MONROE — Prior to the Thursday, Aug. 6 opening of a new outlet shopping center, Oscar Robertson, University of Cincinnati standout and member of the NBA Hall of Fame, couldn’t point to Monroe on a map.

He and his friends were familiar with the location of area flea markets and Solid Rock Church, but that was it.

Thanks to the grand opening of Cincinnati Premium Outlets, now they are more familiar with Monroe.

“This is a great facility,” Robertson said before a 30-minute appearance at the Nike store. “When you look there you have no idea that you’re in Monroe, or even Cincinnati.”

Robertson said it took him more than 30 minutes to get off Interstate 75 into the parking lot Thursday. He said he appeared at Nike as a favor to his cousin Brent Henderson, who works for the sports company.

Rory Hume, director of marketing for Nike Factory Stores, says she’s impressed with the turnout and enthusiasm for Robertson.

“I would say it’s been happy chaos,” she said.

Before the store even opened Thursday, more than 300 people were in line. Only 100 free water bottles and gift cards were available, she said.

Hume said they also have LeBron James basketball posters for customers who purchase $100 or more in merchandise, but did not know if those would last the day, let alone the weekend.

“I think basketball is going to be the biggest draw for this store if today is any indication,” she said.