LIDS Hat Blog

LIDS Sports Group, NFL Gear Up for Super Bowl XLVII Retail Experience

-- Company to operate the 30,000 square foot NFL SHOP at Super Bowl Presented by Visa --
-- Pop up location will offer shop-in-shop elements as well as interactive fan activities --

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., January 22, 2013 – LIDS Sports Group, the Indianapolis-based operator of the North American LIDS retail chain, in collaboration with the National Football League, is pleased to announce its plans for this year’s NFL Experience Driven by GMC concessions business – the NFL SHOP at Super Bowl Presented by Visa. In an innovative spin on the traditional concept for this venue, the retailer has switched gears to focus on creating a fan destination for Super Bowl-goers to include the industry’s latest offerings in product customization and entertainment features. The 30,000 square foot pop up shop will be open to the public from January 25 through February 4, 2013.

“We are truly excited for this opportunity to make a statement of how our retail game plan is constantly evolving, and to showcase that we are able magnify what we do every day in our more than 1,000 LIDS and LIDS Locker Room locations to meet Super Bowl fan expectations for years to come,” said LIDS Sports Group President Ken Kocher.

“This is another example of our determination to prove LIDS Sports Group is a major stakeholder in more than just the headwear category.” The specialty retailer and all-inclusive team sports dealer, primarily known for its headwear stores, has been recently fueling its growth through a more localized, team-specific storefront banner with product selections such as jerseys, fan apparel and team-branded novelty items.

“In looking for a world class leader to help us achieve our retail objectives for the NFL Experience in New Orleans, LIDS’ offerings and willingness to push the envelope to provide a unique fan experience stood out – as is evident in their expanding event retailing efforts,” said Leo Kane, NFL senior vice president of consumer products. “We are excited to work with LIDS to deliver to our fans more ways to celebrate their teams and Super Bowl XLVII.”

The NFL Experience shop will offer sports enthusiasts a wide variety of officially licensed Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers and Super Bowl XLVII apparel and memorabilia, ranging from the latest fashion trends to on-field gear.

Key NFL SHOP at Super Bowl Presented by Visa retail elements and logistics:

- Player Appearances and Celebrity Interaction Opportunities

- Interactive Features: XBOX Gaming Area, Tailgate Toss, Fathead Photo Booth, and Fitted Test

- LIDS Custom Zone: Custom Embroidery, Custom Screen Printing on Jerseys, Special Event Patches, Personalized Key Chains and Custom Photo Souvenir Footballs

- Limited Edition Product Offerings – Limited Quantities

- Shop-in-Shop Partners: Nike, New Era, G-III and Touch by Alyssa Milano, Fathead, Tervis Tumblers, EA Sports, Mitchell & Ness and ’47 Brand

- NFL SHOP at Super Bowl Presented by Visa hours of operation will be: 
    Date                                                                     Hours of Operation 
    Friday, Jan. 25 through Sunday, Jan. 27             10:00 AM to 7:00 PM 
    Monday, Jan. 28 through Tuesday, Jan. 29         CLOSED
    Wednesday, Jan. 30 through Saturday, Feb.2    10:00 AM to 10:00 PM 
    Sunday, Feb. 3                                                     8:00 AM to 3:00 PM 
    Monday, Feb. 4                                                     8:00 AM  to 2:00 PM


Additionally, LIDS Sports Group will manage other prime locations under the NFL SHOP at Super Bowl Presented by LIDS retail banner in the greater New Orleans area – the French Quarter, Riverwalk, and NFL host hotels – to satisfy customer demand throughout the city leading up to this NFL season’s championship game.


ABOUT LIDS SPORTS GROUP
The LIDS Sports Group, operating within Hat World, Inc., is comprised of the LIDS retail headwear stores, the LIDS Locker Room specialty fan retail chain, the LIDS Clubhouse retail stores, the LIDS Team Sports wholesale team sports business, and the Internet businesses www.lids.com, www.lidslockerroom.com, wwwlidsclubhouse.com, www.lidsteamsports.com and www.lids.ca. Operating out of Indianapolis, Indiana, the retail businesses make up more than 1,000 mall-based, airport, street level and factory outlet locations nationwide, and in Canada and Puerto Rico. LIDS retail stores offer officially licensed and branded headwear of collegiate teams, major professional sports teams, as well as other specialty fashion categories in the latest styles and colors. LIDS Locker Room is a mall-based retailer of sports headwear, apparel, accessories, and novelties which also operates under the Sports Fan-Attic and Sports Avenue retail concepts. Most LIDS and LIDS Locker Room stores also offer custom embroidery capability. LIDS Clubhouse operates team-specific professional sports and university athletics retail stores and e-commerce sites. LIDS Team Sports is a full-service team uniform and apparel dealer, custom screen printer, embroidery and sporting goods distributor. Hat World, Inc. is a subsidiary of Genesco Inc.


Twitter – @LIDS4Hats   @LIDSPR   #LIDSSBXLVII     
LIDS Mobile – Text LIDSSB47 to 477493 for Super Bowl XLVII Offers

LIDS Team Sports Official Uniform Supplier of East-West Shrine Game

Sporting Goods Distributor Continues Sponsorship with 88th College Football All-Star Match Up

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., January 17, 2013 – LIDS Team Sports, a team apparel and equipment dealer operating within all 50 states and a business unit of Indianapolis-based LIDS Sports Group, has extended its sponsorship agreement as the official uniform supplier for the 2013 East-West Shrine Game®. The nation’s longest-running all-star football game will take place Saturday, January 19, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla.

LIDS Team Sports is providing uniforms as well as practice and travel gear for this year’s participants. The two team rosters include a combination of 115 premier collegiate athletes, representing more than 50 academic institutions across the country.

“We are pleased to yet again be a part of the annual East-West Shrine Game, which is a nice alignment of the nation’s best in college football and the efforts of Shriners Hospital – a cause worthy of the support generated by this association,” said LIDS Team Sports Executive Vice President Matt Geske. “For the players involved, many of whom will advance to the NFL, this game not only provides the opportunity to showcase their athleticism but a chance to truly hone in on their passion to give back.”

