Utah Jazz arena evacuated due to suspicious package

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 on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, 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. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

SALT LAKE CITY — About 15 minutes after the end of an NBA game, the Utah Jazz’s home arena has been evacuated because of a suspicious package.

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