I’m excited to share the incredible story of how Michael Jordan transformed a VIP parking lot at the Warner Bros. studios into a state-of-the-art basketball paradise, giving Los Angeles residents a rare glimpse into the training regimen of one of the greatest players to ever grace the court.
The year was 1995, and Jordan had just returned to the NBA after a brief hiatus. Instead of solely focusing on his own training for the upcoming season, the iconic Bulls superstar decided to take on a rather unexpected project—shooting the blockbuster film Space Jam. But being Jordan, he was determined not to let the movie production interfere with his preparation for the 1995-96 season.
Enter the “Jordan Dome,” a custom-built, inflatable basketball facility that stood tall in the VIP parking lot of the Warner Bros. studios. Designed under the guidance of Jordan’s personal trainer, Tim Grover, this dome was a true oasis for hoops enthusiasts, boasting an array of top-notch amenities that would make any basketball fan’s heart skip a beat.
“When the Jordan Dome first opened, invitations went out to local pros, other NBA players affiliated with Space Jam, additional clients of Jordan’s agent, David Falk, and the reigning NCAA champion UCLA Bruins,” a SLAM magazine article recounted, painting a vivid picture of the star-studded guest list.
Inside the dome, Jordan had carefully curated a basketball haven that catered to his every need. The facility boasted a cutting-edge gym, furnished with weight-lifting equipment, locker rooms, couches, TVs, speakers, a putting green, and even a table for card games. It was a one-stop shop for Jordan to train, rest, and hone his skills during the filming of Space Jam.
But the true magic of the “Jordan Dome” wasn’t just about Jordan’s personal preparation. The basketball legend opened up the doors to the local pros, college players, and even NBA All-Stars, creating an unforgettable summer basketball experience for the city of Los Angeles.
“On days when everyone was in town, you had at least 100 players on the sidelines.” You’d look up, and you’d have one team with Rod Strickland, Michael Jordan, Glen Rice, Larry Johnson, and Alonzo Mourning. And then on the other team you’d have Tim Hardaway, Reggie Miller, Grant Hill, Charles Oakley, and Pat Ewing,” a former UCLA player recounted, marveling at the star-studded pickup games that took place within the “Jordan Dome.”
Jordan carefully selected the games to enhance his skills in specific areas, while the onlookers experienced a unique opportunity to witness basketball greatness in action. The “Jordan Dome” successfully transformed the VIP parking lot into a hub for basketball, drawing the elite of the sport.
As the filming of Space Jam came to a close, Jordan continued to dominate the court, leading the Bulls to another three-peat championship in the 1995-96 season. The movie itself became a blockbuster hit, further cementing Jordan’s status as a cultural icon.
But the true legacy of the “Jordan Dome” extends far beyond the success of Space Jam or Jordan’s individual accomplishments. It provided the city of Los Angeles with a rare and unforgettable summer basketball experience, one that saw the convergence of the sport’s greatest talents and the unwavering dedication of an all-time great.
The memories and the impact the games within the “Jordan Dome” left on the local basketball community will undoubtedly endure. It was a testament to Jordan’s commitment to the game, his competitive spirit, and his desire to elevate the sport he loved to new heights.
As we look back on this remarkable chapter in Jordan’s illustrious career, it’s clear that the “Jordan Dome” didn’t just serve as a training ground for the GOAT; it was a gift to the city of Los Angeles, a place where basketball dreams were realized and legends were forged.