Kobe Bryant Day: Purple and Gold Ferris Wheel Lighting at Santa Monica Pier

The Ferris wheel at Santa Monica Pier will be lit up in honor of Kobe Bryant on his special day.

In a heartfelt tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, the iconic Ferris wheel at Santa Monica Pier in Southern California will be illuminated in honor of the basketball legend. The numbers 8 and 24, representing Bryant's jersey numbers, will be bathed in purple and gold lights, symbolizing Kobe Bryant Day. This date, known as Black Mamba Day or Mamba Day to fans, was specifically chosen to align with Bryant's numbers and falls one day after his birthday, which would have been his 45th.

To commemorate this special occasion, Nike has unveiled the Nike Kobe 8 Protro "Halo" shoe. Vanessa Bryant, Kobe Bryant's widow, collaborated with the company to design this sneaker. The Ferris wheel lights will be visible from dusk until 11:35 p.m., allowing visitors to witness this touching tribute firsthand. Santa Monica's Pacific Park has released a statement acknowledging Kobe Bryant's significant impact on the sport and the millions of fans who adored him. They express their intention to honor his legacy by revisiting three of his most extraordinary and unforgettable performances from his illustrious career.

The program will highlight Bryant's remarkable 81-point game in January 2006, his heroic performance in Game 4 of the 2000 NBA Finals, and his unforgettable display during his final NBA game in April 2016. For those unable to attend in person, the lighting program can be viewed online at pacpark.com/live.

Kobe Bryant, a revered figure in the world of basketball, achieved great success throughout his career, winning five NBA championships and earning a spot in the prestigious Basketball Hall of Fame. Tragically, he lost his life at the age of 41 in a helicopter crash in Calabasas on January 26, 2020, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others. This tribute serves as a reminder of the indelible mark Bryant left on the sport and the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.