad agency of record, VMLY&R, created the new ads which underscore the state’s connection to music everywhere.

The new creative captures the diverse sounds of Tennessee including its vibrant cities, great outdoors and hidden gems for a soundtrack that can only be made in Tennessee.

In a stunning new outdoor spot, “Music Everywhere”—filmed at locations including the Great Smoky Mountains, Reelfoot Lake State Park, Tullahoma, Lake Watauga and South Holston Lake—the characteristic sounds of nature transform to emphasize music is everywhere, although the instruments may vary.

GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter and Jackson, Tennessee native Jessi Alexander serves as voiceover talent on a family-targeted ad, “Laughter.” Alexander, a mother of three, has written three No. 1 hits including “I Drive Your Truck,” which earned Song of the Year honors for artist Lee Brice at the 2013 CMA Awards, 2013 NSAI Awards and 2014 ACM Awards, and Blake Shelton’s recordings of “Mine Would Be You” and “Drink On It.” Her new album “Decatur County Red” will be released on March 27.

Hit Nashville songwriter Rivers Rutherford, whose voiceover accompanied the original “Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee.” campaign, is featured on “Music Everywhere,” “Morning Person” and another forthcoming ad, “Ronald.”

Since its inception in 2015, “The Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee.” campaign has helped fuel record growth in Tennessee’s $22 billion tourism industry, generating $1.81 billion in state and local taxes in 2018. The leisure and hospitality industry employs 340,000 Tennesseans according to the Tennessee Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development, and is the fastest-growing sector of employment in Tennessee. The state’s No. 2 industry generates revenue that funds vital services such as quality education, healthcare and public safety.

OCASO 2020

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“Be prepared to be teleported into a quantum realm of whimsicality.” – 360 MAGAZINE

By Vaughn Lowery × Sam Berman

At the peak of the year, music, beats and dancing brought together a crowd of 10,000 attendees to Costa Rica for 2020’s Ocaso Underground Music Festival – the world’s largest rave in the jungle. Even the leatherback turtles, howling monkeys and crocodiles were head bobbing.

The Ocaso Underground Music Festival, which engaged on January 9th – 13th, united travelers, ticos and seasoned ravers alike to Tamarindo, Costa Rica, off the coast of the Pacific Ocean for five days of electronic music bliss. The jubilee was established by founder Devin Ellis in 2018; and it just culminated its fourth semester, with plans to return in January 2021, proving a successful run for one of the most emerging EDM festivals on the planet.

What makes this carnival so sui generis, aside from a stellar bill of DJs including Maceo Plex, Äme, Doc Martin, Justin Martin, Magdalena, Shiba San, Seth Troxler and Artba, might just be the visually striking and lushful setting of CR. The grounds, known as the Lesenda Retreat, centers around a trilithic stage composed of metal trusses for performers, complete with a towering geometric visual screen synchronized to the music, pulsating lasers, fog machines, pyrotechnics and go-go dancers. Apart from hypnotizing technical components conjured up by architectural wizards, the surrounding landscape and warm weather provided a tranquil atmosphere to enjoy the fiesta in, enhanced by art installations sprinkled throughout, providing a truly remarkable habitat.

Let’s talk about the sound! Imagine being at the On The Run II tour with Beyoncé and Jay-Z, state-of-the-art subwoofers and tweeters pinging throughout the venue, delivering clean and crisp vibrant instrumentation. Of course, this added fan excitement to every set.

Viewers were able to use tokens for transportation, food and drinks, providing added security from petty theft and loose cash. Overall safety was key with tons of guards at every entrance alongside of roaming escorts. We all wore sparkly color-coded wristbands to identify our level of participation – GA vs VIP. Staff members wore official reflective tanks and shirts to be easily accessible.

A short 15 minute-bus drive on a vintage yellow school bus brought participants to the festivities. Guests were offered an assortment of carte du jour options to replenish their prance-exhausted bodies with a number of locally and globally known chefs preparing flatbread pizzas, gyros, keto bowls, tacos as well as protein shakes.

