The Calhoun Shot sparked widespread adoption of half-court promotional contests in professional sports after a spectator sank a 75-foot shot for $1 million in 1993.
Key Facts
- Shot distance
- 75 feet (free-throw line, opposite end)
- Advertised prize
- $1,000,000
- Actual payout
- $50,000/year for 20 years
- Game
- Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat
- Insurance company
- American Hole 'N One Inc
- Sponsors
- Coca-Cola, Lettuce Entertain You, Chicago Bulls
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
A promotional contest sponsored by Coca-Cola, the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant group, and the Chicago Bulls offered $1 million to any fan who could sink a 75-foot shot from the opposite free-throw line during a timeout at a Bulls home game.
On April 14, 1993, spectator Don Calhoun attempted the promotional shot during a third-quarter timeout of a Chicago Bulls–Miami Heat game. He successfully made the 75-foot basket, becoming one of the first fans known to complete such a three-quarters-court promotional attempt.
Insurer American Hole 'N One Inc voided the payout citing Calhoun's college basketball background, but the sponsors pledged to cover the prize, resulting in Calhoun receiving $50,000 annually for 20 years. The event's media coverage is credited with driving the widespread rise of similar long-distance shot promotions at professional sporting events.