| Date | April 14, 1993 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Chicago Stadium |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois, US |
| Also known as | The Immaculate Connection |
| Type | Promotional event |
| Budget | $1 million |
| Organized by | |
| Participants | Don Calhoun |
The Calhoun Shot, also known as the Immaculate Connection,[1][2] was a basketball shot made by spectator Don Calhoun during a timeout in the third quarter of a Chicago Bulls–Miami Heat game on April 14, 1993 in Chicago, Illinois, United States.[3][4][5] The shot was part of a promotion that offered 1 million dollars to any fan who could make a 75-foot shot through the basket from the free-throw line at the opposite end of the court.[6][7] At the time, Calhoun's shot was reportedly the first time anyone had ever made a three-quarters promotional shot. However, a spectator had succeeded in this shot in 1989, winning a car.[4]
The insurance company that was required to make the payoff, American Hole 'N One Inc, voided the payment because Calhoun had played college basketball, a violation of the rules. However, the sponsors of the event, Coca-Cola, the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, and the Bulls, pledged to cover the prize if the insurance company would not. As a result, Calhoun got $50,000 a year over the next 20 years.[8] The insurance company still benefited from the publicity.[4] The shot, and the news coverage it gained, are credited with the rise of similar promotions during sport events.[1][9]
- ^ a b Ryan Hockensmith (April 11, 2023). "The $1 million shot that changed sports contests forever". ESPN. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
It dropped, and dropped, and dropped, and... swish. Right through the net. Calhoun threw his arms toward the rafters, and the crowd let out one of those levels of cheers that aggravates the arena neighbors.
- ^ Lisa Bessone (April 26, 1993). "Don Calhoun". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
- ^ "Flashback: Bulls fan drains $1 million shot in 1993". ESPN. April 11, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
- ^ a b c Nancy Ryan (April 16, 1993). "Million-dollar shot: Who pays for miracle?". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
- ^ Pamela Swanigan (May 28, 1994). "All that glitters". The Vancouver Sun. pp. D10–D11. Retrieved April 15, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Michael Wilbon (April 16, 1993). "Long shot comes home a million-dollar winner". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
- ^ "Chicago Bulls: 'Million Dollar Shot' man will get his money". United Press International. April 18, 1993. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
- ^ Mal Florence (April 20, 1993). "Insurance Company Tries to Call a Technical on $1-Million Shot". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
- ^ Mark Kram (April 14, 1994). "Same guy, only richer". Philadelphia Daily News. pp. 84–85. Retrieved April 15, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
