The Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City is pictured on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. A unanimous vote by the NBA board of governors approved the Miller family's sale of the nearly 50-year-old franchise to tech entrepreneur Ryan Smith and his wife, Ashley. Laura Seitz, Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz will be facing some pretty stiff competition in the Western Conference in 2021. But team spokesperson Frank Zang believes there’s reason for optimism.
First off, he says they have made some strong moves this postseason.
“There were contract extensions for both Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. We resigned free agent Jordan Clarkson, and we also signed and are bringing back…Derek Favors. So, the team has really come together,” Zang says.
Many sports analysts are picking the Los Angeles Lakers to make a serious run for the NBA Championship.
But Zang likes how the Jazz have played so far.
“The Jazz were undefeated in the preseason with a 3-0 record, and I think everyone’s excited to see what the basketball fortunes will bring,” Zang says.
There will be 72 games for the Jazz scheduled through the 2021 season, though only half have been announced, all leading up to the All Star Break.
The Utah Jazz will start the season on the road against the Portland Trailblazers on Wednesday.
However, they will be back at home on Saturday. It will be tough for the general public to get a ticket.
“Tickets have been prioritized for our season ticket members. So, a general on sale for the public does not exist at this point in time,” Zang says.
Vivint Smart Home Arena is taking steps to keep the 1,500 fans who do make it through the front doors safe.
“When you come to the arena, there’ll be health screenings. There’s robust NBA protocols, technology,” Zang says. “A lot of best practices have been put in place to prioritize the health and safety of our fans.”
During Saturday’s home game, the Jazz will also be debuting a new uniform and basketball court.