The Minnesota Timberwolves have made a point to celebrate the life and legacy of former Minneapolis native and rock pioneer, Prince, during their 2018-19 N.B.A. season. On Tuesday, the professional basketball organization announced they will treat attendees to a complimentary, seven-inch vinyl pressing of Prince’s 1995 song, “Rock and Roll is Alive! (and it lives in Minneapolis)”, during a game against the Miami Heat on Friday, April 5th. The song initially appeared as the B-side to “Gold” when the single was released on November 30th, 1995.
The exclusive collector’s edition of the 1995 song on vinyl could easily be considered the best promotional giveaway from any professional sports team so far this year, with the possible exception of the Chicago Cubs‘ upcoming “Grateful Dead Night” this summer. It will also be the first time in the league’s history where a record is being given away to fans in attendance at a game.
The giveaway comes as a result of the team’s ongoing partnership with the Prince Estate along with Sony Music. The upcoming game on April 5th also acts as the final Prince-inspired “City Edition” night, a recurring theme throughout the team’s season which has included players wearing Prince-inspired jerseys, and games featuring Prince’s music being played exclusively throughout the venue from the start of the event until the end. The team has yet to announce which musical act will perform during halftime at the game on April 5th.
Wolves vs Heat – Prince Vinyl Giveaway Promo
[Video: Minnesota Timberwolves]
“From a young age, Prince enjoyed basketball – as a player and a fan,” representatives from the Prince Estate mentioned in a statement about their partnership with the Timberwolves earlier this year. “From his days playing at Bryant Junior High and Central High in South Minneapolis, through countless pick-up games while on the road with bandmates around the world, he enjoyed the camaraderie and competition of the game. This partnership brings together the city of Minneapolis, and more broadly the state of Minnesota, in an exciting effort to uniquely honor Prince.”
Fans can click here to purchase tickets to the team’s April 5th game against the Miami Heat.