The Utah Jazz have been a steady franchise for the state of Utah, but many are finding it better to watch the game from home rather than at the arena. This is due to a variety of variables, such as a poor economy, raising ticket prices and improved quality of watching the game from home.
“Why would I go to the game and spend money when I have it in crystal clear HD from my couch,” Dan Scribner, a former Salt Lake Community College student, said.
With every game being televised in high definition through cable or satellite, it’s become more appealing to watch the game from home. “I throw a pizza in the oven and relax,” Scribner said. “That way I don’t have to spend $6 on a wimpy hot dog and drink.”
Jake Castleton, SLCC student and season ticket holder said, “There is something about being in the building to watch the Jazz play, there is definitely a different energy than being at my house.”
Castleton’s tickets are second row upper-bowl with a price tag of $1,150 for all 42 home games. This breaks down to just over $27 per game. With gas and parking costs factored in the figure is about $10 higher.
Jean Whitaker, an usher for 21 years at the Energy Solutions arena said sometimes it’s too big of a hassle for people to attend the games.
“Occasionally I get free tickets and offer them to my grandchildren, I can’t believe how hard it is to find someone excited to go. Most of my grandchildren are big fans of the Jazz, too,” Whitaker said.
“There are a lot of people who get the same seats every year, I know a lot of them on a first name basis,” Whitaker said. “It’s fans like them that seem to really love and appreciate the team.”
Scribner, who prefers to watch the game from home says he likes to go to a couple games each year.
“I go to the big games, ones that really get my blood pumping. The rest of the games are perfect to watch on my 52 inch HDTV,” he said.
The Jazz are a thriving team in the NBA and continue to have support in the Salt Lake Valley, but with the economy down the popular choice is more likely to be the cheaper choice; meaning more people on their couch rather than in the green seats at the ESA, leaving the NBA and its owners in a jam about ticket prices.
The Miller family has owned the Jazz ever since their arrival in Utah. They have stressed their hopes for keeping the team in Utah. Over the past seven years the NBA has seen three teams relocate due to selling of the franchise.
The Millers haven’t indicated any plan to move the team, as long as they can continue to be a successful franchise.