Nineteen years ago, Michael Jordan further etched himself into basketball lore in game five of the 1997 NBA Finals. His airness put the Bulls on his back scoring thirty eight points, despite being overcome with the flu. The Bulls beat the Jazz in Salt Lake City, putting MJ's team up 3-2. The shoes he was wearing, the Jordan XII in black and varsity red, became known as the "flu games". 

Fast forward to today, as Jordan Brand opens their pop-up store in celebration of the historic game. The shop is selling both a retro release of the original "flu games" and the new "gym red" XIIs. Much like similar Jordan Brand pop-ups during All-Star in Toronto and Brooklyn, the shop will feature plenty of customization options for Jordan apparel and a special pin available only in SLC. As a sneaker nerd, basketball fan and XII lover, I'm a fan of the concept and wish I could check it out myself. Instead I'll bring you the next best thing.

As a member of the Jordan Brand Flight Crew, I was granted early exclusive access to the images from the shop in Utah. See below for the official images and press release. Are you checking out the pop shop this weekend? Let me know!

 JORDAN BRAND TO OPEN POP-UP STORE IN SALT LAKE CITY TO CELEBRATE MICHAEL JORDAN’S MEMORABLE PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE

Store To Feature Unique Consumer Experiences to Commemorate Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals

WHAT: On June 11, 1997 in Salt Lake City, Michael Jordan battled through and delivered an incredible 38-point performance in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. This Saturday at 2:30PM, Jordan Brand will celebrate the anniversary of MJ’s ability to overcome obstacles in pursuit of the ultimate goal with a pop-up store in Salt Lake City.

This unique consumer experience will feature customization, Jordan Brand product storytelling, a re-broadcast of the 1997 game, local artists, food and performances. Utah basketball and sneaker fans can check out exclusive products like the Air Jordan XII Retro ‘Black/Varsity Red’, the reissue of the shoe MJ wore 19 years ago, as well as a pre-release of the new Air Jordan XII ‘Gym Red’.

On June 11, Jordan Brand encourages fans everywhere to wear their Air Jordan XII Retro ‘Black/Varsity Red’ and share the obstacles they’ve had to conquer with #GreatnessOvercomes.

WHERE: 160 E 200 S Salt Lake City, UT 84111