Here's How Nike Unveiled the Air Jordan 1 Back in the '80s

An incredible piece of Air Jordan history surfaces.

by Brendan Dunne

OG Air Jordan 1s show up on eBay a decent amount, but it's not too often that the promotional items from that early era of the Michael Jordan/Nike partnership do so.

Recently sold was this invitation to the Air Jordan 1 launch and accompanying black bow tie, which might be the first ever promotional Air Jordan item. Collector ended up with the item that promises an invitation-only event at Spiaggia in Chicago for "the premiere performance of the new Air Jordan basketball line with special guest, the electrifying Michael Jordan."

The event happened on Oct. 7, presumably in 1984, which was just over a week before the NBA took note of Jordan's black/red sneakers that would eventually be banned.

These days this sort of event would be highly publicized, and covered on sites like this, but there don't appear to be any archival images of the event. Jordan Brand, if you're listening, maybe it's time to bring this one back for this year's 30th anniversary.