Jordan Brand opens pop-up store in Utah to celebrate 'Flu Game'
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If the 1997 NBA Finals weren’t punishment enough for the fans of the Utah Jazz, Jordan Brand is sticking it to the folks of Salt Lake City just one more time by opening a pop-up store to celebrate all things Michael Jordan 1997 NBA Finals on the anniversary of the Chicago star’s famed Flu Game.
With the NBA Finals series tied 2-2 and Game 5 in Salt Lake City for a third straight game, Michael Jordan turned in the now-famed Flu Game performance, scoring 38 points and taking over the final moments of the contest to win the pivotal Game 5.
The Jordan pop-up store opens on Saturday afternoon, June 11, on that anniversary. At Fice Gallery in downtown Salt Lake, Jordan Brand plans a shop that will include a rebroadcast of the 1997 game, local artists, food and performances.
• The sneakers from Michael Jordan's most iconic moments
Of course, the shop will also have plenty of Jordan releases, customized product and the retro version of the Air Jordan XII Flu Game shoes, a black and red version of the sneakers MJ wore that night in Salt Lake City. Jordan may even break out a different colorway of the AJ XIIs.
We're sure the fans in Salt Lake City will just love all the great reminders.
Tim Newcomb covers sports aesthetics—stadiums to sneakers—and training for Sports Illustrated. Follow him on Twitter at @tdnewcomb.