Jay-Z To Announce Name Change, Concerts as The Face of Barclays

The Nets have chosen native son Jay-Z, aka Shawn Carter, to announce the team's new name and what his role will be in the three-week long grand opening that starts a year from Wednesday at the Barclays Center, the Post and Daily News report. The press conference begins at 10:00 Monday and will be live streamed on the Nets and Barclays Center sites.

The Post also reports that the rapper turned entrepreneur will in be the face of the arena as it tries to sell the big ticket seating plans and to show the arena is not just basketball.  "There will be great concerts and other entertainment -- so who better to deliver that message than the world’s No. 1 entertainer, Jay-Z?" said Brett Yormark. A photo of Jay-Z and an arena rendering will accompany a slogan: "Get all access to Jay-Z and other events at the Barclays Center."  The slogan will appear on 150 taxi tops, 60 telephone kiosks and 250,000 coffee cups to be distributed to local stores.

The News says Jay-Z will headline eight days of concerts at the arena starting September 28, 2012. The lineup is not yet set but Beyonce' who's due to give birth to the couple's first child this spring will be among them. The eight days will be open a three week celebration featuring a variety of acts that will fill the arena in the future.

• Jay-Z aims to steal Knicks fans for Brooklyn Nets with pitch to Lower Manhattan - Rich Calder - New York Post
• Nets say Brooklyn an easy ride from downtown Manhattan - Rich Calder - New York Post
• Jay-Z plans eight-concert series in hometown for Brooklyn Nets arena opening in 2012 - Erin Durkin - New York Daily News
• Nets owner Jay-Z recruits New York Knicks fans - FOX Sports