A fan receives an Arsenal tattoo at a special event in Brooklyn
Painting the town red and white
By Mat Newman
If it weren't for the whirring of electric needles, you might have mistaken Three Kings Tattoo Shop in Brooklyn for the official headquarters of Arsenal America this weekend. The reason? The NYC Arsenal Supporters celebrated Arsène Wenger's birthday and the 125th Anniversary of Arsenal with international tattoo artist and life-long gunner Alex McWatt for a truly Arsenal till I die sort of event.
On Saturday, October 22nd, McWatt invited NYC Gunners into Three Kings Tattoo for the day for a chance to pick up $18.86 Arsenal tattoos, celebrating the Club's debut season.
The day was a tremendous success, with fans flooding into Three Kings from noon all the way to closing time at 11 pm. All told, McWatt and a team of two other artists inked over 140 tattoos, with nearly 20 more fans left wanting due to a big rush late in the evening. Several local media outlets covered the event, and fans were even treated to fresh pies, rolls and tea from Myers of Keswick while they queued.
Three Kings offered supporters their choice of 18 beautiful designs, including the day's favorite old (leftward-facing) cannon, the art deco crest of Highbury old and The Modern Gooner logo, the official NYC Arsenal Supporters blog.
"It was fun getting the chance to put all this iconic Arsenal imagery on people who care so much about the team," said McWatt during a break in the day. "It's exhausting doing so many pieces in one go, but it's a lot of fun too. The NYC gunners have been awesome all day long, and it's really great knowing that everyone sitting down in the chair wanted to talk football."
"It's fantastic seeing so many people that are this passionate for the Arsenal," said Kurtis Powers of the NYC Arsenal Supporters and Arsenal America. "It goes to show how much our support has grown in America. People have travelled from well outside of NYC to take part in this event with us, and I think it's really exciting. We'll obviously remember this day for the rest of our lives!"
The ink-related festivities aren't over yet, either. After a few weeks of healing time, a follow-up event will take place at The Blind Pig in Manhattan, the home of the NYC Arsenal Supporters. The club plans to show off everyone's new art on the big screen after a match, and McWatt will be on-hand to donate the framed, original flash art for permanent display in the Blind Pig.
For more information visit the NYC Arsenal Supporters Facebook page or . Arsenal FC has no affiliation with and is not responsible for any offers or work by Three Kings Tattoos.
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