The event, which ran from 1988-1996, originated after discussions between former Foot Locker CEO Howard Sells and other executives in the late 80s. It was seen as a chance to promote the popular retail store as the go-to place for athletes, and their fans, to buy sneakers. The contest was first hosted at Arizona State and, as years went on and it got bigger, it moved into NBA arenas. Everywhere it moved, it sold out. It aired on ESPN and NBC for millions to see.