Current:Home > MarketsThe Utah Jazz arena's WiFi network name is the early star of March Madness -FundGuru
The Utah Jazz arena's WiFi network name is the early star of March Madness
View
Date:2025-04-15 03:04:53
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! (12)
Related
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- Tesla again seeks shareholder approval for Musk's 2018 pay voided by judge
- Powerball winning numbers for April 17 drawing: Lottery jackpot rises to $98 million
- Nelly and Ashanti’s Baby Bump Reveal Is Just a Dream
- Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
- 2024 MLB mock draft: Where are Jac Caglianone, other top prospects predicted to go?
- Brittany Cartwright Claps Back at Comments Her Boobs Make Her Look Heavier
- 50* biggest NFL draft busts of last 50 years: Trey Lance, other 2021 QBs already infamous
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Alleged homicide suspect fatally shot by police in San Francisco Bay Area
Ranking
- Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
- Tech has rewired our kids' brains, a new book says. Can we undo the damage?
- Days-long eruption of Indonesia's Ruang volcano forces hundreds to evacuate as sky fills with red ash
- Suspect in fire outside of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Vermont office to remain detained, judge says
- The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
- 50* biggest NFL draft busts of last 50 years: Trey Lance, other 2021 QBs already infamous
- Caitlin Clark set to make $338K in WNBA. How much do No. 1 picks in other sports make?
- First major attempts to regulate AI face headwinds from all sides
Recommendation
The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
Jenna Bush Hager says 'mama's done' after losing kid at daughter's birthday party
The 'magic bullet' driving post-pandemic population revival of major US urban centers
US deports about 50 Haitians to nation hit with gang violence, ending monthslong pause in flights
From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
Google fires 28 employees after protest against contract with Israeli government
Nebraska lawmakers end session, leaving taxes for later
See Josh Hartnett Play Serial Killer Dad in Chilling Trap Movie Trailer Amid His Hollywood Return