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Melbourne basketball fans can attend Kobe Bryant meet and greet … for $7995

Melbourne basketball fans have the chance to attend a “one-on-one” meet, greet and photo with NBA superstar Kobe Bryant early next month. But they’ll have to cough up an eye-watering amount of cash for the “super VIP experience”.

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Promoters of Kobe Bryant’s in-conversation event in Melbourne have defended the eye-watering $7995 price tag for a meet, greet and photo with the basketball superstar.

Bryant will host his “Mamba Mentality Experience” at Crown Palladium on March 6.

The event includes Bryant in a conversation about his life, an elite sporting career, tips for success, and an audience Q&A.

For the well-heeled, Bryant is also open for business backstage.

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A “super VIP experience” — costing $7995.90 — includes a “one-on-one professional meet and greet,” photo with Kobe Bryant, limited edition signed basketball in a glass case, and a front-row seat at the show.

Also included is a merchandise box containing a signed LA Lakers Kobe Bryant jersey, limited edition book, tour poster, art of sport pack, hologram card, and a lanyard.

A $5495 VIP package buys a second row seat the show, a photo with Bryant, signed jersey, a basketball, tour poster and book.

A $2995.90 bundle buys a photo with Bryant, signed jersey, tour poster and lanyard.

Promoters of Kobe Bryant’s in-conversation event in Melbourne have defended the eye-watering $7995 price tag for a meet, greet and photo with the basketball superstar. Picture: Kevork Djansezian/Getty
Promoters of Kobe Bryant’s in-conversation event in Melbourne have defended the eye-watering $7995 price tag for a meet, greet and photo with the basketball superstar. Picture: Kevork Djansezian/Getty
Kobe Bryant in action for the Los Angeles Lakers. Picture: Harry How/Getty Images/AFP
Kobe Bryant in action for the Los Angeles Lakers. Picture: Harry How/Getty Images/AFP

Bryant is being toured by the Hour Group and streetwear retailer Culture Kings.

Tour publicist Max Markson said most of the 2000 tickets for Bryant’s event cost between $150 and 250.

He also defended the cost of Bryant’s VIP packages, which are usually bought by “avid fans” or “corporate clients.”

“If you wanted to get a meet and greet with Kobe overseas you would have to spend $1500 to fly to LA, another $600 on a hotel, $300 on food and transfers and then try and get a photo with him which is just about impossible,” Markson said.

He added: “These meet and greet and photo opportunities are actually quite inexpensive at $2000 each, in my opinion.

“It’s not like people have to buy one. They’re not forced to spend the money (on) this unique opportunity.”

He said promoters sold 50 VIP packages on Friday, adding: “The proof is in the pudding.”

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/melbourne-basketball-fans-can-attend-kobe-bryant-meet-and-greet-for-7995/news-story/a0e8a89bb18fa6a9eda3383ef1931306