Dan Roberts Returns to His Roots as Runnin’ Utes’ PA Voice
Oct 8, 2025, 9:08 PM | Updated: Oct 9, 2025, 10:53 am
SALT LAKE CITY — The echoing voice that’s been a soundtrack of Utah basketball for decades is coming home. Dan Roberts — best known as the longtime public address announcer for the Utah Jazz — is back in the mix for Runnin’ Utes games, picking up the mic where much of his journey began.
“We are pleased to welcome Dan Roberts back as our public address announcer for Runnin’ Utes games,” said Patrick Nowlin, Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Revenue Officer. “A household name among Utahns, Dan’s return to the Jon M. Huntsman Center will further elevate the gameday experience for our fans this season.”
Roberts spent 46 seasons with the Jazz since their move to Salt Lake City. Now, he’ll once again lend his voice to the corridors, rafters, and crowd roars of the Huntsman.
“I’m honored and excited to be back home with the Runnin’ Utes where it all started,” Roberts said.
His roots in Utah basketball run deep. In spring 1970, he first took up PA duties for the Utah Stars of the ABA. After the team folded in 1975, Roberts got a call from then–Utah head coach Jerry Pimm to take over as the PA announcer for the Utes.
From 1975 to 1979, he presided over games in what was then called the Special Events Center, calling the exploits of future legends like Tom Chambers, Danny Vranes, and Jeff Judkins.
In perhaps the most fateful assignment of his early career, it was Roberts’ voice that introduced the NCAA championship matchup of Michigan State vs. Indiana State — the game that launched the Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird rivalry and remains one of the highest-rated NCAA TV games ever.
Over his Jazz tenure, Roberts announced more than 2,135 games, including two NBA Finals (1997, 1998) and two All-Star games (1993, 2023). He also was the voice in the arena when John Stockton shattered both the all-time assists and steals records.
What’s Next? Runnin’ Utes Exhibitions
Here’s what’s on tap:
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Oct. 17 (Fri) – vs. Nevada (Exhibition), Jon M. Huntsman Center, 7 p.m. MDT
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Oct. 24 (Fri) – at Oregon (Exhibition)
Only two exhibitions are scheduled for 2025-26. After that, the non-conference slate kicks in with a home opener vs. San José State on Nov. 3.
Other notable non-conference matchups include:
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Nov. 8 – Weber State (Salt Lake City)
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Nov. 10 – Holy Cross
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Nov. 15 – Sam Houston
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Nov. 18 – Purdue Fort Wayne
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Nov. 20 – Cal Poly
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Nov. 25 & 26 – Acrisure Series in Palm Desert vs. Grand Canyon, and vs. either Ole Miss or Iowa (neutral site)
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Dec. 2 – at California
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Dec. 6 – Cal Baptist (home)
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Dec. 13 – Mississippi State at Delta Center (Salt Lake City)
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Dec. 20 – Eastern Washington (home)
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Dec. 29 – at Washington
From a macro perspective, this schedule is a balanced mix of tune-ups (Nevada, Oregon) and test games (Grand Canyon, Mississippi State). It gives Jensen’s team breathing room to gel, but also enough adversity to identify weaknesses before the Big 12 grinds begin.
