(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Ahead of Derrick Rose night at the United Center this weekend, hundreds of fans lined up in the Loop for the one-day-only pop-up flower shop hosted by the former Bulls star.
The event is one of many planned ahead of "Derrick Rose Night" during the Bulls' game against New York Knicks at the United Center Saturday.
"Being from Chicago? It's number one. It's number one," Chicagoan Larry Taylor said.
That's how Taylor ranks meeting Derrick Rose on his list of things he's ever done.
"Very humble, very cool, very calm guy. Seeing him play, meeting him, and seeing that he's the type of person who we believe he is is awesome… It was amazing," Taylor said.
Taylor was the first one in line, he waited over 15 hours to meet the former Bulls player. He started lining up as soon as he saw Rose had posted a short video to his Instagram teasing the event, that included sleeping in his car overnight.
The event is described as a one-day-only flower shop where fans can "send roses to someone who has impacted their journey."
Taylor says he sent a rose to his wife.
"I once told my wife that I would never buy her flowers and instead I planted some in the backyard for her. Now she can get some "D-Roses" from Rose."
Claudia Izquierdo traveled around 1,500 miles from Texas for the game Saturday, which is also her 29th birthday. She was just hoping to just get a glance of Rose at the pop-up.
"I think that would make my life complete. I've had a hard year and I think this would be the best birthday ever."
Chicagoan Kim Purnell said she just wanted to tell Rose one thing.
"That I am so proud of him. That I am very, very proud of him.”
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Bluesky