Utah Jazz Increase Attendance Limit As Restrictions Relax
Mar 12, 2021, 11:09 PM | Updated: 11:29 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Almost one-third of Vivint Arena’s full capacity was allowed inside to see the Utah Jazz defeat the Houston Rockets 114-99 Friday night.
The Jazz opened the second half of the season with a win, much to the delight of the 5,600 fans in attendance.
“Oh, it’s been super awesome,” said Natalie Sudweeks, who came to the game with her husband Lawrence. “He loves the Jazz. I love the Jazz.”
The Utah Jazz kicked off the second half of the season by defeating a depleted Houston Rockets team 114-99 Friday night.@kslsports #TakeNote https://t.co/IUKOpNYA1w
— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) March 13, 2021
However, the main reason why the Sudweeks came to this game is for his big number.
“That’s right. It’s the big 50, so yeah,” said Lawrence Sudweeks with a laugh.
The bigger number, though, is one many fans probably didn’t even notice.
The attendance. As in, starting with tonight’s game against Houston, more fans were allowed inside Vivint Arena.
“It’s good to be back. The kids enjoy being here. It’s just a cool experience,” said August Koenig, who was at Friday night’s game with his two children.
When the season started, 1,500 fans could come in.
Then that number was increased to 3,902 fans on Feb. 1.
With Friday night’s game, 5,600 fans can now be inside the arena to watch the Jazz play.
“We have been able to make increases incrementally, and we will have what should be our largest crowd of the season tonight,” said Frank Zang, vice president of communications for the Utah Jazz. “It’s great to have fans back in the building at least on a limited ability. We’re very mindful of the health and safety protocols that are in place.”
Things like wearing a mask, socially distant seats and using hand sanitizing stations are expected of fans.
According to health experts, it’s going to be that way for a while, everywhere, while waiting for more people to get vaccinated.
“I think that’s the biggest concern is that we all stop wearing masks, we all start gathering, we all start going to restaurants, unventilated rooms, etc.,” said Dr. Todd Vento, an infectious disease physician with Intermountain Healthcare. “That’s a recipe for increased cases.”
That would be a number no one wants to see.
Especially in a year where the Jazz are on top of the NBA and looking for their first championship.
“We all hope so,” said Koenig. “We’re cheering them on no matter what they do.”
