Tag Archives: Atlanta

Matt Lafone, President and GM of Americas at The Athlete’s Foot

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Talking to the President of one of the iconic retail brands in the world, this week.

Matt Lafone, President and GM of Americas at The Athlete’s Foot.

Big news, especially for Atlanta from The Athlete’s Foot.

The Athlete’s Foot is honored to announce the grand opening of its new corporate headquarters, flagship location and community center at 931 Monroe Drive, Suite 113E, Atlanta, GA 30308. Nestled in the heart of Midtown, this new establishment promises to be a cornerstone for retail excellence and community engagement.

Strategically located on the iconic Atlanta Beltline and Piedmont Park, the new location aims to integrate seamlessly into the fabric of the neighborhood. The Athlete’s Foot plans to implement community enrichment, sponsorships, educational programming underscoring their commitment to supporting local communities and fostering meaningful connections.

“We are thrilled to unveil our new US headquarters, flagship store, and community center in the heart of Midtown Atlanta,” said Matt Lafone, President and GM of Americas at The Athlete’s Foot. “This location is the first of its kind on Atlanta’s iconic BeltLine and will serve as a cultural hub for community engagement and deeper connectivity. We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience what The Athlete’s Foot has to offer, from the neighborhood, for the neighborhood.”

The Athlete’s Foot has proudly partnered with Black-owned businesses to develop the flagship location, enlisting T. Dallas Smith & Co., the largest black African American-owned commercial real estate firm in the country, to continue its standing collaboration with The Athlete’s Foot on finding locations for new stores focused on underserved black and minority communities. J.M. Lee Construction Co., founded by Morehouse graduate Justin Lee, served as the general contractor, while Atlanta artist Aysha Pennerman will be contributing vibrant murals celebrating local culture. These partnerships reflect The Athlete’s Foot’s commitment to diversity and community and supporting Black entrepreneurship in its growth strategy.

Zakita Edinborough, ‘The Limbo Queen’ from UniverSoul Circus

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Ladies and Gentlemen! Prepare to be amazed.

Well, at least prepare for “The Limbo Queen,” Zakita from the UniverSoul Circus.

UniverSoul Circus opens in Atlanta at Atlantic Station’s Pinnacle Lot this weekend and is scheduled to run through May 26 — marking the first time that the UniverSoul Big Top has set up at Atlantic Station.

The touring show was created by concert and theater promoter Cedric Walker, who combined elements of live theater, high-powered concerts, and circus arts to create a unique blend of family-friendly entertainment. The first UniverSoul Circus show was held back in 1994 in Atlanta and was an immediate hit, leading to multi-city tours and acclaim from around the world.

Current acts in the show include a Caribbean Carnivale, the incredible Havana Night Skaters, Extreme Riders (yes, they even fly motorbikes under the tent), and the Wheel of Death.

The Atlantic Station Pinnacle Lot is located at 241 20th Street Northwest in Atlanta. Park in the Atlantic Station parking deck and you get two free hours of parking.

Rick is joined by Zakita this week. Hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, Kita has been performing in the UniverSoul Circus for eight years. Hear as she explains that the Limbo is the national dance of Trinidad and Tobago and what life is like traveling in a touring circus.

The whole UniverSoul Circus is delighted to be in Atlanta for 10 days.

 

Paige Watts, Atlanta Author and ‘What’s With Atlanta?’

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Rick talks with Atlanta author and author of the new book: What’s With Atlanta?

Paige Watts

Why is every street in Atlanta named “Peachtree”? What do Atlantans mean when they say “Inside the Perimeter” or “Outside the Perimeter”? Why can’t Atlanta handle a little snow? Why do locals hate it when you call it “Hotlanta”? These and many of your other burning questions about life in Atlanta make up What’s With Atlanta?, a guide to some of the most unique aspects of Georgia’s capital city.

Author Paige Watts dives deep into the history and culture of Atlanta, from its beginnings as a railroad hub to its status as “Hollywood of the South.” Atlanta is full of one-of-a-kind attractions, unique festivals and traditions, architectural marvels, and a mix of Southern comfort food and international cuisines that make it a city unlike any other.

Want to know how Atlanta became the home of the Braves or what part fried chicken played in the Civil Rights Movement? This book will satisfy your curiosity about all the little things that make Atlanta tick and all the big events that shaped the city’s history. Whether you’re a local or are just passing through, a tourist or a life-long resident, this entertaining guide will answer all these questions and more.

Seasoned travel writer and Atlanta local Paige Watts has spent a decade writing about all things travel. She chronicles her journeys on her blog, PaigeMindsTheGap.com, where she highlights the joys of visiting Southern destinations. In addition to her blog, Paige has written for a number of online and print publications, including the Culture Trip, Matador Network, Epicure & Culture, MSN, and Travel the South. She received a double Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Evansville in Creative Writing and Literature, with a minor in International Studies.

Here’s some talking points from the book:

Atlanta has over 70 streets with “Peachtree” in the name.

Atlanta was founded as the end of a train line, which is where it got its original name Terminus.

Atlanta is a haven of street art with over 200 murals.

Atlanta Pride started as a 100-person rally and has grown to a massive month-long celebration in October.

The Fox Theatre was originally built in the 1920s as the headquarters for Atlanta’s Shriners organization.

