Maloof Money Cup Day Zero

Today is day zero for the Maloof Money Cup in New York City. The contest doesn’t start till tomorrow, but today there is a ribbon cutting ceremony, jam session, and two skateboard related art show openings in the city. Believe it or not, SnA was considered a legit blog by the media credentials people so I have all access passes to everything. Check out the recap of last night’s pre-Maloof party hosted by DC Shoes and, starting around 2 PM, a live blog of the days events.

Last night around 6 I get a call to invite me to a party at Goldbar, which made me skeptical but I was assured it was being put on by and for skateboarders. I showed up around 9 and there was already a small line out front, unusual for a Thursday night. After showing my ID and having my name cross-checked, I was waved inside. The first thing I see is this:

Looking around, it became clear what the deal was with brand new shoes lying around, posters and video of Nick Dompierre, and of course the customized drink menu with the title ‘Nick Dompierre Shoe Release Party’. Apparently word of the full open bar spread because in no time there was standing room only and it was getting hot and stuffy. I got my pair of new shoes signed by the man of honor, said my good byes, and left by 11:30, so anything that happened after that I wouldn’t know about. Thanks DC, especially Jeff Pang and Nick Dompierre.

Now on to the live blog…

Prepping for later today, I came across this video explaining the park (diagram above):

I can’t tell who everyone is as I am uploading this in the sun and can’t see faces so well…

8:00 Got to the highlight of the day… the art show! It was called Eyes Wide Open and was a tribute to dead skateboarders. Chad Muska, Armando Roura, Don Pendelton, Giovanni Reda, Dennis McNett and Ivory & Shelter Serra accompanied Mountain, Ngoho, Caballero and Olson. This was a serious a-list event, not even Steve Olson’s son was able to get in. I was lucky to be talking with Lance and Steve on their way in. Great art, more free booze, and a bunch of good looking women.

5:30: Headed over to the history of New York City Skateboarding exhibit… really cool to see. They have a huge 3D map of all five boroughs with all the major skate spots, parks, shops, and bars marked. Free drinks!

4:30 Some crazy things going on at practice, a bunch of kids showing up the pros. Uploading pictures now.

3:05 Ribbon cut, practice time, be back soon with pictures

2:45 The opening ceremonies just got started with the parks commissioner talking about the park. Great speech so far, will give a transcription later. The course is AWESOME. I cannot wait to see these guys destroy it.