JAY-Z Reopening 40/40 Club In Original Form For Michael Rubin's Fanatics Fest NYC

JAY-Z has announced that he will be reopening his legendary 40/40 Club exclusively for Michael Rubin’s Fanatics Fest NYC next month.

The two-day festival, held at the Javits Center from August 16 to 18, will see the famous sports bar that was founded by Hov in 2003 authentically recreated for fans in attendance.

According to a press release, attendees can expect an atmosphere that pays tribute to the club in its heyday, complete with framed sports jerseys, grand chandeliers and stadium seating as well as food and drink inspired by its original menu.

The 40/40 Club space will be open exclusively to an invite-only list of notable figures such as professional athletes, entertainers and Sportsbook VIP customers.

Fanatics Fest NYC is an immersive sports festival where fans can meet their sporting heroes, purchase rare collectibles and participate in experiences such as the NFL 40-yard dash, walk out like a WWE superstar and hit baseballs like an MLB legend.

Some of the biggest names across sport and entertainment will be in attendance including Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Derek Jeter, Mike Tyson, Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, WWE champion Cody Rhodes and film director Spike Lee.

The event will see the temporary resurrection of the 40/40 Club after it was closed for good in 2023.

The bar’s original location in Manhattan shuttered its doors last summer following 20 years in business.

At one point, JAY-Z expanded the club to five locations nationwide but all of those bars have since closed.

The only establishments that still maintain the 40/40 brand are an airport bar in Atlanta and a restaurant inside Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

The Roc Nation mogul famously referenced the bar in his 2003 hit “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” where he rapped: “Now you chillin’ with a boss, bitch, of course, SC on the sleeve / At the 40/40 Club, ESPN on the screen.”

The club was known for its collection of memorabilia that was on display for customers, including a pair of autographed gloves by Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier from their 1974 fight and a WWE Championship belt once owned by Kurt Angle.

The original New York location also played host to Rihanna‘s release party for her 2012 album Unapologetic, as well as a surprise performance from J. Cole in 2010 shortly after he signed to Roc Nation.