The game will again benefit the 22 Shriners Hospitals in the United States, Canada and Mexico which provide state-of-the-art medical treatment to children in need regardless of their ability to pay. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Shriners provides advanced care for youth patients with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate.

“This event is truly ‘More than just a game.’ It’s about creating lasting relationships that breathe new life to our philanthropic mission – be it players, coaches, spectators or suppliers,” said Executive Director of the East-West Shrine Game Harold Richardson.

The 2013 East-West Shrine Game will be broadcast on the NFL Network at 4:00 p.m. EST. Visit www.shrinegame.com for more information.

ABOUT LIDS TEAM SPORTS
LIDS Team Sports is a full service team dealer, custom screen printer, embroidery and sporting goods operator based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and a division of Hat World, Inc. Hat World is a niche mall-based retailer of baseball caps and team fan shops operating primarily under the LIDS retail brand. LIDS Team Sports was founded in 2009 and is made up primarily of regional team dealers Anaconda Sports (Lake Katrine, New York), the former Brand Athletics (Tigard, Oregon), and the former Impact Sports (Madison, Wisconsin). What began as a modest 10-state sales territory in 2009 now spans 50 states today. The company provides all-inclusive institutional sporting goods to a broad range of customers throughout the United States, including colleges and universities, high schools, corporations, and youth organizations. The business offers a diverse selection of products – jerseys, warm-ups, fleeces, polo shirts, jackets, t-shirts, shorts, shoes and other team uniform sportswear and a complete line of sporting equipment – and services such as team fundraising support. The company also operates the Internet sites www.lidsteamsports.com and www.anacondasports.com, in addition to a LIDS Team Golf division and a catalog business. For more information, one can visit lidsteamsports.com or call (800) 644-4481.

ABOUT LIDS SPORTS GROUP
The LIDS Sports Group, operating within Hat World, Inc., is comprised of the LIDS retail headwear stores, the LIDS Locker Room specialty fan retail chain, the LIDS Clubhouse retail stores, the LIDS Team Sports wholesale team sports business, and the Internet businesses www.lids.com, www.lidslockerroom.com, wwwlidsclubhouse.com, www.lidsteamsports.com and www.lids.ca. Operating out of Indianapolis, Indiana, the retail businesses make up more than 1,000 mall-based, airport, street level and factory outlet locations nationwide, and in Canada and Puerto Rico. LIDS retail stores offer officially licensed and branded headwear of collegiate teams, major professional sports teams, as well as other specialty fashion categories in the latest styles and colors. LIDS Locker Room is a mall-based retailer of sports headwear, apparel, accessories, and novelties which also operates under the Sports Fan-Attic and Sports Avenue retail concepts. Most LIDS and LIDS Locker Room stores also offer custom embroidery capability. LIDS Clubhouse operates team-specific professional sports and university athletics retail stores and e-commerce sites. LIDS Team Sports is a full-service team uniform and apparel dealer, custom screen printer, embroidery and sporting goods distributor. Hat World, Inc. is a subsidiary of Genesco Inc.

RELEASE: LIDS SPORTS GROUP, GENESCO HOST EIGHTH ANNUAL COLD FEET, WARM SHOES AND HATS EVENT FOR CHILDREN IN NEED

-- Company to provide 450 local students with new shoes and knit hats--
-- United Way of Central Indiana and Indianapolis Colts to participate --  

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., December 3, 2012 – Volunteers from Indianapolis-based LIDS Sports Group and its parent company, Tennessee-based Genesco Inc., will set up a mock shoe and hat store on Tuesday, December 4, at College Park Elementary School to personally fit 450 children in need with new, properly fitting shoes and warm knit hats just in time for the holiday season.  More than 130 of the company’s corporate office employees, including LIDS Sports Group President Ken Kocher and co-founder Scott Molander, will be joined by United Way of Central Indiana Senior Vice President of Resource Development Angela Dabney.

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jerraud Powers will also be in attendance, as well as fellow teammates Cory Redding, Scott Lutrus, Griff Whalen, Shawn Loiseau and Matt Overton, to interact with the children and distribute t-shirts donated by the Colts organization.  “It is exciting to be a part of such a well-established program here in Indianapolis, which helps make the holidays brighter for hundreds of children annually,” said Powers.

 “As a key player in the sporting goods industry, those employed by LIDS Sports Group know the importance of leading by example through social responsibility.  The Cold Feet, Warm Shoes and Hats program is a great model for this, as it is community collaboration for those less fortunate in the areas in which our employees live and work,” said Kocher.  Nearly 3,000 Indianapolis students from eight different public schools have benefited from this event since 2005, when it was expanded to Indianapolis shortly after Genesco acquired LIDS.

In its 23^rd year overall, the Cold Feet, Warm Shoes and Hats program is Genesco’s signature community outreach initiative which focuses on providing disadvantaged youth with the power of choice, the same respect and service they would receive at any of the company’s more than 2,440 retail stores nationwide, as well as the practical solution of properly fitting footwear and headwear. 

Volunteers will participate in a variety of roles ranging from greeting each child to personally fitting them with their choice of new footwear, in addition to distributing headwear.  Students will also be served a nutritional snack to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.

 

ABOUT LIDS SPORTS GROUP
The LIDS Sports Group, operating within Hat World, Inc., is comprised of the LIDS retail headwear stores, the LIDS Locker Room specialty fan retail chain, the LIDS Clubhouse retail stores, the LIDS Team Sports wholesale team sports business, and the Internet businesses www.lids.com, www.lidslockerroom.com, wwwlidsclubhouse.com, www.lidsteamsports.com and www.lids.ca. Operating out of Indianapolis, Indiana, the retail businesses make up more than 1,000 mall-based, airport, street level and factory outlet locations nationwide, and in Canada and Puerto Rico. LIDS retail stores offer officially licensed and branded headwear of collegiate teams, major professional sports teams, as well as other specialty fashion categories in the latest styles and colors. LIDS Locker Room is a mall-based retailer of sports headwear, apparel, accessories, and novelties which also operates under the Sports Fan-Attic and Sports Avenue retail concepts. Most LIDS and LIDS Locker Room stores also offer custom embroidery capability. LIDS Clubhouse operates team-specific professional sports and university athletics retail stores and e-commerce sites. LIDS Team Sports is a full-service team uniform and apparel dealer, custom screen printer, embroidery and sporting goods distributor. Hat World, Inc. is a subsidiary of Genesco Inc.

