The BK Block, the section of Barclays Center dedicated to members of the Brooklyn Brigade and other long-time fans, will be “paused” for this season, according to sources both in Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, the Nets parent company, and the Brigade who have collaborated for seven years.
In an exclusive statement to NetsDaily, a BSE Global official described the “pause” as a necessary “revamp” of the Bock which has provided fans who successfully auditioned for the Block with reduced price tickets as well as Nets gear. The Block was noted for its rowdy fans, big signs and witty chants, particularly in big games. Appropriately, the Block was situated in Section 1 of Barclays Center and a [page on the Nets official site](https://www.nba.com/nets/fans/the-bk-block) became the hub for its members.
“We are pausing BK Block to rebuild the program, making it bigger and better … just a revamp. The participants will be part of the conversation about how we improve it,” a BSE official said. Indeed, a fan familiar with the Block said there will be conversations among members of the Brigade, former Block members and BSE and Nets staff.
Not long after, the Nets informed Block members of the news….
Rumors of a some sort of change in the Block’s status had been rumored for weeks when there was no word on plans for the coming season, now a week away.
Bobby Edemeka, the founder of the Brigade, told ND that his group will go on even without the collaboration, stressing that the Block and Brigade have “distinct and separate identities.”
“Just to be clear, the Nets control the BK Block, not the Brooklyn Brigade,” said Edemeka whose family which includes his three triplet brothers have been the driving force in the foundation and operation of the Brigade. “The BK Block is a seating section at Barclays Center and the Nets control that section and the distribution of tickets for that section.
“While members of the Brooklyn Brigade members typically represent the vast majority of the Nets fans seated in the BK Block section, the Brooklyn Brigade and the BK Block maintained distinct and separate identities. The Brooklyn Brigade has always been an organization run by Nets fans for Nets fans and that continues today.”
In recent seasons, particularly the last two — coinciding with losing seasons — neither the Nets nor the Brigade have been altogether happy with the way things have been running, per multiple sources in both organizations. With the Nets rebuild, fan interest has waned with more and more empty seats.
There were also complaints from inside the group, particularly among long-time members. One said that the program “grew too quickly, the screening of members was poor,” adding that there were “fractures” as a result. Moreover, the increases in ticket prices as well as the constant losing were an issue for the fans. “It’s a mess.”
BSE, particularly the Marketing Department, was unhappy with things including the drop-off in fan attendance and initiated a review that included changes in the internal management of the Block as well as outreach to some of the long-time fans. Said another long-time fan, “a recalibration was needed.” The final decision to pause the collaboration came in recent weeks.
Of course, BSE will benefit having another section to sell tickets at full price at least for this season, when everyone, from owner to fans, expects mounting losses, leavened only by interest in the Flatbush 5 (ironically named by a long-time denizen of the Block.)
There are no indications what the “bigger and better” Block — if indeed it retains that name — will look like. Barclays Center is the midst of a $150 million renovation that will reconfigure some sections while adding new amenities, most of which will appeal to the higher income end of the fan base.
Bottom line though is simple: one of the most appealing aspects of Nets fandom, a rollicking group of fans — some multi-generational — who developed friendships and were proud of their loyalty and creativity — won’t be around for a while. The connection to the team was strong with special meet-ups with players and insider access to coaches and executives. On several occasions, Sean Marks delivered cases of beer to the Block.
Said Edemeka, “The Brooklyn Brigade is extremely grateful for the seven seasons of close partnership, camaraderie, and fun moments of Nets fandom we experienced as members of the BK Block.”
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