This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
This coming season, Bryce Blanchard will sit in the same spot at Vivint Smart Home Arena that he's been at every year since 2007: the first row behind the visitors bench.
For Blanchard, a 42-year-old from South Jordan, this is tradition. He's been a faithful Utah Jazz fan since he can remember, and a two-time president of the Jazz 100 Club. There aren't many fans more committed than Blanchard.
And now, it looks as if he's about to have more help.
Always an involved fan base, Jazz fans are particularly excited for the coming season, which begins Tuesday night in Portland against the Trail Blazers. For the first time since 2012, the Jazz will field a team that's expected to make the playoffs, and the community has responded.
Season-ticket sales are 14-percent higher than they were at this time last year. The Jazz will continue to sell new season-tickets through December, and the franchise currently projects a 17- to 18-percent increase from last year.
"I think we're all looking for the Jazz to be in the top half of the Western Conference for the next decade," Blanchard said.
Merchandise sales through the first two preseason games came in at a 90-percent increase compared to last season. The Jazz acknowledge a small sample size in this department. But new players, new apparel and an overall new look have led to an increase in sales.
Clearly, Jazz fans have responded to the overall promise of the team, as well as the some of the promise of the Jazz off the floor. Next season by this time, the arena will have completed a massive renovation. Already, the Jazz have put in a new floor, to go along with previous upgrades.
"We have a tremendous fan base that is particularly excited about the direction of the team," Utah Jazz president Steve Starks said. "We see this enthusiasm in season ticket sales, suite sales, social media and broadcast. The fact that we have as many nationally televised games as we do this season speaks to the broader interest and expectations for the direction of the team, as well."
Starks, in his first full season as team president, says that he's worked closely with coach Quin Snyder and general manager Dennis Lindsey on how best to promote the roster. Specifically, the Jazz have attempted to modernize the fan experience, while paying tribute to their historic past.
The franchise has been more active on Twitter and social media than ever before. The Jazz floor went back to the J-Note as their primary mark, one on each side of the floor. In their home opener against the Los Angeles Lakers next Friday night, the Jazz will debut their new pride jerseys. Opening night is also being marketed as a "Blue out," where fans are encouraged to all wear blue. The team will also sell blue shirts and jerseys at the Fanzz stores.
And for the first time in team history, the Jazz will have a live DJ spinning music at games. Ryan Alfaro — aka "DJ Juggy" — is a local legend, who has been working on the radio and at premier nightclubs in Utah for years. Recently hired by the Jazz, Alfaro has worked all three of Utah's preseason home games.
"Our in-game and in-arena experience is important to our players and fans," Starks said. "Music is a big part of that, so we wanted to introduce a DJ this season, who can help harness music to get our players ready and fans excited."
When asked about the fans, Jazz players and coaches spoke reverently about their knowledge of the game, their ability to affect a game and their ability to impact the opposition.
George Hill, Joe Johnson and Boris Diaw, newcomers to Utah this season, spent plenty of time on the other side. Snyder did as well, specifically when he was an assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Snyder said he remembers the first time coming out of the tunnel and feeling as if the crowd was on top of the players. Around the league, Jazz fans have always been noted for their participation. It's long made the playing Utah on the road a tough endeavor.
"During the game, their impact is noticeable on the opposing bench," Snyder said. "Sometimes, in other arenas, you aren't as aware of the crowd. But with this crowd, you feel them. Plus, they are really basketball-savvy, and that's something as a coach you appreciate on a personal level."
So this season, the Jazz want to mix the old school with the new school. They want to modernize the NBA experience, but do it with the traditional values of the franchise. And they are armed with a sleek and talented roster that's pegged to make noise in the Western Conference.
With the season less than a week away, the optimism is high. And the fans are responding to that optimism by purchasing tickets.
Twitter: @tribjazz —
What's new?
• The new Utah Jazz jerseys include the J-note as the primary mark, along with blue and gold and green as primary colors
• The Jazz debuted their new court during the preseason. Vivint Smart Home Arena is expected to be fully renovated by this time next season
• So far, the Jazz have seen a 14-percent increase in season-ticket sales. The franchise is projecting a 17- to 18-percent increase by December