SALT LAKE CITY (November 4, 2014) — In honor of Veterans Day, the Utah Jazz are participating in the league-wide NBA Cares Hoops for Troops Week, featuring hands-on community service and in-arena activities to support and recognize active and retired service men, women and families.
On Thursday, Nov. 6, Jazz players will work side by side with local military members at the George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center as part of a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the NBA and Department of Defense known as “Commitment to Service.” The team will also host a special Military Appreciation Night when the Jazz take on the Dallas Mavericks at home on Friday, Nov. 7.
The Jazz organization’s “Commitment to Service” project will feature Jazz players, executives and broadcasters rolling up their sleeves alongside military personnel from Hill Air Force Base, the U.S. Navy, Utah National Guard, and the U.S. Marine Corps to participate in a variety of hands-on refurbishment projects. Outreach activities at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center will include revitalizing the facility’s front entrance and courtyard, cleaning and meal delivery at the Fisher House, and player visits with veterans at the medical center.
“The Jazz have a longstanding relationship with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and we are looking forward to expanding our outreach efforts to include hands-on service,” said Utah Jazz President Randy Rigby. “Through this ‘Commitment to Service’ project, the Jazz will work alongside active military members to show our organization’s appreciation for those who bravely served our country.”
“Making a commitment to service is about being a part of something bigger than you are. The military is about teamwork, whether that's active, guard, reserve or civil service, and we cannot be successful without it,” said Col. Ronald Jolly, 75th Air Base Wing and Installation Commander at Hill Air Force Base. “Working together with the Utah Jazz is a great opportunity to show that teamwork and give back to our veterans in the community.”
The following evening, Friday, Nov. 7, EnergySolutions Arena will be awash in red, white and blue as the Jazz pay tribute to veterans and military members throughout the game. The team is offering free tickets to veterans and active service men and women along with discounted tickets for their extended families. Jazz season ticket holders are also providing an assist by donating their tickets to area military families.
Honored guests will include local youth from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) who will join Jazz players on court during the national anthem featuring Hill Air Force Base’s 419th Fighter Wing Choir. Transitioning veterans from Freedom Landing will also attend the game, courtesy of ticket donations from Jazz players Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter.
Jazz players will wear special “Hoops for Troops” apparel, including shooting shirts, wristbands, and socks, and the first 10,000 fans through the doors will receive commemorative American flag lapel pins. Fans will also be invited to thank military members for their sacrifice and service during the game via the new Jazz “Shout Out” booth. Located on the level three concourse, fans may record personal messages which will be shown on the video boards throughout the evening.