GBK’s ESPY Awards Lounge
It was the day before the 2019 ESPY Awards, and things were jumping on the private rooftop of West Hollywood’s Kimpton La Peer Hotel, a welcome new addition to the boutique hotel scene in the city.
GBK was putting on its all-day celebration of ESPN’s highest honors in the world of sports and the mood was spirited as guests reveled in the US women’s soccer team victory in taking home their fourth World Cup trophy.
After all, the annual Pre-ESPY Awards Celebrity Gift Lounge is where legends in the sports world mingle with rising and well-established talent in professional basketball, hockey, baseball, football, wrestling, golf, tennis the Olympics – and oh yes, soccer.
The guest list included many well-known athletes like recent Stanley Cup winners Jordan Binnington and Robby Fabbri of the St. Louis Blues who, along with their teammates, would go on to take home the ESPY for Best Comeback.
Winning Super Bowl stars from the past were also in attendance at the lounge, including James Farrior (Steelers), Obi Melifonwu (Patriots), Ronnie Hillman (Broncos), Prince Amukamara (Giants) as well as other NFL players such as Donald Penn (3x Pro Bowl), Marvell Tell III (Colts), Nickell Robey (Rams), Ty Nsekhe (Buffalo Bills), Marcus Williams (Saints), Anthony Alabi (Dolphins) and Marcedes Lewis (Packers).
WWE Superstar Fred Rosser enjoyed the lounge as did WWE host Cathy Kelley, ESPN reporter Victoria Arlen and Fox Sports reporter Jenn Hale. Two-time NBA champ Norm Nixon (Lakers) was in attendance as well as Pro Golfer Anna DePalma and current UFC Welter Weight Champion Karmaru Usman.
Greg Louganis with 1 More Headphones – Photo Credit: Jerry Digby
A few of the stars of HBO’s series “Ballers” stopped by including London Brown, Carl McDowell and Kris D. Lofton as was Corey Calliet star of E!’s hit series “Revenge Body,” Barton Fitzpatrick star of Showtime’s “The Chi” among other celeb attendees.
Diving legend and multiple Olympic Gold Medal winner, Greg Louganis enjoyed the lounge, as did viral gymnastic Katelyn Ohashi.
Other sports luminaries included Blake Shell, Kelly Slater and Kyler Murray. The media covering the event included NBC, E! News, ESPN, the Los Angeles Times, Time-Warner News and The Sun.
Attendees received gifts from an array event sponsors and vendors including Hertelandy Wines, Fit Farm, B Opulent, IFGfit, PFB Vanish, GelSTX Sports, Silent Mode, Story Bikes, ReShoeVn8r, 1 More and Beauty Pulse.
The La Peer hotel provided gift certificates to stay in the new hotel, just on the border from Beverly Hills into WeHo—a great location.
The event benefited the non-profit Etta, which provides programs and services for disabled people.