ABOUT GENESCO INC.
Genesco Inc., a Nashville-based specialty retailer, sells footwear, headwear, sports apparel and accessories in more than 2,440 retail stores throughout the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, principally under the names Journeys, Journeys Kidz, Shi by Journeys, Underground by Journeys, Schuh, Lids, Lids Locker Room, Johnston & Murphy, and on internet websites www.journeys.com, www.journeyskidz.com, www.shibyjourneys.com, www.undergroundbyjourneys.com, www.schuh.co.uk, www.johnstonmurphy.com,  www.lids.com,  www.lids.ca, www.lidslockerroom.com, www.lidsteamsports.com, www.lidsclubhouse.com , www.suregripfootwear.com and www.dockersshoes.com.  The Company’s Lids Sports Group division operates the Lids headwear stores and the lids.com website, the Lids Locker Room and other team sports fan shops and single team clubhouse stores, and the Lids Team Sports team dealer business.   In addition, Genesco sells wholesale footwear under its Johnston & Murphy brand, the licensed Dockers brand, SureGrip, and other brands. For more information on Genesco and its operating divisions, please visit www.genesco.com.

 

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RELEASE: LIDS Sports Group to Acquire Retail Stores from Fanatics, Inc.

FansEdge and Football Fanatics retail locations in Chicago, Jacksonville and Oklahoma markets to be rebranded under the Locker Room by LIDS retail banner

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., October 31, 2012 – The LIDS retail division, a multi-channel business unit of Indianapolis-based LIDS Sports Group, has reached an agreement with Florida-based Fanatics, Inc. to purchase 12 brick-and-mortar retail stores, comprised of nine FansEdge locations in the Greater Chicago area as well as one in Oklahoma and two Football Fanatics in Jacksonville, Fla.

Through this agreement the locations will be rebranded under the Locker Room by LIDS retail banner, to include region-specific storefronts such as Chicago Locker Room and Oklahoma Locker Room.  “We continue to look for opportunities to expand the LIDS brand, and this acquisition allows us the opportunity to align these new additions – which are positioned in great sports communities – with our evolving sports apparel retail concepts,” said LIDS Sports Group President Ken Kocher.

ABOUT LIDS SPORTS GROUP
The LIDS Sports Group, operating within Hat World, Inc., is comprised of the LIDS retail headwear stores, the LIDS Locker Room specialty fan retail chain, the LIDS Clubhouse retail stores, the LIDS Team Sports wholesale team sports business, and the Internet businesses www.lids.com, www.lidslockerroom.com, wwwlidsclubhouse.com, www.lidsteamsports.com and www.lids.ca. Operating out of Indianapolis, Indiana, the retail businesses make up more than 1,000 mall-based, airport, street level and factory outlet locations nationwide, and in Canada and Puerto Rico. LIDS retail stores offer officially licensed and branded headwear of collegiate teams, major professional sports teams, as well as other specialty fashion categories in the latest styles and colors. LIDS Locker Room is a mall-based retailer of sports headwear, apparel, accessories, and novelties which also operates under the Sports Fan-Attic and Sports Avenue retail concepts. Most LIDS and LIDS Locker Room stores also offer custom embroidery capability. LIDS Clubhouse operates team-specific professional sports and university athletics retail stores and e-commerce sites. LIDS Team Sports is a full-service team uniform and apparel dealer, custom screen printer, embroidery and sporting goods distributor. Hat World, Inc. is a subsidiary of Genesco Inc.

“In our mission to establish the LIDS brand as a one-stop shop for the fan, participant or both, this agreement offers LIDS Sports Group the chance to further expose the many other layers of our business to sports enthusiasts who are predominately only familiar with our headwear side,” said Kocher.

The LIDS Sports Group retail division will introduce its Custom Zone in-store customization capabilities to the recently acquired locations, which will carry an assortment of local and regional product offerings of officially licensed apparel and merchandise.  Customers will also be able to take advantage of the company’s gift card and LIDS Club loyalty card programs at each location.

Avengers everywhere...even at LIDS!

We just can't get enough of the Avengers. For a few days last month, everyone was fixated on The Hunger Games' box office – but now Avengers is on everyone's mind...it also doesn't hurt that it recorded the largest ever opening weekend. The Avengers is one of those rare movies, where fans are already returning for multiple viewings. Positive buzz will also help bring in those who previously had no interest in the movie to see what all the fuss is about.

Did you see The Avengers or are you planning on seeing it?  Leave a comment or send us a Facebook or Twitter post with your response!

Check out all the Avengers caps below available on lids.com!

The Campbell-Cardinals Tradition

By Glenn Campbell, Hat World/LIDS Co-Founder & Executive Vice President, @Wear_a_lid on Twitter

In 1970, when I was five years old, my dad took me to my first St. Louis Cardinals game.  In those days Lou Brock and Bob Gibson were in their prime, coming off of three World Series appearances in six years and winning two (very reminiscent of what just took place these last six years).  I was hooked.  Little did I know though at that young age it would take my beloved Redbirds 12 long years to get back to the World Series. 

For their next appearance, I was a junior in high school and was actually able to celebrate a World Series win.  I’ll never forget it.  The Cardinals then went on to play in the World Series in ‘85 and ‘87, however the team failed to clinch the championship both times and suffered painful loses in Game 7 of each.  Again, little did I know it would be 17 more years until the Cardinals were in another World Series (2004). This time I was 38 years old, married with four children; a stark contrast to being 22 and fresh out of college in ‘87.  The great thing about ’04 was that I had the opportunity to take my dad and return the favor from 34 years earlier, when he passed his love for the Cardinals on to me.

