Last Friday, 19 September, the moment finally arrived: the eagerly awaited release of the Nike Mars Yard 3.0 was on the agenda. This time, the release did not take place at the Overkill Store, but at our fashion boutique GATE, where we welcomed the sneaker community to an unforgettable event. Days before, it was already clear that this release would cause a stir and might even be the drop of the year for Nike lovers. The first campers arrived from England on Wednesday evening to secure a spot at the front of the queue. From then on, the waiting list was regularly checked every hour, and a real full camp-out with international guests emerged, just like in the old days. Despite the long nights, the atmosphere was relaxed, and the community supported each other. To make the wait a little more pleasant for everyone, the team handed out fresh coffee to those waiting on Friday morning. At 12 noon sharp, everyone was let into the courtyard of the GATE. There, a showroom decorated with attention to detail awaited them: decorated with graphics from the official campaign, it provided the perfect stage for the release. Here, buyers could choose their size. The number of items was strictly limited, but almost everyone on the list was able to get a pair. In between, the ISRU app and points were checked, which added an extra element of excitement. Despite the hype, the crowd remained respectful, the atmosphere relaxed, and the event ran smoothly, just as you would want for an event of this size. There was a very special highlight at the end: the last pair of Mars Yards 3.0 was awarded in a spontaneous game of rock, paper, scissors. After five exciting rounds, one lucky winner secured the sneakers.

Conclusion: The Mars Yard release at GATE & Overkill showed how strong the sneaker community is. An event that proves once again that releases are not just a purchase for us, but an experience.