From 1997 to 2010, the Michael Jordan Flight School held at the Mirage Resort Casino in Las Vegas offered a once-in-a-lifetime vacation opportunity for all avid MJ and basketball fans aged 34 and above.
Although the four-day camp cost a hefty $15,000, the luxury and experience it provided were truly extraordinary. From the camper being picked up in a limo from the airport to working with the best trainers and coaches to hot-air balloon rides for relaxation, it entailed everything.
Jordan’s exquisite Senior Flight School
As reported by ESPN’s Gene Wojciechowski, each camper at the Flight School was given a two-bedroom suite and a travel bag field with various Jordan brand gifts, including a pair of Air Jordans, two Flight School basketball jerseys, a leather wardrobe bag, three $100 dinner vouchers at the hotel restaurant, and a variety of official Jordan clothing merchandise, among many other items.
If that welcome wasn’t enough, campers were left in awe of the elite coaching staff present at the camp. From Mike Krzyzewski to John Thompson to Larry Brown to Bob Huggins to former ESPN analyst – Jack Ramsay, the coaching staff was a collection of basketball luminaries. Combined, they held (at that time) seven NCAA Championships, 27 Final Four appearances, two NBA Championships, and three Hall of Fame inductions.
These esteemed coaches imparted their knowledge and put the campers through drills to determine who they wanted to draft in their respective teams. They formed eight teams of 10 members each, making for some serious hoop action.
Campers got a chance to play with His Airness
Once the games commenced, Jordan would often roam the sidelines, observing the action intently. Occasionally, he would even join one of the teams on the court. Fortunately for Gene Wojciechowski, when he attended the camp in 1999, he had the opportunity to have Mike join his team as they were trailing by 18 points. With his trademark confidence, Jordan assured them of what needed to be done.
“You four rebound,” Jordan said. “I’ll shoot.”
Staying true to his words, the Bulls guard scored 18 of the team’s 22 points. However, Gene and Coach Eddie Sutton’s team ultimately lost in overtime.
Millions of fans dreamed of sharing the hardwood with arguably the GOAT of basketball. However, if anyone was willing to spend $15,000 like Gene, he would have to spend $15,000 in Las Vegas with an open heart.