NBA: Utah Jazz to host 2023 All-Star at home arena after 30 years

Utah Jazz will be hosting the 2023 NBA All-Star weekend, league commissioner Adam Silver confirmed the news on Wednesday, October 23. The 72nd edition of the All-Star weekend will take place at the Jazz's Vivint Smart Home Arena. Salt Lake City will be hosting the event after 36 years. The previous NBA All-Star event was hosted at the Delta Center back in 1993. The Western Conference had defeated the Eastern Conference 135-132 overtime. It was the 43rd edition of the NBA All-Star weekend. The festivities will begin two days before the actual game, which is scheduled for Sunday, February 19.

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NBA cheif Silver announces that Utah Jazz will host NBA 2023 All-Star weekend at a press conference

The decision to select Utah Jazz was made in recognition of the state and franchise's progress over the past few years. Silver announced the decision along with the Jazz's owner Gail Miller, Governer Gary Herbert, Salt Lake City Mayor  Jackie Biskupski and Larry H. Miller Group of Companies CEO Steve Starks. The decision followed a reported $125 million renovation which was done on the Vivint Smart Home Arena. According to Silver and Starks at the conference, the renovation was the 'final piece' of the decision to select Utah Jazz. 

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The city's previous success for hosting major events (2002 Winter Olympic Games) was another factor for awarding Utah Jazz the 2023 All-Star weekend. Salt Lake City was praised for the infrastructure, and are also in the contest for hosting the 2030 Olympics. In the press conference, Silver also called Salt Lake City a 'world-class destination' for hosting large-scale events and also sports competitions. He also thanked the Miller Family and Utah Jazz organization for all their commitment. They believe the program will leave a lasting impact on the community. Governer Herbert estimated an economic impact of a reported $45-50 million when asked about it in the press conference. 

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