Scoop B: Philadelphia 76ers arena host, Christian Crosby is rapidly becoming Philly’s IT guy

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Christian Crosby

Basketball Society’s Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson talks hoops with Rolling With Ramos Podcast. Press Play Below To Listen!

Christian Crosby is the guy in Philadelphia, literally!

As the in-game host of all Philadelphia 76ers home games, he’s on the microphone and engaging with fans, getting the team hyped up and conversing with legends sitting courtside, like NBA Hall of Famers Allen Iverson, Julius “Dr. J.” Erving and more.

Philly is a hoppin’ city, right about now!

After the Philadelphia Eagles’ big Super Bowl 52 win and the superb play of the Sixers tandem that is Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, Philly has something to believe in.

In the words of Drake: ‘what a time to be alive?!

In addition to his role with the Sixers, Crosby is hosting events outside of Wells Fargo Fargo Center. You name it, he’s there: NBA All-Star Weekend, Under Armor, BET and more!

 

He’s also the face of his Live Life NICE Brand. In between his busy schedule, Christian Crosby caught up with Basketball Society in a brief Q&A.

Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson: How cool is it to literally begin your journey with the Philadelphia 76ers?

Christian Crosby: In 2006, I started as a member of the “Hare Raisers,” the 76ers trampoline dunk team. As a young kid growing up loving the Sixers, being on the court was unbelievable. But I wanted to further develop my career with the organization and soon earned a full-time position in-game presentation. That changed my life. I loved it. Four seasons ago, they gave me the mic, and I had the opportunity to bring my energy back to the court as the in-arena host.  Most career journeys don’t start with dunking from trampolines, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson: As in game arena host, you are literally engaging with fans but you do a lot of prep work leading into games. You also grew up in the area. Is the in-game host of the Philadelphia 76ers a dream job? What is the biggest misconception of your job?

Christian Crosby: Of course! Are you kidding me? It is indeed a fun job. I’m blessed and do not take it for granted. However, I’d say it’s a lot more work than people might think! There is a lot of detail and planning leading up to any game or video, like scheduling production, talent and shoot locations, writing and memorizing scripts and research. But things always change. While it’s hard, it’s more fun than anything else. As a real fan, I find myself thinking all the time “I can’t believe this is really happening…”

Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson: Julius Erving, Allen Iverson, World B. Free and Charles Barkley are some of the Sixers legends that you’ve spent time with at Sixers related functions. What’s special about those encounters with them for you?

Christian Crosby: It’s such a good feeling to become friends with people you look up to. It’s an even better feeling to experience love, support, and guidance from them as well. I’ve had the opportunity to bond with these guys are there is simply NOTHING LIKE IT. These guys are true leaders. Such amazing men they are. They are also… really… unbelievably… hilarious. These guys are NBA legends. I love getting the opportunity to experience things with them. It’s surreal every single time. I think the videos I post with them showcase that.

Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson: What does Trust The Process mean to you?

Christian Crosby: Sixers fans are also the most relentless, passionate, and dedicated fans in the world. Everyone says that, right? But really though… Philly fans are the best. I think those 3 words sum them up perfectly.

Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson: How has the success of the 76ers this season revitalized the city of Philadelphia?

Christian Crosby: We’re finally at that “moment” that Philly and Sixers fans have been waiting for. It’s just really exciting and speaks volumes to not only the fans but the organization as a whole. Philly fans are some of the most passionate in the world, and for us to finally witness this “moment” coming together… it’s something really special, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of it. I’m so blessed to have seen the rise of the 76ers organization. Philly has been waiting for this. It’s finally here. I see the Sixers logo everywhere now. The sports publications are taking notice. It’s growing and it feels good to have the spotlight back on our city. We deserve it. All of us.

Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson: What makes this Sixers team special?

Christian Crosby: The team. The players. The people. These guys are so genuine and so “Philly.” They are true to who they are… and they are trendsetters. We don’t worry about what others think or what others say. We bond. We set our own pace and our own standard…and we just go. It’s special. Our guys are special and it’s not hard to notice. I love that. Seeing the character of these guys both on and off the court makes me so proud to be part of this organization.

Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson: When you’re not in character as the face of the Sixers…Christian Crosby is doing what?

Christian Crosby: I always knew that I wanted to be an entrepreneur so I started working on developing my own company, “Live Life Nice.” For a few years, I had balanced working on my own company and working for the 76ers. When the Sixers Innovation Lab launched, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to really grow and develop Live Life Nice by learning from the best, while also continuing my relationship with the 76ers organization.

I approached the Managing Director, Seth Berger, in passing and pitched him on the spot. Within 48 hours or so, we had a formal meeting on the calendar. Now, here we are. Live Life Nice is a cause-driven Digital Media & Apparel Company dedicated to empowering, motivating and inspiring people to be nice and do nice. We have already acquired some major partnerships and have some really big announcements in the upcoming months. I honestly couldn’t be more excited about it. God is good.

Aside from that, when I’m not working on Live Life Nice or hosting 76ers games, I’m most likely just enjoying life, networking or spending time with my family and friends. I love going bowling even though I’m awful at it.

When I have the time, I am also a huge travel junkie. I love traveling and going to new places.

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