Now I fast forward to what just happened this season.  For Cardinals fans alike it’s already been documented how crazy a month it was, from being virtually out of contention with mere weeks left in the season to winning their 11^th World Series in franchise history.  This latest victory put the team in the top spot for most championships in the National League, and second in the sport overall just behind only the New York Yankees. 

Moments like these are so unpredictable, yet I tried to take advantage of every opportunity to share this experience with my family.  This year my wife and I took our 4 kids to multiple playoff and World Series games in St. Louis, and even had the opportunity to make it to Milwaukee and Texas for games.  Hopefully years from now our kids will understand how special this October was, and they will feel the same nostalgia that I did in 1970 when my dad took me to my first game.  And so the Campbell-Cardinals tradition continues…

A Redbirds fan without an official team cap? Not if we have anything to say about it. lids.com is your headquarters for St. Louis Cardinals hats, and all your favorite MLB team hats and accessories. LIDS has a complete selection of St. Louis Cardinals hats--including Authentic Collection, Franchise and more--in all the sizes and colors you need to support your Cards.

Lessons Learned

By Glenn Campbell, Hat World/LIDS Co-Founder & Executive Vice President, @Wear_a_lid on Twitter

A few weeks ago, I boarded a plane to Tampa for a business trip to visit some stores in the area.  While traveling is common in my line of work, on this particular flight I was seated next to a man who was enlisted in our armed services.  As the plane took off, we had a conversation that I will never forget and always be grateful for.

The man, Sgt. Matt Reddon, was headed back to Kurdistan, dubbed the “other Iraq.”  He had been in the Air Force for 30 years, and during his service had been deployed to areas like Kurdistan over a dozen times.  While he seemed eager to get there, I couldn’t help but think this was not an ideal location for him.  During our conversation, I also learned that his brother had just joined the military.  It was clear the sergeant was proud of him.  But on the subject of family, his voice grew softer as he expressed the hardest part of it all was leaving his wife and kids behind for extended periods of time.  I can only imagine how difficult that must be.  On this particular trip, he had a day’s worth of flying just to get to Kurdistan.  Who knows when he would return to his family.

After listening to a few of the stories he told, I thanked him for his service to our country.  That was the least I could do.  But what stuck with me the most was his response.  In that moment he said to me, “You don’t have to thank me; I do what I do, because I love my job.”  We parted ways, each headed to our own destinations as we both put on our headphones to drown out the noise of the busy airport.  However, I couldn’t help but replay his words in my head – he loves his job. WOW!  Now if he and the countless other men and women in the armed forces that risk their lives to protect our freedom feel that way about their jobs, how can I ever begin to complain about mine?  I thank you, Sgt. Reddon, for reminding me of the many blessings I have in my life, including my job.  God bless and stay safe.

-Glenn Campbell

Have a question for Glenn? You can follow him on Twitter or post your question on the LIDS Facebook wall.  Stay tuned for Glenn's next blog post on his thoughts about the World Series games against the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers.  

LIDS’ LEADER NUTS OVER MLB CARDINALS AND THEIR NEW FURRY MASCOT

By Glenn Campbell, Hat World/LIDS Co-Founder & Executive Vice President, @Wear_a_lid on Twitter

If you have been following the MLB playoffs at all in the last few weeks or watch any of the sports networks, you have no doubt heard about the St. Louis Squirrel. The infamous rodent now dubbed “The Rally Squirrel” by the St. Louis faithful has appeared in both of the Cardinals’ home playoff games. Well I have firsthand knowledge of this legend as he and I had a close encounter in Game 3 on October 4 in St. Louis.

I am a St. Louis Cardinals baseball “nut” you could say. I am certain that is what attracted the Rally Squirrel to me in the first place. I  have been a season ticket holder for the past 13 years and have been a Redbirds fan dating back to my childhood in the 1970s.

This 2011 season has been crazy for so many reasons. I try not to miss any Cardinals playoff games, home or away, but I made the mistake of booking some work-related business trips for early October back when the Cards were 10 ½ games out with a month to play. Oh boy, has my travel schedule been turned upside down! That is the last time I ever write-off my beloved Cardinals before they are mathematically eliminated. They overcame one of the largest deficits in history to make the playoffs on the last day of the season.

In an unbelievable five-game series, capped by one of the best pitching performances I have ever seen by Chris Carpenter, the Cardinals eliminated the Phillies in the divisional round of the playoffs. My Cards are currently tied at one game apiece with the Brewers in the NLCS. I am convinced none of this would be possible without the “Rally Squirrel.”

I was sitting in my front row seats just down the third baseline past the dugout with three buddies for Game 3 of the NLDS. The Cardinals were down 3-0, Philly clearly had the momentum, and we needed a spark. With two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning, play was stopped as our hero came on the field. The squirrel ran from right field all the way to second base then stopped and looked around. I assume he peaked at the scoreboard and saw his team trailing. He continued in my direction and stopped as if he was telling third base coach Jose Oquendo something and then came bounding right over to me.

If you were watching that portion of the national television broadcast like my wife and kids where, you saw one of my buddies reach over the wall and point at our little furry mascot. Then you saw yours truly – donning a red Cardinals hat with my sunglasses atop the visor – reach over and try to grab him. “What would you have done if you caught that squirrel?” I have been asked countless times over the past week. As I’ve told everyone, I was caught up in the moment and all I can remember thinking in that instant was, “Getting that squirrel would surely get me on ESPN SportsCenter’s Top Ten plays of the day.” Truth is, I just wanted to thank that squirrel for showing up and changing the mojo.

