Kobe Bryant Day Ferris wheel lighting at the Santa Monica Pier

Published on July 21, 2023

The Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel will be lit purple, gold, numbers “8” and “24” on Thursday, August 24 in recognition of Kobe Bryant Day.

Kobe Bryant Day (also known as Black Mamba Day or Mamba Day) is being celebrated on August 24 in Los Angele to commemorate the life of Laker legend Kobe Bryant.

The date was chosen as the holiday because of Bryant’s numbers on his jerseys, 8 and 24, as well as it being the day after his birthday, August 23.

This special lighting event will take place on the evening of Thursday, August 24. The Ferris wheel lights can be seen from dusk until 11:35 PM each evening. Enjoy watching the light program online at www.pacpark.com/live.

WHAT:
Special Lighting of the Pacific Wheel for Kobe Bryant Day

WHEN:
Thursday, August 24
dusk (around 7:30 PM) to midnight

WHERE:
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

Remembering Kobe Bryant: Celebrating 8/24 with his 3 Greatest Games

August 24th marks a bittersweet day for basketball fans worldwide as they remember one of the greatest players to grace the basketball floor – Kobe Bryant. The Black Mamba, as he was affectionately known, left an indelible mark on the sport and the hearts of millions of fans. On this special day, we honor his legacy by looking back at three of Kobe Bryant’s most exceptional and memorable performances throughout his illustrious career.

1. January 22, 2006 – Kobe’s 81-Point Masterpiece

Arguably one of the most iconic performances in basketball history, Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors was nothing short of extraordinary. Facing a 20-point deficit at halftime, Bryant took matters into his own hands and unleashed an offensive onslaught for the ages.

With an unmatched display of scoring prowess, Kobe shot 28-of-46 from the field, including 7-of-13 from beyond the arc. It was a mesmerizing performance that left spectators in awe and Raptors defenders scratching their heads in frustration. By the final buzzer, Kobe had etched his name in the record books with the second-highest point total in a single game, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 100-point game.

2. June 4, 2000 – Kobe’s NBA Finals Game 4 Heroics

In Game 4 of the 2000 NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers, Kobe Bryant showed the world what it meant to have a killer instinct. Although the Lakers were up in the series 2-1, they still found themselves in a tight spot as the Pacers mounted a fierce challenge. But Kobe, just 21 years old at the time, rose to the occasion.

In the waning seconds of the game, with the Lakers down by two points, Kobe intercepted an Indiana pass, dribbled up the court, and pulled up for a clutch three-pointer to force overtime. His poise under pressure and ability to seize the moment earned him the moniker “Big Shot Bob” from teammate Shaquille O’Neal.

In the overtime period, Kobe continued to shine, scoring eight points to secure a crucial victory for the Lakers. This win ultimately propelled them to a 4-2 series victory, clinching the first of three consecutive NBA Championships for the Lakers.

3. April 13, 2016 – Kobe’s Farewell Performance

Kobe Bryant’s final game in the NBA was a storybook ending befitting of a legend. On April 13, 2016, in front of a sold-out Staples Center, Kobe played his heart out one last time. Facing the Utah Jazz, the 37-year-old Bryant summoned the competitive fire that defined his career.

In a performance that encapsulated his unparalleled scoring ability, Kobe put on a show for the ages. He poured in 60 points, leading the Lakers to a dramatic 101-96 victory. It was a farewell that left fans, teammates, and opponents alike with tears in their eyes as they bid adieu to one of the game’s all-time greats.

Kobe Bryant’s impact on the game of basketball extended far beyond the numbers he tallied on the stat sheet. He embodied the spirit of determination, competitiveness, and excellence that inspired generations of players and fans alike. As we celebrate August 24th in honor of the Black Mamba, let us remember his three greatest games – a 81-point masterpiece, a Finals-clinching clutch performance, and a farewell for the ages – as enduring testaments to his greatness and the legacy he leaves behind. Rest in peace, Kobe.

See the lights from home at www.pacpark.com/live.

Pacific Park regularly programs the Ferris wheel to display seasonal programing and themed light designs for holidays and special occasions. The Pacific Wheel’s state-of-the-art lighting package was installed in 2016 and can display over 1.6 million different colors and animate patterns and icons in 24 frames per second. The energy efficient LEDs on the face of the Ferris wheel are powered by solar arrays inside Pacific Park. The light programs are curated and designed by Pacific Park staff. Each design is manually animated; some designs can take hours of programming. The aim is to provide fun, high-energy, and sometimes whimsical designs to entertain guests on the Santa Monica Pier and surrounding beaches.

 

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Feature image courtesy of @18th.vzn