Anthony “TJ” Bennett is the Co-Owner and CEO of SOLE PLAY, one of Metro Atlanta’s most respected destinations for sneaker culture and community-driven experiences. Over the past several years, TJ has emerged as a major force in Atlanta, connecting sneaker enthusiasts through curated retail experiences and by building safe, creative spaces for gamers, creators, and young innovators.
With two thriving locations in Lawrenceville and Decatur, SOLE PLAY has become known for hosting high-energy sneaker releases, creator meet-ups, local pop-ups, and community events that bridge fashion, art, and gaming.
SOLE PLAY has collaborated with major footwear brands, local designers, and Atlanta-based influencers to produce limited-edition drops, youth workshops, and charity-driven activations that uplift the city’s creative ecosystem.
TJ’s impact extends beyond retail. Alongside Dr. Erica Jones, he co-founded The Sole Circle Foundation, an organization dedicated to cultivating safe spaces for mental wellness, community building, and academic growth. The foundation provides students, especially those interested in technology with access to educational resources, mentorship, and enrichment programs that reflect the needs of today’s digital generation.
Stepping deeper into the intersection of culture and innovation, TJ launched SOLE PLAY GAMING at the brand’s Downtown Decatur location. Beginning as a natural extension of the SOLE PLAY community that has evolved into a casual and competitive gaming hub, hosting tournaments, creator-led gaming nights, console-free play sessions, and youth esports programming. The space serves everyone from first-time gamers to competitive players, positioning SOLE PLAY Gaming as a unique blend of sneaker culture, fashion-forward aesthetics, and digital entertainment.
Through these efforts, TJ has established himself as a cultural connector and someone who understands the pulse of Atlanta’s youth and the opportunities that exist when sneakers, gaming, and community collide.
On December 10th, TJ will speak at The Kickback about the rapidly evolving entertainment and gaming scene in Metro Atlanta. His perspective offers a front-row look at how grassroots culture, retail innovation, and gaming communities are shaping the future of the city.
Catch TJ and all the other Cxmmunity panelists at The Kickback on December 10.
RSVP for free here.
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