As the NBA readies to start the 2020-21 season, a huge question has been whether teams will allow fans into arenas amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Utah Jazz on Tuesday announced they will allow 1,500 fans in the lower bowl and limited seating on the suite level at Vivint Arena when the season begins in December (fans will not be permitted at preseason games).
The decision was made in consultation with the Utah Department of Health.
Season ticket holders will receive priority access to seating. The arena seats 18,306 people.
“The Jazz believe this is a responsible way to start the season from a public health and safety standpoint. Our intent is to increase the number of fans as the season unfolds in compliance with state guidelines,” said Jazz president Jim Olson in a statement.
Rich Saunders, the interim director of the Utah Department of Health, said in a statement, “The Utah Jazz have always been an important part of our community, and the team is making every effort to be an example for how we can start to safely resume these types of activities.
“The Jazz are committed to working with public health professionals and to doing everything they can to ensure the health and safety of their fans, players, staff, and arena employees by implementing important safeguards and limiting the number of people who can attend games in-person. We certainly look forward to welcoming the Jazz back.”
Among the safety measures that will be implemented at the arena, all people ages 2 and older will be required to wear face coverings, there will be mobile entry and screening procedures at all entrances and plexiglass barriers will be installed at point of sale locations.
Between groups of guests, there will be 6 feet of physical distancing in a pod-style arrangement. Elevators, retail stores and restrooms will be required to have reduced capacity, although no specifics were given in the announcement.
Diaper and medical bags will be the only bags allowed in the arena, and they will be X-rayed at entrances. They cannot be larger than 14x14x6 inches. Electrostatic sprayers will be used to apply disinfectants to surfaces, and there will be hand sanitizer stations throughout the arena.
The team said the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system has been upgraded for higher quality of filtered air, as mandated by the NBA. Public address announcements and signage will be placed throughout the arena to promote physical distancing.
The NBA is planning on playing a few 72-game season, starting Dec. 22, although the schedule has not yet been released.