Utah Jazz Fans Excited To Cheer Team On At Watch Party
Jul 30, 2020, 11:59 PM
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Almost five months after the NBA suspended the Utah Jazz vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game due to positive COVID-19 tests, fans were excited to welcome the team back to the court on Thursday.
People go to all sorts of places for their birthday.
Gary James wanted to go to The Break Bar & Grill in West Valley.
“Oh my gosh, I’m 51,” he said with a laugh. “When my friends asked me where I wanted to go to celebrate, I told them I wanted to come here.”
His decision wasn’t just because of the good food and drinks — it was mainly because his favorite team was back and playing on television.
“Yes, I’m a huge Jazz fan,” he said. “Oh, I have missed them. I have missed them, man.”
It’s been four-and-a-half months since the NBA season shut down because of coronavirus concerns.
But on Thursday night, things almost felt normal again.
“Feels great. It feels great,” said Andrew Valdez.
Valdez works with M&M Distributing and supplies Coors to bars and restaurants throughout the Salt Lake Valley.
He knew fans would be excited for the NBA Restart, especially with the Utah Jazz in the first game, so he decided to throw a Jazz party at The Break.
After 4 1/2 months, the @utahjazz was back playing a game that counted. And many fans sure did miss them. We spent some time at a #Jazz watch party tonight, that turned into a birthday party, and will have this fun story on @KSL5TV at 10. #ksltv #JazzVsPelicans pic.twitter.com/5YojJ5BkxF
— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) July 31, 2020
“I’m handing out koozies, pop sockets. Cups that turn blue,” said Valdez. “It’s just nice to see basketball back. We need sports.”
Sure enough, fans showed up to watch the game.
Even with a 4:30 p.m. start.
“We got people in here wearing jerseys and stuff. We’re seeing the support from the local community,” said Valdez.
Things looked different watching the game.
The Jazz were playing in a mostly empty gym at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.
All NBA teams will finish the season playing there.
Fans were also shown on a digital screen in the arena.
However, it was basketball where the game counted.
And for James, the perfect birthday gift — especially since the Jazz won.
“I am so happy,” he said. “It was a good night to watch the Jazz.”