Saturday was the most distinctive night of the event, with people from all over the globe, dressed in their most eye-catching ensembles, echoing the avant-garde fashion of other fairs such as EDC, Ultra, Tomorrowland, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Coachella. Ocaso brought a parade of colors infused with futuristic and organic elements blended seamlessly into garbs straight out of an alien planet, welcoming and embracing all.

The festival wrapped with a pool party at base camp, the Best Western Tamarindo Vista Villas. After a five-day outer body experience of infectious dance music, a sort of culinary delights, cozy lodging options, and the beautiful backdrop of the rugged rainforested, Central America, this is one masquerade which many should add to their list.

Missed out on the fun this year? Don’t fret, as the festival plans to return the weekend of January 7-11, 2021. Ticketing packages from this past year ranged from $19.00 to $59.00 for single day passes, a two-day Friday and Saturday pass for $89.00 and a 5-day-full-weekend pass for $119.00, a great deal for those who can’t get enough from just one night. So ravers, start planning your next vacation, because this is an experience any party animal should dive into.

For additional information visit Ocaso Festival.

Local Guide

Besides the #RaveInTheJungle, The city of Tamarindo itself possesses a plethora of thrilling activities: ziplining, horseback rides on volcanic trails; ATV tours; surfing and dolphin-watching sailing tours.

If you are seeking additional dining/nightlife options outside of the fête, be sure to check out the following:

Pacifico Club (http://www.pacifico-costarica.com/beach-club/), Sharky’s Bar (http://sharkysbars.com/), Long Board BBQ, Chinese Food (directly across from Vista Villas) and Bamboo Sushi Club.

Just down the road was the luxurious Tamarindo Diria hotel, which features a lobby side pool/hot tub, an array of cabanas with an outside bar/dining deck as well as private beach access to make any jovial attendants experience an unforgettable rave-cation.

HRVY – Me Because Of You

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HRVY released his new single, “Me Because Of You,” and the accompanying video. The internationally renowned, Platinum-selling pop artist recorded the song in Oslo, Norway with producer Earwulf (Jason Derulo). HRVY co-wrote “Me Because Of You” with his fans in mind, crediting them for making him the artist he is today. Download / stream “Me Because Of You” HERE.

The official video was helmed by filmmaker Matthias Hoene. In a nod to Hoene’s 2016 film, The Warriors Gate, HRVY ducks into an antique shop to avoid being mugged and finds a glowing red orb that changes the direction of his life. It opens a portal to a world that, while futuristic, also evokes the joyous sense of adventure and belonging HRVY’s global travels have brought him. View “Me Because Of You” HERE.

“I’ve never felt more connected to music that I’ve created. The last couple of years have been a huge learning curve and have helped me write much more emotive songs as I’ve actually been able to experience real life events,” says HRVY. “This song is super important to me. It came from a fan’s comment on Instagram, which is mad to say that it’s now become its own song. I remember sitting on a plane on the way back from Asia and thinking of a way to represent this new music and new me. I drew a really terrible sketch on my phone of the world that me and my music lives in.“

Combined streams of HRVY’s songs now exceed one billion – with more than 250,000 streams in the U.S. alone – and he has 13 million followers across his socials. “Me Because Of You” is the follow-up to “Million Ways.” Released in November 2019, the single amassed over one million global streams in its first week and four million video views in the first four days. Hailing “Million Ways” as “a synth-laden anthem,“ Wonderland said, “HRVY is undoubtedly one to watch.” A BBC Radio 1 Brit List artist, HRVY’s 2019 collaborations included “So Good” with Danna Paola, “I Miss Myself” with NOTD, “Don’t Need Your Love” with NCT Dream and “Younger” with Jonas Blue. His 2017 viral hit, “Personal,” has attained 12 global certifications, including Gold in the U.S. He visited over 23 countries and played to over 300,000 people last year across a European headline tour, supporting slot on The Vamps U.K. arena tour and festival performances.

