ESPN's "Blooming Into Greatness" installation popped up outside of the Indiana Pacers' Gainbridge Fieldhouse ahead of Game 3 on June 11.Photo: Getty Images Courtesy of ESPN
The 79th edition of the NBA championship ended in victory for the Oklahoma City Thunder after the team defeated the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7.
In the lead-up to the record-breaking win (it was the Thunder's first NBA title since relocating from Seattle in 2008), ESPN celebrated the NBA Finals with an immersive experience dubbed “Blooming Intro Greatness” that appeared outside of both the Thunder’s home at the Paycom Center and the Pacers’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse ahead of Game 1 and Game 3, respectively.
Both pop-ups featured towering floral sculptures of each franchise’s logo—welcoming fans to “give their team their flowers” by adding blooms to help complete the art installation.
The experience was spearheaded by ESPN, which tapped the enigmatic New York-based floral artist Mr. Flower Fantastic to build out the intricate floral display. Mr. Flower Fantastic was on site at each pop-up, donning his signature all-black jumpsuit and respirator mask as he misted flowers.
“We wanted to think of a fun way to celebrate the NBA Finals fandom and give fans an opportunity to honor their teams in a unique way with a bold, immersive experience,” says Sereita N. Cobbs, ESPN’s senior director of fan experiences and community-building events.
Keep scrolling to see how ESPN’s tribute really rose to the occasion—insider info included...
