Current:Home > StocksThe Utah Jazz arena's WiFi network name is the early star of March Madness -AssetScope
The Utah Jazz arena's WiFi network name is the early star of March Madness
View
Date:2025-04-16 11:43:22
It has been nearly 26 years since Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls took down the Utah Jazz in the 1998 NBA Finals. That doesn't mean the Jazz have gotten over it.
The Delta Center, home of the Utah Jazz, is hosting first- and second-round games for March Madness in Salt Lake City this year. On Wednesday, one reporter there to cover the tournament noticed the arena's WiFi network had a unique name: JordanPushedOff.
"JordanPushedOff" is a reference to one of the most (in)famous moments of Jordan's career and of Jazz (and Bulls) franchise history.
The Bulls led the 1998 NBA Finals three games to two, but they trailed the Jazz by one point with 10 seconds left in the game. Jordan dribbled the ball to the top of the paint and hit a crossover that sent his defender past him before hitting a mid-range jump shot with five seconds left.
NCAA tournament:How to stream March Madness on your phone
IT'S BRACKET MADNESS: Enter USA TODAY's NCAA tournament bracket contest for a chance at $1 million prize.
The 2-pointer ultimately gave Chicago its sixth title and was his last shot attempt with the Bulls, which has made the moment iconic in the Windy City.
In Salt Lake City, Jazz fans continue to hold the opinion that Jordan pushed off Bryon Russell during the crossover before taking the shot, hence the name of the Delta Center's WiFi network.
Jazz owner Ryan Smith told Pat McAfee about the "JordanPushedOff" network name on an episode of The PatMcAfee Show last November The reference has come back into the limelight with the arena hosting some March Madness games.
Did Michael Jordan push off Bryon Russell?
Jordan's last shot with the Bulls remains one of the most controversial of his career, and NBA fans still all have their own interpretations.
NCAA Tournament schedule:What March Madness Games are tomorrow?
March Madness games in Salt Lake City
There are four first-round games taking place at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Thursday, March 21.
- No. 15 Long Beach State vs. No. 2 Arizona, 2 p.m. ET/Noon MT
- No. 10 Nevada vs. No. 7 Dayton, 4:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. MT
- No. 12 McNeese State vs. No. 5 Gonzaga, 7:25 p.m. ET/5:25 p.m. MT
- No. 13 Samford vs. No. 4 Kansas, 9:55 p.m. ET/7:55 p.m. MT
The winners of the four games will advance to play each other in the second round at the Delta Center on Saturday, March 23.
veryGood! (26133)
Related
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- Gisele Bündchen’s Mother Vania Nonnenmacher Dead at 75 After Cancer Battle
- Former NHL player accused of sexual assault turns himself in to Ontario police
- Pauly Shore sued by man for alleged battery and assault at The Comedy Store club
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Jane Pauley on the authenticity of Charles Osgood
- Finland’s presidential election runoff to feature former prime minister and ex-top diplomat
- Oklahoma City wants to steal New York's thunder with new tallest skyscraper in US
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Fact-checking Apple TV's 'Masters of the Air': What Austin Butler show gets right (and wrong)
Ranking
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- What Would The Economy Look Like If Donald Trump Gets A Second Term?
- What is ECOWAS and why have 3 coup-hit nations quit the West Africa bloc?
- Alex Murdaugh tries to prove jury tampering led to his murder conviction
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- 70 Facts About Oprah Winfrey That Are Almost as Iconic as the Mogul Herself
- Police in Rome detain man who had knife in bag on boulevard leading to Vatican, Italian media say
- High-ranking Orthodox prelate warns against spread of antisemitism by religious officials
Recommendation
Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
American Airlines’ hard landing on Maui sends 6 to hospital
A new satellite could help scientists unravel some of Earth's mysteries. Here's how.
Pedro Almodóvar has a book out this fall, a ‘fragmentary autobiography’ called ‘The Last Dream’
Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
A Klimt painting that was lost for nearly 100 years after being confiscated by Nazis will be auctioned
Last victim of Maui wildfires identified months after disaster
Former NHL player accused of sexual assault turns himself in to Ontario police