Finally, after 32 long years, the NBA All-Star Game returns to Chicago!  The Bulls' season hasn't exactly gone according to plan (so far, this post has not aged well), but at least we have All-Star weekend to look forward to.  Last time the game was in Chicago, Michael Jordan was in his fourth year in the league and completely dominated the weekend.  On Saturday night, he defeated Dominique Wilkins in the Slam Dunk Contest...

...and on Sunday, he won MVP of the game, dropping 40 points.

You can watch the entire 1988 game here.

Don't miss K.C. Johnson's in depth Oral History of the 1988 Dunk Contest.

Drawing inspiration from the court and uniforms of this historic game, check out our new take on our "Chi City" design and the rest of our basketball-inspired Hardwood Collection:

2020 All-Star Weekend Events

Because the exact date of the championship-clinching game of the NBA Finals is unknown and difficult to plan ahead for, the All-Star game is often considered the NBA's version of the Super Bowl.  This brings fans, media, and the greatest athletes from around the world to one place at one time.  The NBA knows how to throw a party, with events around town throughout the week.

NBA Crossover at Navy Pier, Friday through Sunday.  Includes NBA inspired art, music, and fashion along with appearances by NBA legends, music performances and exclusive product drops.

NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at Wintrust Arena, Friday, 6 pm.  Features Hollywood celebrities hitting the court alongside NBA and WNBA legends.  Chicago Native Michael Wilbon will coach against Stephen A. Smith, with Common and Chance the Rapper leading the star-studded lineups as captains.

NBA Rising Stars Game at United Center, Friday, 8 pm.  Watch the best rookies and sophomores duke it out on the court in the USA vs World format.  Will Zion Williamson suit up to thrill the Chicago crowd?  Will Luka Doncic be healthy enough to play?  We think it's safe to assume Ja Morant and Trae Young are sure to put on a heck of a show!

NBA All-Star Practice & Media Day at Wintrust Arena, Saturday, 9:30 am.  Includes journalists from around the globe interviewing the best players in the world, along with appearances by NBA legends, mascots, and dance teams.  Team LeBron and Team Giannis will also practice for the crowd.

All-Star Saturday Night at United Center, Saturday, 7 pm.  Features the Slam Dunk Contest, Three-Point Contest, and Skills Challenge.  One of the most sought after events of the weekend.  Since he was snubbed from the All-Star roster, Zach LaVine will take part in the Three-Point Contest.  Will he take home the title with some of that Craig Hodges magic?  Unfortunately, it appears Derrick Rose is dropping out of the Skills Challenge, but remember when he won as a rookie in 2009?

69th NBA All-Star Game at United Center, Sunday, 7 pm.  The NBA's marquee event of the year will take place Sunday evening. The game will take on extra meaning this year, honoring Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and the seven others who tragically lost their lives.  The NBA has also changed the format of the game itself, to keep it competitive throughout and to further honor Kobe.  It is sure to be a special evening that will generate a lot of money for local charities.  Chance the Rapper will be performing at halftime (with Quavo), Chaka Khan is signing the National Anthem, and Chicagoan Jennifer Hudson will perform a special tribute to Kobe. Tickets are only available as part of premium packages or on the secondary market.

Other Events Around Town

NBA Jam Tournament Presented by Barstool Chicago at Joe's on Weed St., Saturday at 3pm. 

B/R Heats Up Chicago, 1365 N CHERRY AVE, Sunday 12 pm - 6 pm.  Crystal basketball court, exclusive drops (D-Rose x Adidas), influencer hoops, and a "human claw."

Prysm Nightclub Afterparties, Wednesday through Sunday, including 2 Chainz, Da Baby, Rick Ross and more.

Team Coco House, Friday and Saturday.  Two nights of stand-up, viewing parties and podcasts, including Craig Robinson and Pete Holmes.

All-Star Brunch featuring Ludacris!, at Hubbard Inn/Masq, Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm.

More Luda:  Ludacris Live at Liqrbox, Saturday at 9 pm.

Shaq's Bass All-stars featuring Diesel, Waka Flocka Flame, SAYMYNAME at Concord Music Hall, Saturday at 9 pm.

Book Signing with Derrick Rose at Barbara's Bookstore, Thursday at noon.

Scottie Pippen at the Auto Show, Friday from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Kanye West's Sunday Service at Credit Union 1 Arena (UIC Pavilion), Sunday at 2 pm.

Gucci Pop-Up in the West Loop

Kicks, Kicks, Kicks! 

Nike and Jordan Brand have a slew of extra-special kicks hitting the shelves throughout the week, a few of our favorites:

-Air Jordan New Beginnings Pack featuring a retro of the Air Ship, the first shoe MJ wore in the NBA prior to having his signature line, along with a new colorway of the Air Jordan 1. 

-Off White x Air Jordan 5, designed by Chicago's very own design phenom Virgil Abloh.

-Red Cement Air Jordan 3, a nod to the iconic shoes MJ wore during the 1988 game and dunk contest, including a limited "NIKE CHI" variant.

-Air Jordan 1 Hi '85 Varsity Red, flipping the colors of the famous "Bred" or "Banned" 1s, and is reportedly limited to 23,000 pairs.

-Air Jordan 10 Retro WINGS, designed by four local students, subtly features the colors of all of the lines of the CTA.

-Air Force 1, also featuring the "NIKE CHI" branding.

-This random Air Flight 89 release, going along with the Chicago flag-inspired colorway that came out recently.  Being the first Nike model worn by Scottie Pippen, this shoe will always hold a special place in our hearts.  Speaking of Scottie, how could we forget to mention his 1994 All-Star MVP performance in the red Air Maestro IIs.

Adidas is also getting in on the action, with these special Derrick Rose retros, recalling his first signature model...

...and Zach LaVine's special kicks for the 3-point shootout.

Don't miss these appearances at the adidas stores, will Harden still flop playing Pop-A-Shot?

There's also The Tony's Sports Popup presented by adidas.

As the events draw near and schedules are finalized, be sure to stay tuned for updates, there are bound to be even more surprise events, appearances, and releases!  This year is shaping up to be the best All-Star weekend ever, and it certainly has all of the ingredients for an emotional celebration.

RIP Mamba.  

Visit mambaonthree.org to support the families of the seven other victims of the terrible tragedy on January 26th.