Very few would contest that the most recognizable Nuggets fan is none other than Vicki Ray, 72. Ray has been a season ticket holder for 32 years, supporting the Nuggets in rain or shine. According to her, she has only missed seven games outside of COVID. Ray has also had a highly sought-after location in Ball Arena.
She has been precisely on the walkway that the Nuggets use to enter the court
.
Since the arena opened 25 years ago, I have occupied the same seats. Additionally, they gave me two seats on the floor where the players emerged in the other arena.”
download-t222155-911.png, 2024-03-22.
CBS
She would give them hugs, a warm welcome, compliments on the referees, and candy for the players.
There is a shrine-like collection of basketball memorabilia at her house, complete with player autographs, sneakers, and pictures.
Among them were get-well cards when Ray suffered a stroke and condolences for her husband, who used to go to games with her.
However, things have been awkward this season.
Ray was informed early on that the signs she brought would not be accepted. She was informed that she would not be permitted to enter prior the games or remain after when the players emerged to welcome loved ones.
Security then allegedly informed her in February that she had taken a referee by force.
“And he told me no, pushing me away. which I was aware was untrue. Ray says, “And I said I did not do that.”
She claims there was another accusation after that.
“The group wanted me to know that one of the players stated that Vicky had struck him in the face. which is almost unfeasible,” she remarked, adding that her hand would be well below the participants’ faces.
download-t222128-652.png, 2024-03-22.
CBS
She claims that she was charged with breaking the rules by giving notes to referees.
“Yeah, I did that,” she said. “All right. However, for 25 years, I gave a message to the referees at every game. Birthday cards, Christmas cards, and all of them.”
She claims she received a call in mid-February informing her that she was being blacklisted.
“I don’t deserve to be treated like this,” she responded.
In response to inquiries over Ray’s dismissal and her claims of her treatment, Jim Mulvihill, head of marketing and communications at Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, sent out the following statement via email:
“After several warnings and infractions of the NBA’s and Ball Arena’s codes of conduct, we have had to make the painful decision to cancel the season ticket membership of a devoted fan. Though we regret having to do so, we followed the league’s and the venue’s rules in doing so.”
Ray claims that her lawyer has requested documentation from Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, pointing out that the dubious activities had to have been captured on camera somewhere in the arena. She claims they have not responded, but on Saturday, KSE announced that it has provided written and video documentation in response to the lawyers’ request for proof. KSE claims that since supplying it, it has not heard back.
“I have a hard time believing that the Kroenkes are behind it,” Ray says. “They’ve always been super nice to me.”
She was forced to give up the four seats she paid $20,000 for because she was not allowed to enter the arena during Nuggets games.
“My lawyer seems to think that it probably has to do with the tickets and they can sell them for more,” she continues.
She simply wants to see evidence of the alleged wrongdoing at this stage.
“It will kill me if I don’t get my seats back. But I simply want everyone to be aware of what transpired. She continues, “I don’t know if I did anything wrong, but if I did, I would apologize.” “But I’m not given that opportunity.”
