Drone Show in Trieste: Allumee Reenacts Michael Jordan's Legendary Dunk
800 drones to capture a historic moment
Exactly 40 years ago, a young Michael Jordan became a legend by performing a thunderous dunk during an exhibition game in Trieste, Italy. That dazzling move, which shattered the basketball backboard, would become one of the symbols of the player’s power and determination: the famous “Shattered Backboard.”
On June 23, 2025, Allumee spectacularly brought this iconic moment back to life over the Adriatic Sea with a one-of-a-kind drone show, conceived under the direction of DEFMO Studio for Nike.
Over the Adriatic Sea, facing Piazza dell’Unità, 800 light-up drones lit up the night sky to create a breathtaking aerial display. In just a few minutes of meticulously choreographed movement, spectators were able to rediscover the iconic elements of this cult scene:
● The Pallacanestro Trieste logo
● The silhouette of the Air Jordan 1 suspended from a helicopter
● A faithful and complete reenactment of Jordan’s dunk
● The symbolic shattering of the panel, a pivotal moment in the myth
● The famous red Jumpman, which has become a timeless symbol
The entire display spans 200 meters in width and 110 meters in height, with visual effects amplified by the light reflecting off the sea, creating a sensory and emotional impact tenfold for the spectators gathered in the square.
Scenes meticulously choreographed by the artistic team to deliver the expected “wow” factor. The effect is amplified tenfold by the reflections of the colorful lights on the sea, making the show even more magical.
The Benefits of Drone Shows for International Marketing Campaigns
This isn’t the first time Jordan Brand has used drone shows to make a lasting impression during product launches.
In February 2025, the brand had already staged a show featuring 1,200 drones above the Bay Bridge in San Francisco, a few days before NBA All-Star Weekend.
In Shanghai, the brand had also rolled out a similar concept, transforming the skyline into a luminous tribute to Michael Jordan.
Drone shows: A powerful tool for brands with a global reach
This isn’t the first time Jordan Brand has incorporated drone shows into its high-impact campaigns. In February 2025, the brand had already made a lasting impression with a show featuring 1,200 drones above the Bay Bridge in San Francisco, just a few days before NBA All-Star Weekend. In Shanghai, another light show transformed the skyline into a celestial tribute to Michael Jordan.
Why this strategic decision?
Drones create a powerful visual and emotional impact. In addition to aligning with a sustainable communication strategy, these original light displays become fleeting yet widely shared events on social media, further cementing the brand’s place in popular culture… Marketing buzz guaranteed!
Allumee, creator of immersive visual experiences
By partnering with Allumee for the drone show in Trieste, DEFMO Studio and Nike are reaffirming this strategy: using the drone show as a modern narrative tool capable of bringing their defining moments back to life in a spectacular and memorable way.
In fact, the video has already racked up several million views, just one week after its release:
Our expertise: creating custom drone sound-and-light shows
This project perfectly illustratesAllumee’s mission: to transform the sky into a stage for emotions.
As specialists in high-end drone shows, we use technology to bring compelling stories to life.
“This project represents the perfect blend of visual innovation and emotional storytelling. In an era of continuous innovation, it reminds us that authentic moments, combined with creativity, shine through and resonate with new generations just as powerfully as they did in the past,” saysLuigi Onesti, Country Manager for Allumee Italia.
Each scene is the result of close collaboration between engineers, 3D designers, choreographers, and pilots. Thanks to Drone Reportage, footage of the show in Trieste is now being shared around the world.
Allumee: Expertise in the Service of Brands and the Public
An international company specializing in drone shows and entertainment solutions, its mission is to revolutionize the events industry through innovative use of technology.
Backed by a multidisciplinary team, Allumee transforms the sky into a living canvas and offers exceptional immersive experiences to both brands and the general public. Based in France and continuing its international expansion, the Allumee brand stands out for its technical expertise, creativity, and commitment to entertainment that is both spectacular and responsible.
We’ll continue to bring these magical moments to life—where emotion, technology, and imagination come together. Because some stories deserve to shine. Literally.
Follow Allumee for more epic moments to come!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allumee.show/
Website: allumee.com
