When the Utah Jazz host the New Orleans Pelicans in their home opener Friday night, Salt Lake City will be hoppin,’ Delta Center will be rockin’ and Bear will be boppin.’
The city, arena and mascot all rank among the best in the NBA, according to USA Today’s 2026 Sports Readers Choice Awards published this week. The news outlet launched the fan-driven program designed to recognize the best experiences, destinations and products across the sports landscape as rated by its audience in April.
A panel of editors and journalists select the nominees in several categories. Then fans vote to arrive at the best of the best.
The five NBA categories were best arena, best arena food, best mascot, best throwback jersey and best city. The Jazz made the top 10 in four of the categories — arena, food, city and mascot.
On top of that, Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith is spearheading a multibillion-dollar makeover of downtown Salt Lake City with a combination of private and public investment.
Here’s how Utah ranked in those categories on the USA Today survey along with a blurb from the publication:
Best NBA arena
No. 3 Delta Center
“With the addition of the Mammoth of the NHL, the Delta Center is becoming one of the premier venues in the NBA and sports. Last year, construction added a state-of-the-art seating plan to benefit Jazz and Mammoth fans. This is part of a plan to improve downtown Salt Lake City, and much of the work takes place during the offseason.”
Winner: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
Best NBA arena food
No. 4 Delta Center
“Proper Burger gets high marks at Jazz games. There is the Salt Lake City Smokehouse. A local angle comes from J Dawgs, a spot opened by a former BYU student in 2004 that has since expanded into multiple locations in Utah. Oh, the Smokehouse has a S’more Ice Cream Sandwich. That sounds elegant and delicious.”
Winner: Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix
Best NBA city
No. 7 Salt Lake City
“Utah fans are loud and proud when it comes to their teams, whether college or pro. The same would be true for the hearty Jazz bunch. Remember, this franchise has come close to winning it all but has never won an NBA championship. That doesn’t deter Utah fans from backing their Jazz and appreciating their efforts. They are always hopeful and helpful when it comes to supporting the home team. The days of Stockton and Malone are long gone, but the fans have stuck through all the years of losses and wins.”
Winner: Oklahoma City
Best NBA mascot
No. 10 Jazz Bear
Jazz Bear came into the NBA mascot universe in 1994. He also has the distinction of being a temporary NHL mascot, keeping the spot warm when the Utah Mammoth entered the league from Arizona. At the same time, the team chose a permanent mascot in its second season. He had a great debut in 1994, rappelling from the catwalk above the Delta Center. He has more than 4,000 slam dunks, has raised more than $1 million dollars for charity, and has used 55,000 cans of Silly String. All that has made Jazz Bear an NBA Mascot of the Year on five occasions.
Winner: Rumble the Bison, Oklahoma City
Best of the best of the best
While Salt Lake City showed well on the USA Today awards, one NBA market stood head-and-shoulders above the rest.
Oklahoma City ranked first in three categories — city, arena and mascot — and second in food. The 2025 NBA champions didn’t make the top 10 for throwback jerseys. The New Jersey Nets took that category.
In 2008, former Seattle SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City where fans have totally embraced the team. Here’s what USA Today wrote:
“Talk about a city that appreciates what it has. Oklahoma City reveres its Thunder and is thrilled to have a team that probably didn’t need to leave Seattle. The Thunder throng never looks a gift horse in the mouth and rumbles and makes noise for their basketball team. Seattle’s loss proved to be pro basketball’s gain in a huge way.”
Visit Oklahoma City made the most of the ranking.
Christy Gillenwater, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, called it a “defining moment that reflects the bold vision, electric energy and fierce community pride driving Oklahoma City forward. The Thunder players and organization are incredible ambassadors for our community and continue to bring national and international attention to OKC.”