NEW YORK (June 2003) - The 40/40 CLUB, an all-American sports bar and lounge owned by hip hop mogul Jay-Z and partner Juan Perez, opened its doors to the public on June 18, 2003. Created by the longtime friends, 40/40 is 12,000 square feet of pure sports and entertainment in an opulent lounge setting that provides a unique experience not found elsewhere in New York City.

"I love sports and wanted to create an environment that is conducive to match my lifestyle, while watching the games at the same time," said Jay-Z.

The $4 million multi-level space includes a 24' x 8' slate bar, a 16-foot-wide staircase furnished with sleek seating built into the steps, over 30 LCD TV's, 9 plasmas (seven of which are 72"), four 12' X 12 dual-sided projector screens, a premium Cognac Room and four private VIP rooms.  Two of the VIP rooms, the Rémy Lounge (appropriately named after Rémy Martin, Jay's cognac of choice) and Jay's Room (24' X 16' each), are fully equipped with their own personal entertainment centers controlled by touch-screen remotes, 72" plasma TV's, Italian leather wrap-around couches, designer throw pillows and custom pool tables.   Both of these rooms can hold up to 60 people for private parties and events.   Another room, The Soriano Lounge, named after Alfonso Soriano has two 72" plasma TVs, independent sound system with surround sound and a collectors edition "Sopranos" Pinball machine. The  largest VIP room, The ESPN Hall of Fame, accommodates up to 100 guests and features four plasma TVs, two arcade games and a custom pool table.

The 40/40 Club is named after one of baseball's most prestigious achievements.  A benchmark for power and speed, The 40/40 Club includes players who hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in one season. Only Barry Bonds (1996), Alex Rodriguez (1998), Jose Canseco (1988) and the newest fourth member, Alfonso Soriano (2006) can call The 40/40 Club home.  The four jerseys of these men grace an area of the lounge to honor their great accomplishment.

"When we were thinking of a name, we wanted something exclusive--the 40/40 Club in baseball is as exclusive as it gets", said Jay-Z.

The decor of 40/40 is a mix of memorabilia from this country's greatest games coupled with Manhattan sophistication. Six chairs suspended from the ceiling transcend guests from a sports bar to a lavish lounge in a matter of seconds.  Lush purples and charcoal glazing adorn the walls while rich slate imported from South America makes up the flooring, bars and tabletops. The furniture on the 16 foot wide slate stairs were all produced in Marcy Place, Jay-Z's childhood neighborhood.  The 40/40 Club is accented by over 300 pillows that were designed by owner Juan Perez's childhood friend's mother and handcrafted in her home in Washington Heights.

Autographed jerseys given by various famous players who wear the number 40 hang from all points of the lounge along with other famous jerseys, such as Michael Jordan's number 23 and Lawrence Taylor's number 56. "Memorabilia Hallway" connects the main floor to the private rooms and house one of a kind, autographed jerseys, balls, bats and other game equipment.

"We tried to create a place that would be favorable to both men and women, and we think we have found it with the combination of sports and an upscale hip lounge", said owner Juan Perez.

Executive Chef Juan Jara created a menu that is sure to please both the sports fan and the casual diner.  Guests will be enticed by the Latin-Soul lounge food, with menu selections including southern-fried chicken strips, our famous 40/40 mini club burgers served with our own signature 40/40 sauce, mouth-watering skewers, and a variety of tasty mini desserts including fried twinkies and mini strawberry shortcake biscuits.  View our whole menu here."