In a move that has sent ripples through the Denver Nuggets fan community, 72-year-old Vicki Ray, a superfan known for her decade-long support of the team, has been banned from Ball Arena. Ray, who has been a season ticket holder for over thirty years, has become a fixture at Nuggets games, her presence synonymous with the team’s highs and lows.
Vicki Ray’s dedication to the Denver Nuggets is the stuff of legend. For 32 years, she has cheered on the team, missing only a handful of games. Her seat along the rail of the walkway the Nuggets use to enter the court has given her a unique vantage point, allowing her to greet and encourage players and officials alike. However, this season has seen a series of events that have led to her current predicament.
The issues began with a change in policy regarding signs and early access to the arena. Ray was informed that her usual practices would no longer be permitted. The situation escalated when she was accused of grabbing a referee and hitting a player—claims she vehemently denies. While she admits to passing notes to referees, a tradition spanning 25 years, she contends that this could not have led to the alleged physical interactions due to her position relative to the players and officials.
Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, the entity overseeing the Nuggets, has remained largely silent on the specifics of the case. They have cited “repeated violations and warnings of the NBA’s Code of Conduct as well as Ball Arena’s Code of Conduct” as the reason for the ban. Despite requests for evidence from Ray’s attorney, the organization has provided no public response, leaving many questions unanswered.
The ban has sparked a debate among fans and observers about the treatment of dedicated supporters and the enforcement of conduct policies. Vicki Ray’s story is a poignant reminder of the deep emotional ties fans can have with their teams, and how quickly those ties can be tested. As the Nuggets continue their season, the absence of one of their most recognizable fans serves as a somber backdrop to the games at Ball Arena.
