Latest news with #Westbrook
Business Journals
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Journals
Alaska Airlines Lounge+ memberships help busy travelers relax, refuel
As a business traveler on the road about a third of his time, Brian M. Westbrook has developed a fine-tuned preflight routine. His favorite stop on his checklist: The Alaska Lounge, his 'oasis of calm' at the airport. Westbrook is a longtime Alaska Lounge+ member who regularly enjoys the relaxing environment in Alaska Airlines' West Coast lounges, as well as access to 90 partner lounges around the world. His work as a storyteller, event emcee/producer and technologist includes advocating for the digital guest experience at Alaska Airlines and keeps him flying at the airline's highest level – MVP Gold 100K status. Westbrook's Alaska Lounge+ membership allows him to make the most of his time at the airport before a flight and during connections. 'I know when I arrive early, I can treat myself to an hour in the lounge,' he said. One of Westbrook's favorite stops is the new 11,000-square-foot Alaska Lounge that opened in San Francisco International Airport's Harvey Milk Terminal 1 (SFO) in July 2024. The inviting design includes TalkBox® booths for private calls, as well as zones offering quiet nooks for working, a stylish bar to enjoy a craft beer or specialty cocktail and comfortable 'Signature Loungers' with views featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. Charging outlets are available at nearly every seat. expand As a self-described #avgeek, Westbrook especially appreciates the views of the gates throughout the SFO lounge. 'I love that I can watch the planes from anywhere,' he said. 'It's a fun way to stay connected to the airport.' This year, the Alaska Lounge at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport also was updated with double the seating, Signature Loungers and a design that takes inspiration from local artists. And a larger Alaska Lounge at Portland International Airport will open in 2026 — part of the airline's commitment to expanding its premium experience across its growing global network. 'Providing an elevated travel experience across all of our Alaska Lounges is just one way to show we care for our guests and thank them for their loyalty,' said Todd Traynor-Corey, vice president of guest products and experience, Alaska Airlines. Here are a few of the reasons that, regardless of his destination, you'll find Westbrook landing in an Alaska Lounge along the way: Fresh foods and thoughtful beverage choices All Alaska Lounge locations feature an inspired selection of fresh foods, along with complimentary local beers and wines, specialty cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and barista-crafted coffee. (At SFO, the coffee is roasted by the city's Ritual Coffee Roasters — and Westbrook will take his iced, please.) The SFO lounge also offers sourdough bread and spreads, and candy jars full of San Francisco treats. Westbrook is a longtime fan of the 'pancake printer' found in every Alaska Lounge, but his pro tip is for the lunch and dinner crowd. 'My biggest joy is the soup,' he said, calling out chicken with wild rice and turkey sausage lasagna as his top choices. He regularly posts a #SoupReport on Instagram and X. 'I like knowing I can pick up a good, healthy bite that I've already paid for,' Westbrook said. Exciting network growth and oneworld Alliance access In addition to the Portland lounge expansion coming in 2026, Westbrook is looking forward to new Alaska Lounges coming to Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and San Diego International Airport, along with an international Alaska Lounge planned for Sea-Tac International Airport in Seattle in the next few years. In the meantime, he's also making the most of his Lounge+ membership, which allows him to visit partner lounges around the world. 'Throughout the oneworld network, I have access,' he said. The most caring service Far and away, it's the concierges and staff in the Alaska Lounges who are the biggest draw for Westbrook. 'These are Alaska Airlines employees who know the system, love to travel and talk about the cool places they've been,' he said. He regularly relies on Alaska employees for travel tips — most recently for a Northern Lights tour out of Fairbanks, Alaska. 'The single most important benefit is the people,' he said. 'They all really care about my full journey.' Become an Alaska Lounge or Lounge+ member: Lounge members can enjoy our Alaska Lounges in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Anchorage and New York (JFK). Lounge+ membership includes access to 90 partner lounges around the world. Both membership levels allow members to bring two guests or family members into the lounge. Learn more.
