For the first time since March 9 of last year, Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City will be allowed to be at full capacity of 18,306 when the Utah Jazz open their second-round playoff series.
The Jazz announced the increase Thursday morning, noting that single-game tickets for the series will go on sale at noon MDT Thursday. The team said 14,250 tickets were sold for Wednesday’s first round series-clinching win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
One caveat is that some lower bowl areas will remain empty to maintain social distance around team benches (a limited number of courtside seats will be available for fans who provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination and a negative rapid test result), but that will be made up for with increased standing room only capacity, which will allow the arena to reach its full capacity.
Wearing masks will still be required of all fans.
It is believed a full Vivint Arena would be the largest crowd in an NBA arena to date this season. According to NBA reporter Marc Stein of The New York Times, the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks increased capacity in their arenas to 17,000 during the first round of the playoffs.
The Jazz will face either the Mavericks or LA Clippers in the second round. Dallas leads the series three games to two and can close it out Friday night. If the Mavericks do, Game 1 between Utah and Dallas will be Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Vivint Arena.