Jazz To Allow 'Limited' Number Of Fans At Home Games

The NBA has left the Disney bubble, and the 2020-21 season will be played in each home team's market.

But until an announcement from the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, it was unclear if fans will be back in arenas, too.

The Jazz have said they will host fans -- or at least a "limited number" of them.

Per the team, Vivint Arena will reopen in late December with a "reduced seating capacity" of 1,500 fans allowed in the lower bowl. The Jazz will also offer limited seating in the suites.

Season ticket holders will be given priority access.

“The Jazz believe this is a responsible way to start the season from a public health and safety standpoint," team presiden Jim Olson said. "Our intent is to increase the number of fans as the season unfolds in compliance with state guidelines.

"We want to reassure our guests that we are taking the utmost precautions to have a safe and enjoyable experience as they return. We are optimistic for the future and continue to closely monitor the public health situation with State of Utah, Salt Lake County, and Salt Lake City officials as well as the NBA.”

Several other teams are expected to join the Jazz, with the season scheduled to tip off Dec. 22. But others won't allow fans at all, or at least not initially.

League insiders expect six or so teams to have fans in the buildings at the start. The Jazz are the first to make it official.

"A comprehensive arena reopening guide will be shared on the Utah Jazz and Vivint Arena websites to outline all public health and safety measures," the statement reads.