My Cards lost 3-2 that night but it wasn’t the squirrel’s fault. We stranded 14 base runners, nine after our furry friend came onto the field. Down two games to one, he came back during Game 4 on October 5 and darted across home plate while Skip Shumaker was batting. That squirrel clearly got inside Phillies pitcher Roy Oswalt’s head and the Cardinals went on to win 5-3 and tie the series at two games apiece. Then, just when you thought the Cardinals didn’t stand a chance heading back to Philly to face their ace pitcher Doc Halliday in Game 5, Rally Squirrel magically showed up again on the field in Philadelphia before the game. The rest, as the cliché goes, is history. Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter pitched the best game of his career, the Redbirds won, and are now in line to win their 11^th World Series in franchise history.

Everyone has opinions about superstitions and curses, and baseball has its fair share of animal-related lore. Ask Chicago Cubs fans about the Billy Goat of 1945 and the black cat of 1969. I am confident the Cardinals’ “Rally Squirrel” of 2011 can change history for St. Louis in a good way.  When I sit in my seats October 12 for Game 3 of the NLCS, I’ll have a new shirt on that gives a big shout out to my furry friend. The shirt will be available in LIDS, LIDS Locker Room and the Cardinals Clubhouse stores operated by LIDS in the St. Louis area. Don’t be surprised to see that squirrel on the field. My first purchase at the ball park that night will be a cold beverage and a big bag of peanuts. Big enough to share if my friend happens to come by and visit again.

Bring on the Madness!

As a college senior, I will tell you that there is no better time to be a college sports fan than in March.  March is home to passion, upsets, underdogs, last-minute shots, Cinderella teams, screaming fans, and most importantly heart. All I can say is bring on the Madness! Last year, I watched my team of Butler Bulldogs march their way to the Final Four and ultimately the National Championship.  A true Cinderella team.  As I gear up to hopefully cheer on my guys for another run this year, there are plenty of basketball teams that are looking to be must watches in the coming tournement.  Some will have to wait to see if their team made the lucky list for the tournement, while others are already making predictions on the title game.  Ohio State?  Jimmer Fredette and BYU?  Duke, again?

Whether your team is at the top of the list or whether you'll be crossing your fingers until the brackets are announced, make sure you have everything you need to support your team the right way. If you are looking to attend the games with a friend, LIDS has plenty of 2 for $25 NCAA Hats!  So, hurry and get the styles you want in order to cheer your team on to a National Championship!

Get ready to fill out those brackets because March is here and the teams are ready to make history!  Who do you think will make it to the Final Four?  What about the title game? And, of course, who is going to win it all?  Let us know your March predictions by leaving a comment on the LIDS Blog! 

 

Hats are so much better than chocolate!

Love is in the air!  Whether you're lovingly gazing into the eyes of someone special, drinking martinis with the girls to celebrate being single or buying chocolate on the cheap because VDay candy is now on sale, we've got a proposition for everyone.  Today is the day to fall in love...with a new hat!  Did we mention that we'll give you 25% off because we LOVE you!  Start falling in love today!

 

Super Bowl Sunday Parties Ramp Up

Are you hosting a Super Bowl party this weekend? Well, if so, you're not alone.  According to Hallmark Cards Inc., the Super Bowl represents the No. 1 at home party event of the year.  It even beats out New Year's Eve.  Whether you love the game and can't wait to see all the action or whether you love the commercials, the Super Bowl is a huge party night in America. According to Yahoo news, at least $55 million will be spent on food and drinks for The Big Game by at home party hosts.  I guess there is one thing that is recession proof in this economy and that's football.

Not everyone stays in for the big game, however.  Plenty of people pack sports bars and other venues for a bigger Super Bowl events.  For instance, Micheal Vick plans on hosting a Super Bowl party in which there is an actual "movie trailer." How many of you can say you attended a party with an actual trailer? I'll bet not many.  If you want to party with Vick though, you can.  Vick is throwing a massive party in Dallas where there will be off-duty SWAT team members patrolling the area to ensure the party doesn't get too out of control. 

 

Are you a stay at home Super Bowl party person or are you like Vick and enjoy a more public venue?  Do you tune in for the game, the commercials, the half time show, or do you just like everything Super Bowl?  Whatever you do, make sure you grab all you fan gear to get ready for the big game.  We'll also have Super Bowl Champ gear available for the winning team at lids.com immediately after the game.

The stage for Super Bowl XLV has been set

The stage for Super Bowl XLV has been set.  On Sunday, the Green Bay Packers were able to take down the Chicago Bears and solidify their place in this year’s Super Bowl, where they will take on the Pittsburg Steelers.  Green Bay fans aren't wasting any time by making sure they have their championship gear and their tickets in hand.  According to the Houston Chronicle, Green Bay fans started buying up their championship t-shirts and hats within hours of the game having concluded.  There are also fans scrambling to get their tickets for the big game with one man saying that he will go to Texas with or without a ticket in hopes of purchasing one once in Texas.   Green Bay fans have not gone to a Super Bowl since 1998 and fans sure are getting ready for this one.  If you're a Green Bay fan or a Steelers fan make sure that you get your championship gear whether you will be heading to the game or watching on your TV at home.   The Packer fans are ready to take home the title, but it won't be easy to take down Roethlisberger and the Steelers.  

Do you think that Green Bay can pull out a win, winning their first Super Bowl in over a decade?  Any predictions on the final score outcome?  
 

   

Fans enjoy playoffs with potential lockout looming

Fans are taking in all the football they can during this year's playoffs. According to the lastest television ratings, NFL fans are viewing in record numbers this playoff season.  While the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers game is a huge rivalry game, others fans are tuning in because they aren't sure the next time they'll get their football fix.  With talks of a lockout still looming after this NFL season wraps up, football lovers are soaking it all in. 

The league's collective bargaining agreement will expire on March 4 and many believe that a strike will follow.  With a relatively short amount of time remaining to mend the broken bridge, fans and players are concerned that there may not be a 2011-2012 NFL season. While it remains to be seen whether or not the issues will be resolved before next season, at least we have two great games that are heading our way this weekend. So instead of worrying about next year, gear up in full force and cheer on your favorite remaining team while you still can!

From one concerned fan to another, do you think next year's season will play out as scheduled?  If the NFL season is interrupted, what will you do or watch to occupy your time?

