Jason Tatum’s Jersey Was A NBA Top-Seller This Season
The Boston Celtics playoff run has officially tipped off, with the team expected to go deep into the playoffs. The Celtics have had a dominant season on the court and have performed off the court as well. Jason Tatum’s #0 was a top one of the NBA’s top-selling jerseys this 2023-2024 season.
Bleacher Report recently detailed the top 15 selling jerseys from the second half of this season. There was not much surprise among the leading 10. Superstars like Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James all saw their jerseys in high demand.
For the Celtics, Tatum was ranked incredibly high, but somehow Jaylen Brown’s #7 jersey was not a top 15 seller this year. Perhaps that’s because there were some newcomers to the list. Rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama had the fourth most popular jersey, with his #1 San Antonio Spurs threads. Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks also cracked the top 15 with his stellar season.
The NBA says Jalen Brunson’s jersey was No. 15 in ranking of top jerseys sold in second half of the season. Knicks were in top 10 in team merchandise sales for that time period: pic.twitter.com/35w32ZWvOi
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 19, 2024/photo/2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boston Celtics as a franchise, however, had a strong selling sales performance. They ranked only behind the Los Angeles Lakers for the top-selling overall merchandise in the NBA.
The NBA has done a good job in recent years, creating and allowing for innovative merchandise styles. This holds true on and off the court. For example, the City Connect jerseys allow players and fans alike to represent their city in a vibrant alternative look. Sometimes that comes with the team rolling a special matching court for the home games that they wear them.
Sneakers have obviously always been synonymous with basketball style. Recent years have shown players wearing the shoe colors of their choice during each game as opposed to a uniform white or black show-only look.
Jason Tatum Being Among The NBA’s Top-Selling Jerseys Is Only Part Of Great Merch
It is well-known that Tatum is a Jordan brand athlete. He even has his own model sneaker with Jordan. What’s fascinating about his sneaker line is that he has really leaned into two models, the “Tatum 1” and the “Tatum 2.”
They are similar shoes in cut and style. However, part of the massive appeal is how the Tatum and Jordan brands (owned by Nike) continue to produce so many different colorways in these kicks.
For example, you can find a team red (even though Tatum never rocks a red uniform), or you can go for the louder greens, purple, and pinks that have become widely popular on the courts. This spring, there was even a special Tatum 2 Easter drop.
The Celtics have come out of the playoff gate on fire and will have no easy task taking down some of the great teams like the Knicks or Nuggets that could stand in their way to another banner. One thing is certain though, many fans will be sporting that #0 jersey inside the TD Garden.
This Boston Restaurant Sells 300 Pizzas Per Celtics/Bruins Playoff Game
North Station is about to get busy! Both the Celtics and Bruins have made the playoffs, with the Celtics hosting the Atlanta Hawks starting Saturday. And, if you’ve been to games before, you probably know that right across the street from the TD Garden is a Boston restaurant that sells about 300 pizzas per playoff game!
Halftime Pizza
It’s become a TD Garden gameday staple. A stop at Halftime Pizza is often synonymous with attending a Celtics or Bruins game. This establishment is a family business that has been in place for 45 years. Matthew Pasquale is now a third-generation owner in partnership with his brother. He tells me, “We typically sell 200-250 pizzas per Celtics or Bruins home game. It’s expected to jump to at least 300 for a playoff game.”
This spring, both teams have high seeds and high expectations for a big post-season push. The Bruins had a historic season, and the Celtics are the #2 seed in the East. The expectation is there will be an enthusiastic level of pre-game and post-game gatherings. With hardly any tailgating opportunities around a city stadium, local business in the area can thrive on the heels of the pro teams’ success.
Why Halftime?
Halftime Pizza has embraced its place in Boston’s arena event space. Their interior restaurant walls are painted like murals, displaying impressive renditions of Boston athletes and frequent TD Garden events, like WWE Wrestling. There are ten flat-screen TVs on the walls, and a dining section in the back to sit comfortably. You order at the counter, grab your food and drink and move on. Overall, it’s a quick experience with quality food.
Another selling point is the wide variety of beers available at the counter. There’s a selection of canned brews and hard seltzers. But the real value is in the 32oz draft beer. Numerous beer options on tap are available in 20 or 32oz pours. The 32 oz’er is similar to the price of a beer half its size inside the stadium.
Furthermore, Halftime serves quality pizza. You can see the stacked ovens right behind the counter. In addition, the fresh ingredients are prepared to the left of this open kitchen. Pasquale clearly understands how efficiency is of the utmost importance in the Halftime Pizza experience.
Customers don’t tend to stay inside very long. The traffic balances between ticket holders coming in for a pre-game meal or post-game snack.
Slinging 2,400 Slices
Most people order their Halftime pizza in slices on game days. Sticking to the quick and efficient theme. They do not deliver, but are available via GrubHub. However, the walk-in experience is where you will find the in-game spirit.
So, the Celtics are preparing to take the TD Garden court, the Bruins are preparing to take the ice, and Boston restaurant Halftime Pizza is preparing to sell 300 pizzas per game. It’s an all encompassing post-season effort in Boston’s West End. A challenge that all three hope lasts well into June.
Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.
