Hoops Partners with Shively Sporting Goods Stores and East End Sports Cards

Louisville, KY (PRWEB) October 19, 2006 -- Hoops “where the game is,” the premier sports complex in the U.S. set to open in January 2007, today announced partnerships with two local companies: Shively Sporting Goods Stores and East End Sports Cards.

With 90,000 square feet housing six Connor "Uniforce" Hardwood Basketball courts, Hoops will also house the leader in sports equipment and uniform sales, Shively Sporting Goods and Kentucky’s largest sports card and autographed memorabilia retailer, East End Sports Cards.

Investor, Barry McRoberts said, “Our vision is to provide the best experience for not only the athlete, but the coaches, parents and fans of the game. With Shively Sporting Goods and East End Sports Cards, Hoops delivers the game and so much more for everyone involved.”

After 39 years on Dixie Highway in southwest Jefferson County, Shively Sporting Goods will open a second location at Hoops, 12101 Sycamore Station Rd. With approximately 2000 square feet, it will be a full-service Shively Sporting Goods Store, staffed with the same knowledgeable, dedicated and friendly staff customers have depended on at Shively Sporting Goods. Uniforms and equipment for all sports including basketball, baseball, cheerleading, field hockey, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball, volleyball, wrestling and more will be available.

Co-owners Mike Flanders, Virginia Flanders and Trish Morrison will oversee the east end location. Trish Morrison said, “We’ve wanted to add a second, east end location for a long time but we’ve waited for the right opportunity. Hoops is a perfect fit with our multi-sport focus. We look forward to serving our customers more conveniently. We are also very excited about expanding our business into the many new non-traditional sports Hoops will host.”

East End Sports Cards, currently operating inside Champions Baseball Academy on Plantside Dr., will open a second larger location inside Hoops, in January 2007. Owner Dave Cyphers said, “I’m excited about the opportunity to present the card collecting and autographed memorabilia hobby to the players, coaches, and fans of Hoops. It’s a great fit for us in a great venue and atmosphere.” The new store will be the larger of the two locations and will have more staff, more cards and more autographed memorabilia for purchase, and trade.

Hoops, located off I-64 & Blankenbaker Lane in Louisville, Kentucky, was founded by seven fathers whose kids participate in various basketball youth leagues. They desired to provide a state of the art basketball facility and take the love of the game of basketball to a whole new level. Hoops will offer six hardwood courts that utilize the same flooring system (the Connor “Uniforce” Floor) used in the men’s and women’s NCAA Final Four championships as well as 14 NBA teams. Other amenities at Hoops include six sky boxes, a full-service branded cafe, sports-specific performance training, a video arcade, Shively Sporting Goods and East End Sports Cards. Hoops is now taking reservations for leagues, tournaments, and clinics for all ages, and skill levels, from youth to the professional athlete. Visit www.wherethegameis.com for more information.

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