Big Sport's Week for Fans

    
This week has been a big week for sport fans everywhere.  With the start of the NFL postseason playoffs last weekend and the BCS national football championship, fans have had plenty to cheer about.   Auburn finished its perfect 14-0 season on Monday with a win against Oregon, winning the school's first national title in over 50 years.  With a national win under their belts, two Auburn players may be looking  to skip their senior year and enter the NFL draft.  Cam Newton, Auburn's star quarterback, already announced his decision to enter the draft. Lombardi Award winner Nick Fairley will announce his decision regarding the draft today.  If Fairley chooses to skip his senior year, it has been speculated that he could be the NFL draft's top overall pick.  If you are an Auburn fan and haven't had a chance yet to get your hands on a championship hat, stop by lids.com to score yours today!

Auburn fans weren't the only fans with something to cheer about this week.  With NFL wildcard games last weekend, it was the underdog and his fans who prevailed.  Seattle Seahawks beat out last year's Super Bowl Champs last Saturday in their win over the Saints.  Not only were the Saints a huge favorite to win, but the Seahawks were the only team ever to make the playoffs with a losing record.  That losing record came out with a big win on Saturday, and Seahawk fans have their eyes set on the next obstacle, the Chicago Bears. Many have said that Seattle has one of the loudest venues in the NFL.  Without the help of their loud fans at home, will Seattle be able to pull out another huge upset against da Bears?

A Game of Life or Death?

A devout Michigan State fan refused to undergo heart surgery this past Thursday, deferring the procedure until after Saturday's game against longtime rival Michigan.  Major Hester wanted to be able to watch the game on a television in Ann Arbor, and was willing to risk anything, even his life, to do so. 

The 69-year-old said he put off the surgery until the following week because he didn’t want to risk anything going wrong on the operating table that would prevent him from watching the game.  Hester said his doctor asked him twice if he really wanted to put off the surgery, and his reply both times was, "I'm watching the game."   

Major Hester wasn’t the only Spartans’ fan watching the game from a distance.  The Spartans’ own head football coach, Mark Dantonio, watched the game from a press box.  Dantonio suffered a heart attack on September 19, after the Michigan State overtime win against Notre Dame. 

The Spartans went into Saturday’s game ranked 17^th, while the Wolverines were ranked 18^th.  It was the first time since 1999 that the two teams met undefeated, both 5-0.  Fortunately for Hester and Dantonio, Michigan State pulled off a 34-17 win over Michigan, and ended their 1,071 day losing streak against the Wolverines.  The Spartans are now 6-0 for the first time since 1999.

As always, for you die-hard NCAA fans, don’t forget to check out lids.com for the latest and greatest selection of College Hats and NCAA apparel.

We want to know:  Have you ever put something important on hold just to watch a game? Share your comments with us or send us a tweet or a facebook post. 

UFC Tale of the Tape Presented by LIDS

Just a brief update from this past weekend's UFC 119 fights in Indianapolis.  As we mentioned on Friday, LIDS was the sponsor for the Tale of the Tape introductions before the fights.  For those of you who missed them, we thought we'd share a few pictures.  We also wanted to say thanks to our great partners at UFC! 

Be sure to get your UFC gear at LIDS so that you're ready for UFC 120 on October 16, 2010!  We're looking forward to some great fights in London!

Above: Frank Mir and Mirko Cro Cop are introduced to the crowd courtesy of the Tale of the Tape sponsored by LIDS.  Below: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Ryan Bader meet the crowd during the Tale of the Tape before taking to the Octagon. 

UFC 119: Tale of the Tape Sponsored by LIDS

Frank Mir and Mirko Cro Cop will step into the Octagon this Saturday night during UFC 119 in Indianapolis.  Before the fights though, be on the lookout for the Tale of the Tape sponsored by LIDS! 

LIDS is headquartered in Indianapolis and this weekend's fights have several Indiana connections.  The Tale of the Tape will proudly introduce Chris Lytle, an Indianapolis native and crowd pleaser, Matt Mitrione, a former Purdue University football player, Sean McCorkle, also from Indianapolis and Steve Lopez who hails from South Bend, Ind.  Look for these and other fighter introductions during the Tale of the Tape...presented by LIDS!  

Whether you're going to the fights in Indy or getting the pay-per-view and watching it with friends, don't forget to get your UFC gear.  We strongly advise looking the part and not necessarily acting the part.  Those beverages might make you feel like you can take on anyone, but you probably can't take on everyone.  So remember, look the part with UFC gear from LIDS, don't act the part...unless your Chris Lytle.

Which fight are you looking forward to the most?  Any predictions for Fight of the Night?

 

 

Monster Hats

One of the more frequent requests we receive is for Monster Energy hats.  So much so that we have a difficult time keeping them in stock.  However, we currently have two sick Monster Energy hats and a stylish tee available and wanted to share.

The Monster/Bong Fitted (shown right) is a collaboration between Billabong and Monster Energy.  It is a fitted New Era 59Fifty that features an embroidered Monster Energy logo on the front, Billabong logo patch on the back and New Era flag on the left wear side.  Billabong + Monster Energy + New Era = Gotta have it!

Monster Energy is well known among the action sports world for their sponsorship of some of today's top extreme athletes and events.  Monster Energy has sponsored everyone from Ken Block (rally car racer), Rob Dyrdek (skate and MTV reality TV personality), TJ Lavin (BMX and MTV's Real World/Road Rules Challenge host), Shane Dorian (surfer) and Ricky Carmichael (motocross rider turned NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver). 

In addition to his MX duties, Ricky Carmichael is now driving the No. 4 Monster Energy-backed Chevrolet Silverado for the high profile Kevin Harvick All-Stars team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.  Known as the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time), it's only fitting this this cap showcases some of the great brands of all time in the action sports realm.  Without further adieu, the Fox Racing Monster RC Replica Flex hat and Fox Racing Monster RC Replica Tee. 

So what do you think?  Will you be wearing the M-claw loud and proud?  Do you have a favorite Monster Energy sponsored athlete or perhaps a favorite Monster Energy drink? 

