Bar in Victory Park Hosts Fundraiser and $7.77 Specials for Luka's Return as a Laker

ChopSports in Victory Park is, like much of the city, preparing for Luka Doncic's first "away" game in Dallas this week. But instead of being a mix of sad and furious, as many in the Mavs fandom still are, they're doing something good with their energy.

The "77 for 77" fundraiser and celebration will kick off at noon on Wednesday, April 9, at ChopSports in Victory Park on the southside of the arena, literally across the sidewalk from the main entrance. Triathlete Brian Goldsmith will run 77 laps around the American Airlines Center wearing a Doncic jersey. ChopSports will also have seven food and drink specials for $7.77, as well as giveaways and raffle items every hour until tip-off at 6:30 p.m. The raffle prizes include a Doncic jersey, limited-edition basketballs, Mavs tickets and gift cards.

Here's the real kicker — or step back three-pointer — 77% of the proceeds from the day will benefit the Luka Doncic Foundation, which focuses on youth development through play spaces and by using the power of sports and creativity to foster wellness.

The 77 laps Goldsmith will run is about 28 miles, a wee bit more than a marathon (26.2); he's aiming for a sub-3.5-hour time. You may remember the Dallasite from the 2023 Dallas Marathon when he set the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon completed in a football uniform.

Josh Babb, a co-owner of ChopSports, says that the "77 for 77" fundraiser is a way to honor Doncic's contributions to Dallas.

"Although Luka may now be playing in Los Angeles, his connection to Dallas remains strong, and the bond this city has with him is unshakeable," Babb said. "This fundraiser is our way of showing that loyalty to Luka doesn’t end when he changes uniforms — we stand behind the vision and impact of his foundation."

Lakers and Mavs fans are welcome to the event. Admission is free, and non-ticket holders can watch the game at the restaurant.

The seven food and drink specials include a Triple Double (3 double cheeseburger sliders), Three Point Nachos and "And One" (a Texas-lager braised brat).

For drinks, get Welcome Home Snow Cones (there's a non-alcoholic option for kids), a Luka Magic Margarita and Luka's Revenge, which is spiced rum, blue curacao, pineapple juice, Angostura bitters and Gran Gala.

There's a good chance that Luka's real revenge will be seeing the Mavs getting bounced from the playoffs in round one, while perhaps his new team makes a deeper run.