YG × KEHLANI

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LISTEN to their new single KONCLUSIONS

Cameron Dallas – Helpless

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Musician, entrepeneur and actor Cameron Dallas has released his latest single “Helpless” today via Columbia Records – listen HERE.

Speaking about the new music, Cameron says, “In my new music you will hear/see a darker part of me. I’ve been through a lot the past couple years through my journey of addiction and I want to share my story and help shed light to whomever I can.”

The new single comes alongside an official music video, watch HERE. Directed by Xavier Sotomayor, the video follows Cameron as he drives recklessly to a past love’s house to win her back as her image haunts him in the rearview mirror. Sotomayor notes that the video is a reflection of how reaching a place of rock bottom in life can be an opportunity to change for the better, so long as you have the bravery to do so.

“Helpless” follows Cameron’s previous release “Why Haven’t I Met You?” He also recently starred as Aaron Samuels in Mean Girls on Broadway.

MADISON BEER – SELFISH

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Madison Beer unveils “Selfish”, the second track to be lifted from Life Support – her debut album set to be released via First Access Entertainment/Epic Records later this year.

Co-written byBeer and produced by Leroy Clampitt (who worked with Madison on her debut EP, As She Pleases) “Selfish” highlights the passion, poise and power of Madison’s vocals against a backdrop of minimalist, stripped-down production. “I wanted to give my fans more of a taste of what’s to come from my upcoming album “Life Support”, and with “Selfish” being my most personal and intimate song yet it felt like Valentine’s Day was the perfect time to share it.” says Madison.

The accompanying music video to “Selfish” sees Madison bare her soul in a stripped-down setting. Its intense and bold beauty mirrors the spirit of the song.

“Selfish” follows hot on the heels of the critically acclaimed “Good In Goodbye”, which has gathered over 10 million total streams and views in two weeks alone and is already heating up the airwaves at U.S. Pop radio. Right out of the gate, “Good In Goodbye” tallied 5.3 million streams and 2.7 million YouTube views and earned widespread praise. Paper Magazine included it among the coveted “Bops Only” and wrote, “There’s something here for everyone, even if you’re a toxic ex.” Time named it one of “The 5 Best Songs of the Week” and claimed, “it stakes out her space as a voice to be reckoned with, easily stealing center stage over the song’s dark beat.”. It set the stage for the highly anticipated release of Madison’s debut album, Life Support, later this year.

Prior to signing with Epic Records late last year, Madison achieved unprecedented success as an independent artist with her partner First Access Entertainment, having sold over 1 million records in the UK and accumulated over 1 billion streams globally. Her debut EP As She Pleases boasts over 700 million streams globally and made her the first independent female solo artist to break into the Top 20 radio charts, after having debuted in the Top 5 on iTunes in 18 countries and in the Top 10 in 42 countries worldwide. Following the release of As She Pleases, Madison featured on the Platinum awarded, UK Top 10 hit “All Day and All Night” by Europa and “Pop/Stars” by K/DA which topped the Billboard’s world digital song sales chart.

Madison has attracted the endorsement of NME, Vogue Italia, Complex, The Guardian and Billboard who named her among its coveted “21 Under 21” list and has a social following that reaches an audience of over 14.3 million on Instagram and 2.5 million on Twitter. 2020 sees Madison begin her relationship with Sony where she, along with First Access Entertainment who have A&R’ed her debut LP, licensed the album and will release it via Epic Records. This unique deal has left Madison where she thrives – commanding complete creative control through writing her own songs, producing and creating her own visuals.

“SELFISH” IS AVAILABLE ACROSS ALL PLATFORMS NOW:

http://madisonbeer.lnk.to/Selfish

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR “SELFISH” HERE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=978iHuFKfS4

AMTRAK VALENTINES DAY SALE

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Amtrak Offers Trip for Two with Its Buy One Get One Free Valentine’s Day Sale

At Amtrak, they want to show customers how much they love them by offering a Valentine’s Day Buy One Get One Free Sale. Thursday, February 13, through Monday, February 17, customers can buy one coach ticket and get the second free for nationwide travel between March 9 and August 30, 2020, with no blackout dates. Customers can receive discounted tickets by using the code V214 at checkout or at amtrack.com/valentines-day-sale.

