Step into the ZONE

In contemporary society, the name of the game has almost completely become ENTERTAINMENT. The music industry, the sports industry, the film industry, television, and radio have taken over the free time of most American families and have become some of the world largest and influential companies. In a close second place are companies that thrive off of American consumerism and our obsession with shopping. So, it only makes sense to combine their efforts and create Disney World like locations where the occupant can spend money and be entertained at the same time. The goal of all retail chains has always been to keep the customer in the store for the maximum time and to keep them coming back for more. What better way to do this then to combine their favorite pop star, their favorite movie, or their favorite television show with the experience of shopping. In the article “Entertainment Returns to Gotham,” the authors make note of the soon to be established Sportscenter in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, this location is now known as ESPN ZONE and has flourished as an icon of the UEC that Rubin, Gorman, and Lawry have analyzed. The visitor can step into the studio of ESPN and witness, first hand, the filming of Sportscenter while they enjoy a burger or play basketball with their friends on the multiple indoor courts. Similar locations have developed all over the globe and are leading the industry of both consumerism and entertainment.