Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz are going international.
The Jazz were selected to play the Orlando Magic in a regular season game in Mexico City on Dec. 15, the NBA announced Tuesday. It’s the first time the Jazz have played in Mexico since 2003 when they played the Dallas Mavericks in Mexico City in a preseason game. It's also the franchise's first time playing out of the U.S. and Canada during the regular season.
“The Utah Jazz are excited to play in Mexico City and are proud to represent our fans and the NBA on a global stage,” Jazz president Steve Starks said. “This will be our fourth time playing in Mexico and first time back in 15 years. Our organization thanks the NBA and the people of Mexico City for this unique opportunity.”
The game will be played at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico as part of the NBA Mexico City Games 2018. The Magic will also play the Chicago Bulls on Dec. 13. The NBA Mexico City Games 2018 will also feature various community outreach events and an opportunity for fans to connect with NBA players.
The Jazz have participated in two previous international matchups as part of the NBA’s Global Games, with both being played in Tokyo, Japan during the 1990-91 season against the Phoenix Suns.
Although it will be the only irregular international travel game for the Jazz this season, Utah will host two teams from Australia's National Basketball League — the Perth Wildcats and the Adelaide 36ers — in the preseason. The Jazz opens up its five-game preseason schedule against the Wildcats at Vivint Arena on Sat., Sept. 29.
The full NBA schedule is expected to be released later this month.
Editor's note: An earlier version of this article said the game against Mexico was the first time the team had played outside the U.S. during the regular season. This article has been updated to reflect that this was the first time the team had played outside the U.S. and Canada in the regular season.
