So this is it.  The final hurrah for Michael Jordan in the Windy City, the place that he built and where his legend developed.  Take a good look at the picture above, because after tonight there will be no encore.

As you may have guessed Michael Jordan and the Washington Wizards visit Chicago for the final time this season, the game also marking the final time that Jordan will play an official NBA game in the city.

"I love that place," Jordan said. "I truly appreciate coming back there to play. It's tough to be in another uniform, but those things happen. It's part of the business. It's a pleasure for me (to go back). I look forward to it."

Jordan's presence for the last time has touched everyone, even Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf who made a statement about the occasion.

"Although this is Michael's final appearance as a player at the United Center, the spectacular memories that he has provided during his career, not only to Bulls fans but fans throughout the NBA and the entire world, will last forever. [Friday] will be one more special moment to add to the collection."

The Bulls have promised to let the standing ovation Jordan is destined to receive run it's course, no matter how long it lasts.  The team has also prepared a video tribute for Jordan which will run during a timeout early in the second quarter, Jordan himself not wanting anything more than that.

While the Bulls have hopes of helping Michael left the United Center floor one last time with his familiar Bulls white victorious.  "That would be a great going-away present for him," said Jalen Rose, but Jordan's current coach has other plans.

"I know [his teammates] and myself want him to end his career at the United Center with a win," former Bulls coach and current Wizards coach Doug Collins said after Washington's practice Thursday. "Last time it was Game 5 of the NBA Finals and they lost to Utah. That looked like it was going to be his last game there."

"I want this one to be a win."

"I know [the Bulls are] going to allow everybody to say thank you," Collins said. "The people know what he means to this city and they're going to show him.

"He's the most beloved athlete in Chicago ? for what he brought to the city in the championships and the winning attitude.

"For 10 years plus, the Chicago Bulls were the universal team, and Michael Jordan was at the hub of that."