I attended a game at the Delta Center about 12 or 13 years ago in the middle of the Stockton/Malone heyday, but at that tender age (and without the aide of a press pass) I didn’t realize how close the fans actually are to the floor.
You always hear about the fans being right on top of you, but it couldn’t be more true.
There aren’t any courtside seats along the baseline because the grandstand extends all the way to the camera positions. There are some courtside seats along the sidelines, but they’re really just an extension of the grandstand as well.
The noise is already at a decent level and it’s still more than seven minutes until tip.
Phil Jackson realizes the noise is always an issue when you visit the Energy Solutions Arena, but this also isn’t the first time the Lakers have been here. Plus, it’s not like it was in the old days.
“Well (you used to) get beer thrown at you at the Boston Garden when you’re walking out at halftime and that kind of stuff,” Jackson reminisced.
Jackson went on to mention the basketball fever that the Salt Lake Area catches this time of year.
“This is a rabid crowd. I’m sure they’ll protest every foul that’s called. They really love basketball in this state.”
“It’s always fun to come play here and play.”