Amtrak is offering a great way for customers and their loved ones to travel for a weekend away or on a leisurely vacation. From couples, to moms, to friends, to every loved one, Amtrak encourages individuals to give more than chocolates, flowers and valentines this year. Instead, consider gifting a trip on Amtrak with a two for the price of one, Buy One Get One Free Sale. The discount is valid for travel across the national network including most long distance routes as well as the Acela, Adirondack, Carolinian/Piedmont, Cascades,
Downeaster, Downstate Illinois Services, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Heartland Flyer, Maple Leaf, Michigan Services, Missouri River Runner, Northeast Regional, San Joaquins, Valley Flyer, Vermonter and reserved sections of the Pennsylvanian and Keystone Service. Two customers can travel together in coach for as low as:

New York – Washington, D.C (Acela)
$183

Los Angeles – Seattle
$126

Washington, D.C. – Boston (Acela)
$192

Seattle – Portland, OR
$36

Washington, D.C. – Chicago
$105

San Francisco – Denver
$149

San Francisco – Los Angeles
$66.50

New York – Atlanta
$164

New York – Washington, D.C.
$98

Chicago – St. Louis
$31

Los Angeles – Albuquerque
$86

St. Louis – Kansas City
$36

Portland, ME – Boston
$29

Richmond, VA – Charlotte
$54

Detroit – Chicago
$40

Washington, D.C. – Orlando
$139

Fares will vary by train

Being able to easily travel to/from city centers, Amtrak has one of the most generous baggage policies in the travel industry, applicable for two personal items and two carry-on bags. Amtrak also offers the freedom to use phones and electronic devices at all times (no “airplane mode”), the ability to travel with small pets on many trains, large spacious seats with ample leg room and no middle seat. This sale is valid for one free companion rail fare traveling on the same reservation as one full adult coach fare. This offer is valid for travel on all reserved service except the Auto Train. Adults must travel together and be booked in the same reservation. Valid for coach seats only; no upgrades allowed. This offer is not combinable with any other discount offer. All prices will be automatically discounted from the standard fare when accessing this promotion at amtrak.com/valentines-day-sale or by using the discount code (V214) when booking their trip.

Other terms and conditions apply.

FS DOWNTOWN × FORBES

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Forbes Travel Guide, the world-renowned and only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, today announced its annual Star Rating list, presenting The Spa at Four Season Hotel New York Downtown with a new Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Spa award.

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, which first received the Forbes Five Star Award in 2018, is once again being celebrated for outstanding service in New York City. Recognised by Forbes Travel Guide for going beyond the Five Star Award, and achieving a total of ten stars across The Spa and the Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is now one of onlythreehotels in New York City that holds this enviable ranking.

Located in the heart of Tribeca, The Spa has been the ultimate urban sanctuary of wellness and pampering since first opening its doors in September 2016. Led by Senior Spa Director Tara Cruz, the Health & Wellness floor features seven treatment rooms, eucalyptus steam room, outdoor terrace, purpose-built Fitness Center and 75 foot (23 metre) indoor heated lap pool. Adored by locals and revered by Hotel guests, The Spa has reached far beyond tradition and has reinvented itself as a renowned healing temple in the bustling city that never sleeps.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be joining such an exclusive group of Five Star Spas in New York City. We have worked extremely hard to curate and cultivate experiences that go far beyond traditional spa treatments, so that we can create an environment that allows our guests to reach new heights of health, wellness and spiritual healing. Much like the colourful city we reside in, we unite influential cultures and remedies from around the world to create a haven of beauty and wellness. The Spa offers an unparalleled level of luxury and pampering in Manhattan and we’re overjoyed that our local community, Hotel guests and residents are embracing it. This award is a testament to our incredible team who work tirelessly to create memorable moments and experiences for our guests,” says Cruz.

