Long-Time Ticket Holders Enjoy Jazz Games From Afar
Apr 26, 2021, 10:23 PM | Updated: Jul 11, 2023, 10:51 pm
DRAPER, Utah – A Draper couple married more than 60 years were longtime Utah Jazz season ticket holders until their health deteriorated. Now in their 80s, they have been keeping up with their gameday routine, which included dressing in their Jazz jerseys.
Now living in a Draper assisted living center, Marva and Kendall Hatch still love their team. Their sons said they have always been awesome, full-of-zest parents.
Marva jokingly calls herself Donavon Mitchell’s girlfriend.
She said Mitchell won her over his first year in Utah. She watched him in a dunk contest and she liked watching him make the shots, but she really loved what he had to say in the post-tournament interview.
“When they interviewed him, after he referred to his family and especially his mother,” she said. “I thought that was so sweet.”
Marva has been smitten ever since.
Brothers Mark and Michael said if they’re watching a game on delay, they know not to talk to their parents until it’s over because they will spoil the ending.
“We always know we are gonna get a report at the end of the game,” said Michael. “My mom’s gonna get on her email and she doesn’t know how to write in lower-case letter. She only types in upper-case letters when it pertains to the Jazz. DID YOU SEE MY BOYS TONIGHT? WE’RE SO PROUD.”
At Ashford Assisted Living, administrator Jace Young said everyone loves the Hatches and their enthusiasm.
“They love it and it just infects everyone,” said Young. “Our staff always know when it’s a Jazz game. All the residents know because they always show up to the dining area with their jerseys on.”
Kendall said his favorite player is Jordan Clarkson, adding that he’s underrated.
If Marva had to choose a second favorite, she said it would have to be Joe Ingles, with Rudy Gobert as a close third.
“Gobert, I mean how could we not (love him), this year?” said Marva. “He’s just so wonderful. He’s also a favorite, can’t forget him.”
It’s likely the couple won’t get to see the Jazz play again in-person, but the Hatches said that was okay.
“I guess we’re too old to be rowdy,” said Marva.