ACTION SPORTS SNEAK PEAK: JUNE 2010

New for June will be some fresh new styles that should help get summer rolling in a major way!  DC Shoes and New Era have teamed up for some collaborations that are super hot!  Fox Racing has come strong with some cool new styles.  Hurley will be back with some of their best new designs.  You will also see new product from Alpinestars, Metal Mulisha, Skin Industries, Famous, Element, Nixon, Quiksilver, and Billabong.  Below are four new styles you can expect to see in the next few weeks......

DC SHOES LASPSE 210 FLEX

DC Shoes has teamed up with Flexfit to produce this vibrant summer style.  This is a 210 flex and will only be available in the color shown below.

FOX RACING LATIN BASE FLEX

This new style screems Fox Racing!   It features both a screened and embroidered logo creating a very unique "Fox Riders" logo.  This will be available in black, white, and red. 

METAL MULISHA DESCENDANT FLEX

Metal Mulisha continues to come hard with another style that exemplifies everything Metal Mulisha.  Edgy and tough are what I think of when I see this style.  This is available in black.

HURLEY PUERTO RICO PLAID FLEX

The legend is back!  This plaid style has been featured on board shorts, t-shirts, and has been a staple in our collection.  This will be available in black, white, gray, and navy. The Puerto Rico plaid never goes out of style!

Be on the lookout for these styles at lids.com and a store near you......

FOX RACING IN-STORE PROMO

Fox Racing and Lids have teamed up for a special in-store promo starting April 29th.  All styles shown below will be available in stores and Lids.com.  Get there fast as they will only be available for a limited time..... 

TOP SHELF FLEX

DESTRUCTOR FLEX

CAMPLOSION FLEX

ACTION SPORTS SNEAK PEAK: MAY 2010

May will be an exciting month for all you Action Sports fans as we are bringing in some heavy hitters to get the summer kicked off right!  Energy drink collaborations will be in full effect, we have some hot new plaid styles for you fashion geeks, also we are reloading with some of our best styles for 2010.  May will be hot!  Below are a few of the styles hitting Lids.com and stores in May:

BILLABONG - MONSTER NE FITTED

Billabong has teamed up with Monster Energy and New Era to create this masterpiece.  Under the Monster logo is an offset tonal Billabong wave logo.

METAL MULISHA MUGSHOT NE FITTED

The M/M skull says it all....ROCKSTAR!  Another collaboration featuring Metal Mulisha, Rockstar Energy, and New Era. 

FOX RACING SKEPTIC 210 FLEX

Sometimes simple but stylish is all you need.  Don't be fooled by the picture though, the under-visor matches up to the plaid fill.  Hot!!!

DC SHOES OK THEN FLEX

Tonal camo print with an oversized DC logo.  The picture says it all!

NO BAD IDEAS CLOTHING COMPANY

New to Lids.com and select stores will be a new installment of the No Bad Ideas fashion headwear line.  Check out these hot new styles below and let us know what you think!

            BENTLEY PLAID FLEX                                          BENTLEY STRIPE FLEX

                       

            UNION JACK TRUCKER                                          BENTLEY STRIPE FLEX

                             

LIDS Now Offers International Shipping

We are continually trying to improve our selection and services by listening to your suggestions.  One of the most frequent comments we receive is that we should ship to other countries.  As a result, we recently enhanced our online shopping experience for Canadian shoppers by launching lids.ca.  In addition, we are pleased to announce that we have taken another step to offer awesome hats around the globe! 

Introducing...(drum roll, please)...International Shipping at LIDS!  We have partnered with a trusted third-party company to fulfill orders for our international customers. The items in your cart will automatically be transferred into an iShopUSA cart where you may pay with international credit cards, PayPal and bank wire transfers. iShopUSA will process your payment and guarantee delivery.

Check out the steps below to find out how you can get your hands on hats--no matter where you're at!

Step 1: Shop lids.com and find your killer hat!  Select your size and add it to your cart. 

Step 2:  When you're ready to checkout, select the gray International Checkout button (just below the red Secure Checkout button).

Step 3:  After clicking the green Proceed to iShopUSA button, the items in your cart will be transferred to your iShopUSA cart.  Upon clicking this button, you will be leaving lids.com.

Step 4: Continue checking out through iShopUSA.  You will be given the option to select your currency and add in your shipping information.

 

Cap Collaboration: DC Shoes, Subaru & Monster Energy Cap

We've blogged in the past about a new hat in the works from DC Shoes, Monster Energy and Subaru...well...the much anticipated cap is now in stock!

Rather than explaining the awesomeness of the Lets Block Monster Flex cap we'll simply show it to you.  This cap is named after Ken Block, co-founder of DC Shoes and rally car racing icon.  With so many sick brands collaborating on a single hat, it isn't likely this hat will be around long.  Get your Lets Block Monster Flex cap before they're gone!  And if you're looking to be entertained, check out some of the sweet videos on the Monster World Rally Team's YouTube page.    

          

Crashed Ice: Hot or Not?

It is common for sports fans during the Olympics to debate their favorite Olympic sport or suggest new competitions that should be introduced.  Clearly the popularity of the XGames indicates the world likes a certain amount of change from time to time.  A LIDS staffer recently stumbled upon a relatively new and obscure winter sport: Crashed Ice.  Below is a kickin' YouTube link, but basically it’s a wild cross between hockey and snowboardcross…and looks waaay "cool"!  Four racers at a time, dressed in hockey equipment, whip down what looks like a large bobsled run, battling to stay on their skates.  They hurdle over jumps and ledges, down steep sections and around four hairpin turns.  Quebec City in Canada – home to some of LIDS’ newest stores – is the best-known North American host city for this annual event which draws rambunctious crowds of more than 50,000.  The 2010 event is scheduled for March 20.  Did someone say, “ROADTRIP!”?

We want to know, “What do you think of Crashed Ice and should it be a new Olympic or XGames sport?”  Tell us what you think of Crashed Ice by leaving a comment for us here, on Twitter or by answering the Lids Daily Facebook Poll.  We'd love to hear from someone who has braved the ice!

