Not 1 but 2 Jazz draft-day parties

The Jazz have altered their usual NBA Draft-night party plans.

Rather than hold one large event with both franchise officials and fans at the Delta Center like in years past, the team is spreading things out.

Jazz officials, including basketball operations vice president Kevin O'Connor, will work privately from the team's new practice facility.

The public, meanwhile, is invited to attend either of two draft parties: One will be held at the Cricket SuperScreen at Jordan Commons in Sandy, the other at Gateway MegaPlex Theaters near the Delta Center in downtown.

Doors at both public locations open at 5 p.m., and ESPN's live broadcast of the draft from The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York will be shown beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Due to limited seating, fans attending either draft party must obtain a free ticket from the theater box office. They will be available at both locations beginning at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

Jazz public-address voice Dan Roberts will host the party at Gateway, and KFNZ 1320-AM morning host Allen Handy will host the party at Jordan Commons.

The Jazz's "Bear" mascot and Jazz dancers will make appearances at both locations, and fans in the theaters will receive a free hot dog and soft drink. A draft-picking contest also will be held at both locations, with the winner receiving airline tickets for two.