From its inception, The Spa has been at the forefront of innovative offerings and elevated treatments. In 2018, Cruz introduced the Resident Healers Program featuring three dynamic women–Deganit Nuur, Rashia Bell and Snow Shimazu–all internationally recognized leaders in their field. In celebration of International Women’s Day in 2019, Michelle Pirret, International Sonic Alchemist joined the program; with the latest addition, Mama Medicine (Deborah Hanekamp), specialising in a unique health and wellness offering known as Medicine Readings.

In addition to the Resident Healers Program and under the leadership of Tara Cruz, The Spa recently launched Next-Gen Wellness Workshops to cater to the next generation of wellness advocates; a dedicated Aromatherapy Blend Bar and Bespoke Aromatherapy Experience in partnership with leading organic skin-care line Soveral; the Sleep Well, Live Well Experience to aid in achieving the best night’s sleep; an in-room Soak Service Menu offering a multitude of heavenly bath experiences, a partnership with HATCH Mama as the ultimate pre-natal experience for expectant mothers; and the Haute Couture Treatment by Dr Burgener.

In addition to a variety of experiential treatments, The Spa also boasts proud and exclusive partnerships with iconic global skin-care brands including Soveral, Omorovicza and Dr Burgener.

Forbes Travel Guide is recognised for creating the original concept of Five-Star service, and The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is the latest addition to its illustrious annual Star Rating list.

“We have been committed to championing genuine Five-Star service for more than 60 years, and this year’s winners, as always, exemplify the very highest standards in hospitality,” said Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “It is difficult to earn a Forbes Travel Guide rating, and all our Star-Rated winners have shown how incredibly deserving they are of their accolades by demonstrating sheer dedication in their passion for service. We congratulate them all.”

Known as the iconic luxury lifestyle hotel in Lower Manhattan, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown announces the launch of The Streets Are A Gallery, the ultimate downtown street art and graffiti tour for guests of the hotel.

Hosted by renowned New York City photographer Joe Thomas, this three-hour walking tour of Lower Manhattan covers some of the best street art in the city. Explore some of the most dynamic neighborhoods in the New York, from the Lower East Side to Little Italy and Nolita, and learn about the many world-famous artists who have created murals in these areas. Guests will also be introduced to areas not regularly seen by tourists and pass by some of New York’s most iconic establishments including Katz Delicatessen, Russ & Daughters, and Prince Street Pizza.

Joe Thomas is a travel and architecture photographer based in New York City. With a passion for exploration, curiosity has led Joe to create work across all seven continents for some of the world’s leading brands. Joe’s work is marked by his ability to capture details that show new perspectives of both lesser known and iconic locations. His work has been recognized in publications such as Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, The Washington Post, and Boston Globe.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience includes:

Three-hour walking tour hosted by Joe Thomas, renowned New York City photographer
Professional tips on lighting, composition, camera settings, lenses and more
Sony A7III mirrorless camera can be loaned upon request (optional)
SD card to capture all images so guests can take them home after the tour
Autographed print by Joe Thomas as a special take-home memento

The Streets Are A Gallery is only available to guests of the Hotel and is available for $1,995 USD with a maximum of five people per tour.

More Experiences at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown

The Streets Are A Gallery is just the latest experiential offering from the iconic luxury lifestyle Hotel.

The Life + Longevity Experience

Earlier this year, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown announced the launch of a wellness experience with the Princeton Longevity Center, the world-renowned leader in preventive medicine and longevity. Representing the ultimate peace of mind, this experience has been designed for discerning individuals who wish to focus proactively on their health while immersing themselves in luxury.

The Life + Longevity Experience includes a Comprehensive Exam at the Princeton Longevity Center, the newly opened next-generation medical facility at One World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. Combining the latest technology with leading preventive medicine experts, the Princeton Longevity Center’s approach to illness and premature ageing helps its clients create a personalized program to improve overall health and maintain an active lifestyle.

