Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Friday, December 13, 2024 76° Today's Paper


Sports BreakingTop News

Utah Jazz arena evacuated postgame due to suspicious package

ASSOCIATED PRESS
                                People leave Vivint Smart Home Arena after the Utah Jazz’s NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Salt Lake City. Most fans had already left the building when players, coaches and reporters were instructed to leave after a suspicious package was found following Utah’s 113-109 victory over the Warriors.
1/3
Swipe or click to see more

ASSOCIATED PRESS

People leave Vivint Smart Home Arena after the Utah Jazz’s NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Salt Lake City. Most fans had already left the building when players, coaches and reporters were instructed to leave after a suspicious package was found following Utah’s 113-109 victory over the Warriors.

ASSOCIATED PRESS
                                An empty Vivint Smart Home Arena is seen as the building was being evacuated because of a suspicious package following the Utah Jazz’s NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Salt Lake City. Most fans had already left the building when players, coaches and reporters were instructed to leave the arena following Utah’s 113-109 victory over the Warriors.
2/3
Swipe or click to see more

ASSOCIATED PRESS

An empty Vivint Smart Home Arena is seen as the building was being evacuated because of a suspicious package following the Utah Jazz’s NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Salt Lake City. Most fans had already left the building when players, coaches and reporters were instructed to leave the arena following Utah’s 113-109 victory over the Warriors.

ASSOCIATED PRESS
                                Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) walks off the court following the team’s NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Salt Lake City.
3/3
Swipe or click to see more

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) walks off the court following the team’s NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Salt Lake City.

ASSOCIATED PRESS
                                People leave Vivint Smart Home Arena after the Utah Jazz’s NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Salt Lake City. Most fans had already left the building when players, coaches and reporters were instructed to leave after a suspicious package was found following Utah’s 113-109 victory over the Warriors.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
                                An empty Vivint Smart Home Arena is seen as the building was being evacuated because of a suspicious package following the Utah Jazz’s NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Salt Lake City. Most fans had already left the building when players, coaches and reporters were instructed to leave the arena following Utah’s 113-109 victory over the Warriors.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
                                Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) walks off the court following the team’s NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Salt Lake City.

SALT LAKE CITY >> About 15 minutes after the end of an NBA game Friday night, the Utah Jazz’s home arena was evacuated because of a suspicious package.

Salt Lake City police say the package turned out to be a toolbox, and the Jazz say employees were cleared by authorities to re-enter the building a couple of hours after the evacuation.

Most fans had already exited Vivint Smart Home Arena following Utah’s 113-109 victory over the Golden State Warriors when players, coaches and reporters were instructed to leave immediately.

Not long after both coaches finished answering postgame questions from the media, a spokesman for the Jazz told reporters to exit the building due to the suspicious package. Outside, they were instructed by security to leave the premises.

Utah players quickly headed for their cars in the parking lot — center Rudy Gobert was still in uniform as he left. Warriors players boarded their team bus.

Salt Lake City police Lt. Carlos Valencia said the suspicious package looked like a shoebox and was discovered under a table at a restaurant in the northeast corner of the arena. He said the call came in from a uniformed officer working part-time at the game around 9:30 p.m.

Arena bomb dogs went near the package and “got a hit on it,” Valencia said.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.