Jay-Z’s 2003 40/40 Club Launch: A Look Back As The Flagship Comes To A Close

Jay-Z’s New York City club and sports bar, The 40/40 Club, came to a close this week after 20 years in business. While the establishment is set to re-open in a different locale in 2024 — perhaps a Times Square casino? — the club’s original home on 6 W 25th St in Manhattan’s Flatiron neighborhood is filled with history thanks to the countless A-list shindigs to be held at the venue, including several hosted by the Brooklyn boy himself.

In celebration of the iconic space, take a walk down memory lane with VIBE as we take in the very first, star-studded event to go down at the 40/40, it’s 2003 opening night launch party. Guests of Hov’s included then-girlfriend Beyoncé — who stayed close to Jay’s family throughout the night — a pre-championship LeBron James, former business partner Dame Dash, Derek Jeter, Magic Johnson, Kanye West, the late Heavy D and several others.

“I love sports,” Jay-Z shared at the time, “and wanted to create an environment that is conducive to match my lifestyle, while watching the games at the same time.”

Check out party snaps from The 40/40’s opening night below.

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