Lids Black Friday Midnight Madness Super Sale

Lids Black Friday Midnight Madness Super Sale...woah, that is a long title.  Lucky for you though, that long title means lots of savings!

Select Lids/Hat World/Hat Shack stores will open at midnight on Black Friday to offer an added convenience for those looking to score some great deals. Stop by any of these participating Midnight Madness Super Sale stores to experience the Super Sale on Black Friday at midnight. Details of the sale are below:

• Marked down headwear will be adjusted to only $5!
• New Era fitted caps that were previously $15 and $20 will be adjusted to only $10!
• New Era fitted caps that were previously $25 will be adjusted to only $15!
• Marked down apparel will be adjusted to only $10!

*See store for details. Super Sale excludes Ed Hardy merchandise.

In addition to the Super Sale on marked down merchandise, Lids will be offering Super BOGO. Buy One, Get One half off! This includes most New Era fitted caps and branded action hats. Typically, our fitted fashion caps and branded hats are excluded from BOGO, but not for this very special day. Stop by Lids/Hat World/Hat Shack to stock up on killer caps for a fraction of the price with Super BOGO!

View Participating Midnight Madness Stores Here

*See store for details. Offers may vary between stores.

Lids.ca is Now Open!

Many of our Canadian customers have been waiting a long time for a Lids Canadian website.  Well, my friends, the wait is over!  We are excited to announce the introduction of lids.ca!  We are pumped to offer this additional convenience for all of our hat-loving Canadians, eh!

Lids.ca will look and feel like the current Lids website; however, you'll notice a few great features that we hope will make your life easier.  

• Lids.ca displays pricing in Canadian dollars--no need for your currency converter here.
• Lids.ca offers FREE shipping to your local Canadian store.  Simply order online and choose which store you'd like to pick your order up.  We'll ship it to your local store at no cost to you and an associate will contact you when your order has arrived.
• Lids.ca rewards you with FREE ground shipping when you purchase $60 or more. 
• Lids.ca is DUTY FREE! All orders are shipped from our Canadian Distribution Center so no duty will be charged to your order.

While lids.ca offers many great new features for our Canadian customers, you'll still see the latest and greatest assortment of hats and caps and superior customer service that you've come to expect.  We're dedicated to bringing you Your Team, Your Style, Your Size!

Check out lids.ca and leave us a comment on your thoughts.  Thanks to all of our loyal customers, wherever you may be.

Knit Hats: Are you ready for the cold?

At Lids we take pride in offering the biggest and best selection of cold weather headwear styles in the market.  Whether you prefer to show support for your favorite team or just want to make a fashion statement, we have it all!!!  Visit lids.com or your local LIDS store to see what's new for this winter.  Here is a sampling of some our hot new styles....

TEAM STYLES

BRANDS

FASHION

HURLEY PROMO

Hurley and Lids are teaming up for a huge in-store promo featuring one of the hottest new styles in the Branded Action category, the Hurley Hard Device.  This pre-curve flex style features a unique all over print with a Hurley script running along the side.  This style is a Lids exclusive, so you better act fast before it's too late.  Check out the pics below.....

HURLEY HATS: HARD DEVICE FLEX

 

DC SHOES PROMO

Starting Thursday, September 24th, DC Shoes and Lids are teaming up for a special promotion highlighting the latest and greatest from DC Shoes.  Here is a sneak peak into some hot new DC Shoes styles you will see at a store near you.

DC SHOES LOOK AT IT FLEX

DC SHOES HAMMY FLEX

DC SHOES GOOBER FLEX

NEW RELEASES - ACTION SPORTS - AUGUST

ALPINESTARS HATS

Alpinestars Top Riders 210 Flex.  This flatbill style features a raised A-Star center logo over an all-over tonal print.  Top Riders is available in black and white.

 

FOX RACING HATS

Fox Racing Explosion Flatbill Flex.  This style features an offset Foxhead logo over an all-over print that matches directly to the summer apparel line.  The Explosion is available in black/white/yellow and black/gray/red.  A new color, black/white/blue, will be hitting stores in September. 

DC SHOES HATS

DC Shoes R & X Flex.  This colorblock style features an offset oversized DC logo.  The R & X is available in red/white and black/white.

 

SKIN INDUSTRIES HATS

Skin Industries Hatch Flex.  This style features both the Skin script and corporate babe offset over an all over tribal print.  The Skin Hatch is only available in black.

X GAMES XV

Starting Thursday X-Games 15 will begin its annual high wire act at Staples Center in Los Angeles.  All the big stars will be in attendance as well as the iconic brands, DC Shoes, Fox Racing, Metal Mulisha and Hurley which serve as the backbone for the Action sports industry.  Coverage begins Thursday at 8pm on ESPN. 

Check out LIDS to get all the latest Action sports headwear styles. 

Deegan knows rally racing?

Freestyle MX superstar Brian Deegan announces his intention to race rally cars in the 2009 X Games.  Given his track record, I imagine it will be a huge success!

BRIAN DEEGAN BIO

Via Metal Mulisha

Man was meant to fly....

This may be the most amazing video I have ever seen!

NEW RELEASES - ACTION SPORTS - JUNE

METAL MULISHA HATS

Metal Mulisha Rockstar Team hat.  The first of its kind, this mash-up style combines the bad boys of Metal Mulisha with Rockstar energy drink forming a very edgy look that will be the envy of every kid on the street.

DC SHOES HATS

DC Shoes Fatter New Era fitted.  The all-over print matches directly to their apparel line, creating a very tight look.  This is available in black/blue and red/white.

FOX RACING HATS

Fox Racing Sovereign flex style.  The screened images from this style are similar to images on t-shirts in their apparell line.  This is available in white, black, red, yellow, and green.

FAMOUS HATS

Famous Family flex.  This hat stands for everything "Famous."  The family logo symbolizes all members of the Famous Stars and Straps family.  This style is available in black, white, and red.