Return of Jazz basketball welcomed by fans, local businesses

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SALT LAKE CITY — For the first time in eight months, Jazz fans cheered on their team Wednesday night inside the EnergySolutions Arena. With the NBA lockout finally over, fans and downtown businesses alike are thrilled.

Fans showed their excitement, filling TRAX trains and downtown restaurants prior to the game, with tickets in hand.

"I'm pumped! I'm stoked! I can't wait! We've even got lower bowl tickets," said Allie Johnson.

Two months after the preseason should have started, Jazz fans got at least one home preseason game.

"We're so excited," Summer Stanton said. "We were kind of sad they weren't going to have games, and then they decided to have them, and we're really excited."

The Crown Burger restaurant at North Temple and 300 West was filled to capacity Wednesday night as Jazz fans grabbed a bite to eat before heading over to EnergySolutions Arena for the one and only preseason home game this year.

"We've got a whole new team," Jaren Stanton added. "It will be interesting to see how it all works out. Hopefully, they will make the playoffs."

But it is not all just about what happens on the court. Owners of downtown businesses, like The Crown Burger at North Temple and 300 West, are thrilled the Jazz games are back on the schedule. Many have suffered financially without the crowds a Jazz game brings downtown.

"It's busy, and we're glad to have them back," Crown Burger owner Mike Katsanevas said. "It's a late start to the season, but better late than nothing at all."

The downtown economy lost out on about 10 games this season because of the NBA lockout. Now fans are coming back, businesses are busy, and employees are working again.

"Let's hope the Jazz have a great season, and we're glad they're back," Katsanevas said.

Of course, it is a very short preseason, with Wednesday night's game being the only home game. The Jazz open the regular season against the Lakers in Los Angeles on Dec. 27. Their home opener is Dec. 30, when the Jazz host the Philadelphia 76ers.

Email: spenrod@ksl.com