Current:Home > StocksThe Utah Jazz arena's WiFi network name is the early star of March Madness -Secure Growth Solutions
The Utah Jazz arena's WiFi network name is the early star of March Madness
View
Date:2025-04-13 06:05:05
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! (48)
Related
- Kansas City Chiefs CEO's Daughter Ava Hunt Hospitalized After Falling Down a Mountain
- If any body is a beach body, any book is a beach read. Try on these books this summer.
- Patrick Mahomes Breaks Silence on Chiefs Teammate Harrison Butker's Commencement Speech
- Will Tom Brady ever become part-owner of the Raiders? Even for an icon, money talks.
- Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
- The best cars for teen drivers by price and safety, according to Consumer Reports
- NBA legend John Stockton has COVID-related 'free speech' lawsuit thrown out by judge
- 'We aren't happy': women's tennis star Coco Gauff criticizes political state of Florida
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Veteran Kentucky lawmaker Richard Heath, who chaired a House committee, loses in Republican primary
Ranking
- Kourtney Kardashian Cradles 9-Month-Old Son Rocky in New Photo
- Abrupt shutdown of financial middleman Synapse has frozen thousands of Americans’ deposits
- Multiple people killed by Iowa tornado as powerful storms slam Midwest
- Patrick Mahomes responds to controversial comments made by Chiefs teammate Harrison Butker
- Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
- My dying high school writing teacher has one more lesson. Don't wait to say thank you.
- Older Americans often don’t prepare for long-term care, from costs to location to emotional toll
- Uvalde school shooting victims' families announce $2 million settlement with Texas city and new lawsuits
Recommendation
IOC's decision to separate speed climbing from other disciplines paying off
Schumer plans Senate vote on birth control protections next month
US applications for jobless benefits fall as labor market continues to thrive
How Jennifer Lopez’s Costar Simu Liu Came to Her Defense After Ben Affleck Breakup Question
Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
Grizzly that mauled hiker in Grand Teton National Park won’t be pursued
Red Lobster closings dot the country. We mapped out where all 99 are located.
Hornets star LaMelo Ball sued for allegedly running over young fan's foot with car