The Utah Jazz hosted a special-themed game night on March 23, 2026, welcoming over a dozen loyal fans aged 90 and above, accompanied by their family members. The event was a heartfelt occasion that saw attendees bask in the joy of basketball and cherished memories, honouring a tradition that has become a beloved staple since its inception.
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Ryan Smith, the owner of the Utah Jazz, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to host such a significant gathering. He revealed that his inspiration for the event came from his own grandparents, who instilled in him a lifelong passion for the team. “My grandparents are the reason I became a Jazz fan and the inspiration behind hosting these amazing fans in their nineties,” he shared, emphasising the importance of intergenerational relationships fostered through shared experiences.
As families navigated the bustling corridors of Salt Lake City’s Delta Center, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and nostalgia. Grandchildren assisted their elderly relatives in donning custom jerseys, while others captured moments of joy alongside their loved ones. It was clear that the evening was about more than just watching a basketball game; it was a celebration of a bond spanning decades.
This event marked the third consecutive season that Smith has hosted such a gathering to honour fans aged 90 and older. It began in the 2023-2024 NBA season as part of the franchise’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. This year, the invitation was extended via social media, leading to heartfelt reunions for those who had long stood by the franchise.
Each attendee was treated to a delightful dinner, game tickets, and unique commemorative jerseys designed specifically for the occasion. Many enjoyed the thrill of sitting courtside, with adjustments made to ensure those with mobility challenges could comfortably participate in the festivities. The bonds forged through years of support for the team were palpable as they joined together to celebrate their shared passion for the game.
Throughout the evening, numerous players and broadcasters from the Jazz family paused to mingle with the cherished fans. A delightful highlight included a meet-and-greet with Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, attended by a fan from Finland. The team mascot, Jazz Bear, also added to the jovial atmosphere, bringing smiles to the faces of the attendees as families captured treasured moments through photographs and videos.
Former Jazz player and NBA All-Star Jeff Hornacek was among the notable figures who took the time to honour the elderly fans. Conversations naturally flowed from personal anecdotes about past games to reflections on the passion and resilience that the team had inspired over the years among its supporters.
For fans like Venice Bitton, who will soon turn 99, the evening was a heartwarming reminder of a lifelong connection to the team she has loyally supported since its early days. Accompanied by her granddaughter, she expressed her steadfast dedication – win or lose. When asked about her feelings regarding the night, she simply stated, “I think it’s just a thrill of a lifetime.”
This initiative is part of Smith’s broader vision to create memorable experiences for Jazz supporters since he and his wife, Ashley, acquired the franchise in 2020. Their commitment to engaging with the community has included surprising fans with complimentary tickets, offering exclusive court-level seats, and hosting events like a free jersey swap, allowing fans to refresh their wardrobes with the team’s latest designs.
Ryan Smith believes that sports intrinsically unite people, nurturing emotional connections between teams and their local communities. “Sports connect people and help create amazing memories with loved ones,” he remarked, highlighting the significance of inclusivity and engagement.
Early in the season, Smith brought his own 96-year-old grandmother, a devoted Jazz fan residing in Mexico, to a game, further reinforcing the idea that such experiences resonate across generations. Witnessing children and grandchildren share special moments with their 90-plus-year-old relatives at the event added an extra layer of meaning to the tradition.
As the game unfolded, the sound of laughter and cheers echoed around the arena, with families capturing timeless memories on their phones. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the event had morphed into something far greater than sport; it became a celebration of life, love, and the cherished connections that bind families together across generations.