STAPLES Center honors Pastrana
Memorable Moment 10: Pastrana's Double
Tonight, STAPLES Center announced the "10 Greatest Moments" in the venue's history and action sports icon Travis Pastrana came in a solid second place with his historic double backflip, behind Lakers' Robert Horry game winning shot in the 2002 Western Conference Final. Finishing out the top five greatest moments were Michael Jackson's public memorial service, Kobe to Shaq Alley-Oop/comeback in the Western Conference Finals Game 7, and "Frenzy on Figueroa" -- Kings defeat Detroit Red Wings in Game 4 of Western Conference Quarterfinals.
When asked about being honored for his historic achievement, Pastrana said: "I've had so many special memories that took place inside the STAPLES Center that being honored as having completed one of the top 2 most memorable moments there is especially meaningful. I always try and put on a special show for the fans and receiving this recognition means I achieved that at least once. I look forward to many more chances of adding to that and thank everyone at ESPN and X Games for providing me with that opportunity."
If this isn't a sign that freestyle motocross -- or action sports for that matter -- has created a massive impact on popular culture, we don't know what is. ESPN.com/Action would like to congratulate Pastrana on this great achievement and we look forward to witnessing what he has in store for X Games 16.
Official press release below.
Los Angeles, Calif. (April 14, 2010) -- At a press conference today, STAPLES Center General Manager Lee Zeidman reveled the 10 Greatest Moments in STAPLES Center's history as voted on by the fans. From October 21st, 2009 through March 31st, 2010 fans had the opportunity to visit www.staplescenter.com to nominate and vote for their favorite STAPLES Center Moment, and over 25,000 fans visited the website to nominate moments and ultimately cast their votes. The 10 Greatest Moments as voted on by the fans are:
1. Lakers' Robert Horry Game Winning Shot in the 2002 Western Conference Final
2. Travis Pastrana's Double Back Flip at Summer X Games 12
3. Michael Jackson Public Memorial Service
4. Kobe to Shaq Alley-Oop/comeback in the Western Conference Finals
Game 7
5. "Frenzy on Figueroa" - Kings defeat Detroit Red Wings in Game 4 of Western Conference Quarterfinals
6. Garth Brooks Concert
7. WWE Wrestlemania 21
8. U2 Vertigo Tour 2005
9. Britney Spears Circus Tour
10. Kobe Bryant scores 81 points against Toronto Raptors
"It is incredible to think that STAPLES Center has been open for over 10 years and it is equally remarkable the number and the variety of events we have hosted in such a short time period," said Lee Zeidman, STAPLES Center General Manager. "With over 25,000 fans visiting our website to vote and share in the celebration of over 2,500 events we have held at STAPLES Center is a true testament of what this venue has meant for sports, music and live entertainment ... not only here in Los Angeles, but across the world."
Since an opening night concert on October 17, 1999, over 35 million guests have come to the AEG owned and operated STAPLES Center to attend a schedule of prestigious concerts, sporting events, family shows and other major attractions unmatched by any arena. The venue has hosted over 2,500 events including: 226 Concerts, 1,187 Basketball Games, 432 Hockey Games, over 100 double header game days, 19 Boxing Matches, 10 GRAMMY Award Shows, 8 Pac 10 Men's Basketball Tournaments, 7 Summer X Games, the NBA and NHL All-Star Games and the 2000 Democratic National Convention.
Ten lucky fans who voted for their greatest STAPLES Center moment were randomly chosen to attend today's press conference and have a chance to win a 3-year lease on a 2010 Toyota Prius. All 10 of the chosen fans received a gift package that included items from STAPLES Center's Naming Rights Partners Staples, Inc., and Founding Partners American Express, Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, FOX Sports, McDonalds, Panasonic, San Manuel Casino, The Home Depot, Toyota and Wells Fargo.