In addition to the Comprehensive Exam, the wellness package also includes three nights’ accommodation in an Oculus Suite at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, daily In-Room Dining breakfast and a variety of on-premise wellness experiences, including a Soveral Signature Treatment (60 minutes); Therapeutic Awakening Massage (60 minutes); and Re-mineralizing Crystal Detox (60 minutes). Daily fitness, yoga, and meditation are also included.

The Life + Longevity Experience is available for bookings throughout the year, with rates starting at $7,700 USD for one person and $13,200 USD for two people.

The Empire Suite Experience

Previously, the Hotel launched the Empire Suite Experience, the ultimate New York City lifestyle experience, available from January 1 this year. Situated on the 24th floor of the Hotel, the Empire Suite offers sweeping 180-degree panoramic views over Downtown and towards Midtown. Heralded as the ultimate residential experience in Lower Manhattan, it is the perfect backdrop to the city that never sleeps and has become an urban sanctuary for musicians, fashion designers, celebrities and royal families.

The Empire Suite Experience includes a host of VIP inclusions and experiences to make the most of a night in New York City including:

Roundtrip helicopter transfers from all three major airports (JFK, La Guardia and Newark) for two
Limousine transfers from Wall Street Heliport (or airport if preferred) for two
Daily In-Room Dining breakfast for two
Personal Spa Retreat for two including a couple’s massage, soak service and choice of Resident Healer experience
Choice of personalized silk pajamas by Olivia Von Halle Pajamas and/or personalized Duke + Dexter loafers for two

The Empire Suite Experience is available for bookings throughout the year from $25,000 USD per night.

Reservations for each Hotel Experience and Package are essential and can be made by calling the Reservations team on 646-880-1985 or by emailing res.newyorkdowntown@fourseasons.com

FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS × JLO × BULLEIT

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As the latest stop on its nationwide-tour of the Bulleit 3D Printed Frontier Experience, Bulleit brought its 3D Printed Bar, some of the world’s first 3D printed cocktails and a Bulleit NEON in A Bottle, film-inspired art installation by the ‘Neon Queen’ Lisa Schulte to the Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica today Saturday, February 8th.

Now in its 35th year, the Film Independent Spirit Awards is an acclaimed award show that brought together the most boundary-pushing talent from this past year’s independent films across the globe including Hustlers, Parasite, Uncut Gems, Marriage Story, Waves, Honey Boy, Luce + more.

We’re all rooting for Jennifer Lopez.

*Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Champion × Pac-Man

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Champion® Athleticwear and Bandai Namco Entertainment are launching a limited-edition capsule collection, Champion X Pac-Man.

The brands have combined their most recognizable design elements for a unique aesthetic that reflects both Champion and Pac-Man’s signature styles across men’s and women’s crewnecks, hoodies, t-shirts, long sleeved shirts and joggers. Principal silhouettes such as Reverse Weave® sweats will feature mixed logos and Pac-Man character designs. These new designs will be featured on gray, black, white and yellow product with pops of bold colors including red, royal blue and orange.

Champion will be giving fans the opportunity to be the first to purchase and take home pieces from the collection with an ‘80’s themed event at the Champion Los Angeles store. There will be a large Pac-Man inflatable for selfies, Pac-Man cookies, live DJ spinning 80’s beats and in-store Pac-Man game tournament with winners receiving prizes. Giveaways with purchase will include Pac-Man stickers and USB drives. And for guests that are looking to power-up like Pac-Man there will be a Japanese style hot dog bar with six sauces and seven toppings plus Moon Tea and Rose Lemonade, which will be served in keepsake glass bottles.

With Champion’s 100th anniversary in 2019 and Pac-Man commemorating its 40th anniversary in 2020, it’s the perfect time to come together for a celebratory partnership that brings nostalgic Pac-Man enthusiasts and younger brand fans together. Champion will be selling the collection exclusively at the brand’s six retail stores located in New York, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Las Vegas as well as on Champion.com.

WHEN: February 8th

4pm – 7pm PST
WHERE: Champion Retail Store LA