NBC Sports
3 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Nuggets' Russell Westbrook has surgery to fix two breaks on his right hand
Russell Westbrook averaged 11.7 points in 24 minutes per night for the Nuggets this postseason. While he was critical in a few wins, he also shot 39.1% for the postseason and had some rough outings as well. A fractured hand may have contributed to that. Westbrook announced he had surgery on his hand on his blog, World of Westbrook (the Nuggets also confirmed the surgery). 'I'm undergoing surgery on my right hand to fix two breaks that happened during the season. I'm grateful for everyone's support all year and I can't wait to be back out there at 100% soon. The comeback is already in motion.' ' Westbrook has a $3.5 million player option for next season. At age 36, and coming off surgery, he could put himself on the free agent market, but there is unlikely to be more money for him elsewhere, and almost certainly not a better situation. Westbrook is one of those players whose game has been elevated by Nikola Jokic's passing and ability to find him on cuts to the rim or on leak-outs. Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds a game this season, playing almost 28 minutes a night in the 75 games he played. A Denver team looking to add depth around Jokic likely welcomes him back, but you can be sure Westbrook and his agent are kicking the tires to see if other playoff teams might be willing to pay more or have a bigger role for him.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
"He asked what I was wearing tomorrow" - Russell Westbrook after being asked about his player option after Game 7 loss vs. OKC
After losing Game 7 to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Denver Nuggets' season ended with another second-round exit, their second straight since winning the championship in 2023. As a result, the organization is expected to make significant roster changes this summer. The Nuggets stirred things up right before the playoffs with the firings of head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth. And while many argue they've gotten the best out of their current roster, forcing a Game 7 against the best regular-season team in the Association, they can't risk "wasting" another year of Nikola Jokic's prime. Advertisement Several roster-related speculations have been making the rounds, including Russell Westbrook's future in Denver. The former MVP will soon be entering his 18th year. The Game 7 loss marked another disappointing playoff exit for Westbrook, raising doubts about what lay ahead for him. Fresh off an elimination to the Thunder, "Mr. Triple-Double" was asked about his player option, which didn't sit well with him. "Tried to get Russell Westbrook in the locker room to see he had made a decision on his player option for next season. He looked at his watch and asked what I was wearing tomorrow. When I said I didn't know, he said 'exactly' and walked off. Nuggets aren't doing exit interviews," tweeted Nuggets beat writer Vinny Benedetto after the game. Another volatile series for Westbrook In what many thought was "Brodie's" closest shot at winning a championship, the 6'4" guard suffered another postseason blow. Westbrook also deserves a part of the blame for it, given his inconsistencies during the recent playoffs. This is evident from his -92 plus/minus in the recently concluded semifinals against the OKC Thunder. Russ did have some big moments, though, especially during the first round against the Los Angeles Clippers. He also brought the energy any time he was on the floor against OKC. However, the 36-year-old wasn't consistent enough as Denver's go-to guy off the bench, especially in the second series. Player option for the 2025-26 season After being traded from OKC in 2019, "Brodie" has been shuffling between several teams, with the Nuggets being his fifth squad in the last five years. The veteran guard struggled to find his footing on the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers despite agreeing to come off the bench. Advertisement Russ enters the offseason with a $3.4 million player option for the 2025-26 campaign. If he decides to move on, he'll probably look to sign for another contending team — the 36-year-old has shown he can be a valuable asset despite inconsistencies. Going into his 18th year in the league, "Mr. Triple-Double" is yet to win the ultimate crown. That said, the recent years have brought heavy scrutiny and hate against Russ, something many deem unnecessary to a large extent. The veteran guard's ability to contribute at multiple levels is often disregarded, especially given the effort he gives every time he's on the floor. That's why he can still be a valuable piece for a good team. Whether that's the Nuggets remains to be seen. Related: "Smoked them like a fresh pack of Newport shorts" - Perkins reacts to Thunder's blowout Game 7 win over the Nuggets
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Russell Westbrook set to bring creative ideas to new stadium
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — An architect has been named to transform a new entertainment district that will also house the new Oklahoma City soccer team and the MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium. In addition to that, former Thunder star, Russell Westbrook, was named the creative director of the project. After a nationwide search, Populous, a design firm, was chosen to bring the vision to life. They are also the designer of the stadium. LOCAL NEWS: PHOTOS: Community showing support for Oklahoma City Thunder during playoffs Leaders there said the project is about creating a destination where community and culture will mix. 'The intent is to create a place that is livable and walkable more than anything else. It'll be sports anchored, but there will be more than that,' said Phil Kolbo, the Principal at Populous. Populous also said they hope it will help connect the other districts in the downtown area. On the OKC for Soccer side, they're excited for what's to come, especially for the big partnership with Westbrook. 'Russell will tell you that this is home, this is where he grew up, and he is really interested in the future success of Oklahoma City. So, having him be able to apply his very creative talents as well as bring a lot of his global influence to the design space in the district is something we're really excited about,' said Court Jeske, the President of OKC for Soccer. LOCAL NEWS: Thunder playoff run sparks huge demand for gear at Oklahoma City shop In a statement, Westbrook said: I'm personally bringing everything I've seen and experienced around the world — design, culture, energy — to help create something that's never been done before in OKC. Russell Westbrook, Creative Director for the District The team hopes to have design images later this year of what the entertainment district will look like. It adds 50 acres to the area not including the stadium. There are plans to open the stadium in the spring of 2027. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Populous Named as Master Architect for Oklahoma City's New Sports-Anchored Entertainment District
