Washington Wizards All-Star Gilbert Arenas, along with 50 children from his Zer0 Two Her0 Foundation, unveiled his wax figure today at Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. Arenas posed side-by-side with his wax double and the children, who all donned Washington Wizards’ jerseys for the occasion. The figure sports his signature #0 Washington Wizards home uniform, which was donated by Arenas. The wax figure will be a part of the attraction’s sports area alongside figures of other legendary athletes, including Evander Holyfield, Tiger Woods, Babe Ruth and Muhammad Ali.
“Gilbert Arenas is one of today’s most beloved basketball players — both in Washington D.C. and on a national stage,” said Janine DiGioacchino, General Manager, Madame Tussauds New York and Washington D.C. “As we move into our second year in the nation’s capital, we are thrilled to have a figure of the Washington Wizards’ fan favorite in our attraction.”
“It is an honor to join the ranks of sports icons such as Muhammad Ali and Tiger Woods by being immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.,” said Arenas. “Like the Wizards, Madame Tussauds has become a fixture in the nation’s capital and one that I’m proud to be a part of.”
In order to create the incredibly lifelike figure, a team of Madame Tussauds studio artists flew in from London, UK to conduct a figure sitting with Arenas at the Verizon Center earlier this year. Arenas was an enthusiastic participant in the creation of his wax figure – the sitting alone took more than two hours as the studio artists took hundreds of measurements and photos, as well as selected eye, hair and skin tone matches for his figure. The figure creation process is incredibly intricate. Artists insert each strand of hair individually; the creation of Arenas’ figure’s head took nearly five weeks to complete.
Since joining the NBA, Arenas has been a popular figure in the league. Nicknamed The Hibachi and Agent Zero, he has transformed himself from a relative unknown to an NBA All-Star and a bona fide fan favorite. His Agent Zero Blog on NBA.com, in which he offers fans an inside look into his whirlwind life with witty insights, is widely considered the top blog of any professional athlete today.
Off the court, Arenas is passionate about several charities, including his own Zer0 2 Her0 Foundation, which helps promote the safety and well being of children by raising funds to support organizations that aid in the preservation of families through foster care, adoption and child welfare services.
Fifty 7th and 8th grade students from James Madison Middle School in Prince George’s County, Maryland were part of the figure unveiling. The students were recipients of Arenas’ Zer0 2 Her0 Foundation Christmas Dream program, and James Madison Middle School was a recipient of his Scores for Schools program last season. Through Scores for Schools, Arenas donates $150 for every point he scores during Washington Wizards’ home games.
Washington Wizards’ fans will get to see Arenas’ wax figure again tomorrow when it makes its appearance at center court during the Wizards game against Houston at the Verizon Center.
Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. is located within walking distance of the National Mall and the White House with its entrance on the corner of F and 10th Streets. With a limited time offer of $10 tickets for adults and seniors and $8 for kids ages 12 and under, now is the time to visit D.C.’s interactive “must do” attraction. For more information, visit www.madametussaudsdc.com or call 202-942-7300.
About Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.:
Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. is a fully interactive, full-sensory experience, where visitors are able to touch, see and hear major historical events and celebrities in a way unlike any other Washington D.C. attraction. Recent additions to the attraction include the beloved Jonas Brothers exhibit, where guests can snuggle up to figures of the famed trio and rock out with them on a pair of Gibson Guitars and a drum set. Wax figures of superstars Penelope Cruz, Tyra Banks and Denzel Washington were recently introduced as well. The attraction is located within walking distance of the National Mall and the White House. The entrance is on the corner of 10th and F Streets. For more information, visit www.madametussaudsdc.com or call 202-942-7300.
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