Utah Jazz allowing more fans for the playoffs, but masks are still required

May 14, 2021, 7:34 PM | Updated: May 15, 2021, 1:09 pm

The Ukrainian national anthem will be played before tonight's Jazz game....

A local musician will perform the Ukrainian national anthem before tonight's game. Photo credit: Paul Nelson.

Former Reporter

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz is boosting the number of fans they’re letting into Vivint Smart Home Arena for the first round of the NBA playoffs in Salt Lake City.

Mask mandates may be easing in Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County on people who have been fully vaccinated, but that doesn’t matter inside Vivint Smart Home Arena. Team Spokesman Frank Zang says the league has a major influence on what the team is allowed to do.

Zang says, “We continue to adhere to the NBA’s health and safety protocols which require masks in the arena.”

Plus, all of the other safety measures happening inside the arena are staying put.

“[They include] social distancing, digital tickets, cashless transactions for concessions and merchandise and a no-bag policy,” according to Zang. The only exception are diaper or medical bags that are no bigger than 14x14x16 inches, and all bags have to be x-rayed.

However, the team is now allowing 13,000 fans in the suites and lower and upper bowls. If someone can prove they’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and they test negative for the virus, they can buy courtside seats.

Some fans tell KSL they don’t mind the rule on masks. They compare it to similar rules in supermarkets and theaters.

“If you want to attend, you’ve got to abide by their rules,” one woman says.

Other fans say it’s a shame that the team can’t just go with the guidance from local health officials, but they’re happy the team will get more support during the playoffs.

One fan says, “More fans come in, and they’re allowing anybody that’s fully vaccinated the front row. That’s a good thing.”