File: The Vivint Smart Home Arena is shown Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz organization said it will require guests to wear masks at home games at Vivint Arena, even after the statewide mask mandate ends on April 10th. The organization also said it won’t increase the number of fans allowed at Vivint Arena.
Spokesman Frank Zang told KSL that nothing is really changing regarding their current health and safety protocols.
“We are staying the course to maintain a safe and comfortable environment,” he said.
“You will continue to see masks as mandatory, health screenings upon entry into the arena, and social distanced seating arrangements.”
Masks, he says, are a requirement of the National Basketball Association (NBA.)
“It’s an important part of the health and safety policies that we do have in place to host events at the arena,” he said.
Zang also said the Jazz organization will not increase the number of fans allowed into home games.
“The arena capacity is about 5,500 fans and that’s where we’re staying right now,” he said.
Zang was asked what would have to change for masks to be lifted, or for more fans to be allowed in.
“Probably a regulation from the NBA and local health officials that will allow us to do so,” he said.
Utah’s new law spelling out the so-called “end” to the pandemic lifts the statewide mask mandate on April 10th. At the same time, the new guidelines will require masks for gatherings of over 50 people and for K-12 schools.
“Face masks over the nose and mouth are required for guests and staff (age 2+) throughout the arena unless a person is actively eating or drinking. Compliance with mandatory masks aligns with the safety measures established by the NBA and local health officials for mass gatherings,” said the Utah Jazz management in a statement.
The Utah Jazz has 12 more home games before the end of the regular season.