Atlanta is at the center of Georgia’s film industry, earning it the nickname “Hollywood of the South” – In 2016, there were more major films made in Georgia than in California.

Buford Highway has more than 1,000 immigrant-owned businesses, more than 100 of which are restaurants.

The Big Chicken, Marietta’s beloved landmark, is so distinct that pilots use the building as a reference point when landing.

The Braves are the oldest continuously operating professional sports franchise in the country.

Atlanta has the largest concentration of colleges and universities in the South.

Danny Wuerffel, Former Heisman Trophy Winner, Host of 2nd Annual PickleBowl

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Pickleball is hot!

As the popularity of pickleball continues to surge, The Wuerffel Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public nonprofit focused on inspiring greater service and unity, today announced the 2nd Annual PickleBowl presented by Selkirk Sport will take place on Tuesday, September 19, at ITA Atlanta.

Heisman Trophy Winner, College Football Hall of Famer, former NFL quarterback and humanitarian, Danny Wuerffel — now also a passionate pickleball player — will once again serve as host of the charity event that will feature a line-up of professional pickleball players competing alongside celebrities, former athletes, musicians and entertainers.

Also serving as tournament host at the inaugural PickleBowl in 2022, Wuerffel teamed up with pickleball pro Kyle Yates, representing the University of Florida, to capture the very first title. This year the duo will look to defend their title as the charitable event pairs professional pickleball players with celebrities representing their alma maters for ultimate bragging rights.

With the Major League Pickleball Atlanta event on September 21-24, a group of Pro Pickleball players and owners will also participate in the PickleBowl this year. In total, there are expected to be 24 teams competing for the 2023 title.

Wuerffel will be joined by Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Rick Barry; American Idol Winner Phillip Phillips; Director/Producer Doug Ellin, Pro Beach Volleyball player Casey Patterson, and NFL Alumni & Analysts including David Pollack, Marcellus Wiley, Eric Decker and Danny Kannell among other celebrities, as they compete alongside a strong line-up of the most accomplished professional pickleball players in the world, including Yates, Parris Todd, Collin Johns, JW and Jorja Johnson, Megan Fudge, Ryler DeHeart, and more.

The beneficiary of the 2023 PickleBowl Presented by Selkirk Sport is The Wuerffel Foundation, which has a mission to inspire greater service and unity in communities. A renowned humanitarian, Danny Wuerffel counsels and mentors community leaders in under-resourced neighborhoods across the United States and helps facilitate introductions to philanthropically-minded supporters. The Wuerffel Foundation also annually presents the Wuerffel Trophy, College Football’s Premier Award for Community Service.

Selkirk Sport, a family-owned business based in Hayden, Idaho, is at the forefront of pickleball’s surge in popularity because of its product innovation, market leadership, philanthropic initiatives, Selkirk TV, professional tour sponsorship and elite line-up of brand ambassadors.

 

Mickie James, Wresting Legend, Impact Wrestling, 10X World Champ

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Rick is joined by wresting legend, Mickie James this week.

James is one of the most recognizable wrestlers in the world and a 10-time Women’s World Champion, Mickie James has been wrestling for more than two decades, including multiple title runs in WWE and IMPACT Wrestling. She has been wrestling since 1999 and has been a multi-time winner of the Woman Wrestler of the Year award. Away from the ring, James is a renowned country music singer, perhaps best known for her hit single “Hardcore Country.” She is an inductee into the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame and is signed to Sony Music.

James is part of HARD TO KILL, one of IMPACT’s premier events of the year, every year – and the 2023 show is a blockbuster, on Friday, January 13. Then, on Saturday night, January 14, IMPACT Wrestling presents the Hard To Kill Fallout Show, also at Center Stage, as the company’s television trucks will capture all of the in-ring action for upcoming episodes of IMPACT’s flagship weekly TV show, #IMPACTonAXSTV (Thursday, 8 p.m. EST on AXS TV in the U.S., Fight Network in Canada and Impact Insiders on YouTube.

IMPACT Wrestling presents back-to-back nights of action-packed live pro wrestling in Atlanta on Friday and Saturday, January 13-14 – both nights originating from famed Center Stage in Atlanta.

(Some sound issues on Rick’s end… sorry for that!)

Egypt Taylor and ‘Bounce Back Challenge’

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Rick talks with the multi-talented personal fitness trainer, Egypt Taylor this week on ‘Tech of Sports.’

`As a personal trainer, Egypt believes in online fitness and offers a variety of solutions for those looking for a healthier body, mind and soul.

Her 5 week Bounce Back Challenge will set you up for a great 2021!

Egypt attended Southern University, where she was captain of the Cheerleading team. In college, she attended theater/acting classes, which opened her eyes to the entertainment industry. Egypt earned her degree in broadcasting journalism, which then piqued her interest in film. Upon graduating, her passion for film continued to grow, & she is continuing to study and further her career in film & television. Productions: MTV Revenge Prank (2020) Zero (III) (2018), Music & Murder (2017), Push (II) (2016), The Perfect Race (2019), 2015 Push, 2015 Bad Apple. Fitness is also a passion and Egypt is active and interactive on social media.

Get details on how Egypt can help you here.

Follow Egypt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3gyptianfit/?hl=en

“The Future of Fitness Fun”