Shaq's Fun House was a Carnival Filled with Love for Kobe Bryant
Shaquille O’Neal Brings the House Down in Miami
Shaquille O’Neal kicked off Super Bowl weekend with Shaq’s Fun House. The over the top carnival-themed music festival transformed the Mana Wynwood Convention Center into magic and mayhem for adults to indulge their inner children. Shaquille has pledged to donate his portion of the proceeds.
French Montana, Meek Mill, Miles Teller, Big Show and DeAndre Hopkins were among the celebrities who made an appearance at the event, which was sponsored by Papa John’s, STK Steak House, Lyft and more. Digital coverage of the event generated more than 2.7 million social media impressions and 5.1 billion media impressions.
DJ Diesel, Pitbull, Diddy, Diplo and More Take Center Stage
The all-star lineup of performers included Pitbull, Diddy, Tiësto, Diplo, Carnage, DaBaby and DJ Diesel (Shaq’s DJ persona). DJ Diesel opened his set with a moving personal tribute to his late friend and former teammate. The video homage chronicled the incredible partnership between the unbeatable duo. A large purple-and-yellow banner featuring Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers numbers — 8 and 24 — hung from the ceiling throughout his performance. Additionally, Pitbull, Diddy and Diplo also carved out time to pay tribute to Kobe Byrant in between their amazing performances.
Close to His Heart
Shaquille O’Neal kept Kobe and Gianna close to his heart with a custom hoodie featuring the 2001 Sports Illustrated cover of himself and Kobe on the front, RIP Mamba and Mambacita on the left and right sleeves, respectively. The commemorative garment had 24+8+2 = 34 on the back, a symbol for Kobe’s (8,24) and Gianna’s (2) numbers adding up to Shaq’s number (34).
It’s a Party!
Costumed characters on stilts mingled with guests throughout the night as they indulged in carnival rides, a six-hour open bar, funnel cakes, cotton candy, sushi, short rib sliders and more.
Social Media Love
Shaq took to social media to share highlights of the event in an Instagram post and on Instagram stories, which garnered more than 2.7 million social media impressions and 176K social media engagements.
Press highlights include Entertainment Tonight and EDM.com.