What do you do when you want to show someone you don’t want them to leave? If you’re the 76ers, you throw a special event to show that superstar how much they mean to the organization and the city. That’s exactly what the Sixers did for Tyrese Maxey.
Planning for this event began in April. The goal was to create an immersive experience reflecting Tyrese’s past, present, and future, with three distinct areas tailored for a bespoke experience.
The venue chosen was the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Philadelphia, a fitting place to show someone how special they are. In collaboration with Synergetic, the Sixers’ creative team designed this event with an emphasis on intimacy and impact, starting from the top of the three-story escalator leading to the ballroom level.
As Tyrese and his family stepped off the escalator, they were greeted by Coach Nurse. The first display featured four vertical monitors, each with a message from Dawn Staley, Coach Calipari, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese’s family, all urging him to stay in Philly. Next, Tyrese encountered a wall of handwritten letters from over 200 fans, and a LOVE statue with his number video-mapped over the “O.”
In “The Journey” section, Tyrese walked through a fog wall projecting the chapter’s name into a museum-like space. Here, he saw memorabilia from his high school and college days, including a custom 20-foot-wide mural, highlight reels, old jerseys, newspaper clippings, and awards.
The second chapter, “The Impact,” featured Dr. J welcoming Tyrese and guiding him through the exhibit. Tyrese rang the Sixers’ game bell three times, each time triggering a video about his impact on the community, basketball culture, and his fans.
“The Future” chapter included three special video clips of Tyrese’s professional career highlights. Additional features included a holographic display of himself, a future championship ring, and the Sixers logo. The chapter concluded with a forecast of what could be, as his jersey was lowered from the ceiling, symbolizing its potential place in the rafters.
Surrounded by close family and friends, Tyrese was moved to tears, feeling happy, humble, and grateful for the team’s gesture. Synergetic was proud to play a significant role in ensuring he stayed in Philadelphia.