BUSINESS WIRE)--Echo Investment Capital (Echo), Russell Westbrook Enterprises (RWE) and Robinson Park are proud to announce the selection of Populous as the master architect for the forthcoming sports-anchored entertainment district in downtown Oklahoma City. This transformative project, led by Echo with RWE and Robinson Park as key development partners, will create a vibrant, connected destination anchored by the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium. "This is more than a development — it's a centerpiece for civic life, built to inspire pride, connection, and opportunity for generations to come.' - Christian Kanady, Founding Partner and CEO of Echo Share Populous, a global design firm recognized for its expertise in world-class sports and entertainment venues, brings a portfolio that includes the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London and Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong. Their deep experience in designing integrated urban districts makes them an ideal fit for Oklahoma City's next great civic space. Populous has already been appointed the principal architect of the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium that will be the centerpiece of the new district. 'Populous brings world-renowned expertise and a deep understanding of how to design spaces that anchor community and catalyze growth,' said Christian Kanady, Founding Partner and CEO of Echo Investment Capital. 'Their leadership in shaping both the stadium and the surrounding sports-anchored entertainment district ensures a cohesive, transformative vision — one that reflects OKC's momentum and connects our most vibrant districts in powerful new ways. This is more than a development — it's a centerpiece for civic life, built to inspire pride, connection, and opportunity for generations to come.' Following a national search, the project received seven bids from renowned architectural design firms. 'Selecting Populous as master architect is a big step toward bringing to life our vision for the district,' said Mark Beffort, CEO of Robinson Park. 'Their experience in designing world-class venues will help make this district a standout destination for Oklahoma City, and we're excited to partner with Echo and RWE to bring this vision forward.' 'This project is about shaping a destination – a place where community, commerce and culture mix in meaningful ways,' said Phil Kolbo, Principal at Populous and Principal in Charge for the project. 'Supported by the vibrancy of a purpose-driven stadium, this project reflects the vision and aspirations of Echo Investment Capital, Robinson Park, RWE, and Oklahoma City's civic leadership. Populous is proud to help bring it to life.' Westbrook named Creative Director In addition, the sports-anchored entertainment district principal investment group is excited to announce NBA superstar and Echo investment partner Russell Westbrook as Creative Director for the project. Westbrook, who starred for the Oklahoma City Thunder for more than a decade, is widely considered one of the most stylish and culturally impactful athletes in the world. From fashion to design to philanthropy, Westbrook has transcended sports to become a leading voice for creative empowerment and innovative approaches to community-building. 'We're not just building a sports-anchored entertainment district - we're reimagining how a city comes together,' said Russell Westbrook, investor, entrepreneur, and founder of RWE. 'I'm personally bringing everything I've seen and experienced around the world — design, culture, energy — to help create something that's never been done before in OKC. I'm proud to be part of a vision that's not just about buildings, but about belonging - a place where people from every neighborhood feel seen, connected, and inspired.' The district is envisioned as a dynamic hub, seamlessly integrating retail, dining, public spaces, and the new stadium. Located on the former Producers Co-Op site just north of the Oklahoma River, it is uniquely positioned to unite Oklahoma City's most vibrant destinations - Bricktown, the OKANA Resort, the Boathouse District, and Scissortail Park — transforming a historically underutilized site into a seamless, walkable neighborhood that stitches the city together through commerce, sports, culture and community. About Echo Founded by Christian Kanady in 2010 and headquartered in the iconic Ziggurat building overlooking Kerr Park in downtown Oklahoma City, Echo is a multi-strategy investment firm committed to revitalizing American industries. Echo strategically blends investments across energy, life sciences, national security, and media & entertainment, with notable investments in local enterprises such as Wheeler Bio and Prairie Surf. The firm's holdings include landmark commercial properties, a significant oil and gas royalty portfolio, and majority ownership in OKC's professional soccer club. Echo is dedicated to fostering innovation and driving exceptional financial and social returns. About Robinson Park Based in Oklahoma City, Robinson Park is a trusted commercial real estate firm, delivering innovative solutions to clients nationwide. With over 120 years of experience, Robinson Park has grown into a full-service enterprise encompassing investments within the office, industrial, hospitality and multi-housing commercial real estate sectors. With $2.8 billion of assets under management, Robinson Park offers specialized services in brokerage services, design & build, development, facility management, financial services, lease administration and research & analytics. For more information, please visit About Russell Westbrook Enterprises Russell Westbrook Enterprises (RWE) is an impact-focused organization that bridges Russell Westbrook's influence in sports, culture, and business with strategic economic development. RWE leverages its multifaceted platforms to align profitability with purpose, focusing on delivering innovative solutions in digital media, consumer goods, and technology. By investing in scalable initiatives that drive growth in underrepresented communities, RWE offers products, services, and resources that create employment opportunities and amplify brand impact. Through a combination of capital infusion, strategic partnerships, and community-centric initiatives, RWE catalyzes social change and business success, helping some of the world's leading brands achieve their goals while fostering deeper connections with multicultural audiences. About Populous Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus — to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses and amplify the pure emotion shared in human moments. Over the last 40 years, the firm has designed more than 3,500 projects worth over $60 billion across emerging and established markets. Populous' comprehensive services include architecture, interior design, event planning and overlay, branded environments, wayfinding, and graphics, planning and urban design, landscape architecture, aviation and transport design, hospitality and sustainable design consulting. Populous has over 1,500 employees in 32 global offices on four continents with regional centers in Kansas City, London and Brisbane. For more information, visit
