Boy Gets VIP Treatment at NBA, NHL and USL Games After Birthday Mishap

If you’re ranking awful things that should never happen, zero guests at a child’s birthday party ranks between ‘someone setting your thermostat too high’ and ‘having to go to the DMV on a Monday.’ Unfortunately, that’s exactly what 6-year-old Teddy Mazzini from Arizona experienced a couple weeks ago.
Teddy’s mom sent invitations to all 32 of his classmates to attend a birthday pizza party in Tuscon, but Teddy was the only child in attendance that day.
Posting a pic of the sorry situation, tons of support came flooding Teddy’s way over social media. Thousands of people responded over various platforms, trying to lift Teddy’s spirits.
In fact, the story gained so much traction, the Phoenix Suns offered to invite Teddy to a make-up party; specifically, their next game versus the Lakers.
How about we celebrate with thousands at our place! Tickets to Wednesday’s #SunsVSLakers game are all yours Teddy! Talk soon! https://t.co/YL3zjDX9JW
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 22, 2018
And the invitations didn’t stop there.
Phoenix Rising FC, Arizona’s highest level professional soccer team, offered to entertain Teddy with more pizza and a match of their own.
“Teddy can get The Mala from @VeneziasPizza and join 7,000 of his closest friends this Friday. Come on out Teddy! #UpRising,” they tweeted.
Teddy can get The Mala from @VeneziasPizza and join 7,000 of his closest friends this Friday. Come on out Teddy! #UpRising https://t.co/mNpcwfNOcy
— (x)-Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) October 22, 2018
Teddy accepted his ‘birthday re-do’ invites and was given the total VIP treatment.
At Talking Stick Resort Arena, before the game even started, Teddy was met by the Suns Gorilla himself, gifted his own birthday crown and a Suns jersey, as well as some one-on-one time with players. Not a bad experience for someone’s first NBA game!
TEDDY IS IN THE BUILDING! ???? pic.twitter.com/jiht7INcgU
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 25, 2018
Pregame Teddy hype! pic.twitter.com/R1MvrQwGyI
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 25, 2018
Two days later, Teddy made his way to Phoenix Rising’s playoff game versus the Swope Park Rangers in Tempe where he received another personalized team jersey and time to run around on the field with players.
#Ready4Teddy pic.twitter.com/YskKtjvudq
— (x)-Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) October 27, 2018
Hey @USL, this goal celebration is fine, right? #UpRising #Ready4Teddy pic.twitter.com/E2WXIndjQx
— (x)-Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) October 27, 2018
Then, the following day, as if things couldn’t get any better, Teddy was invited by the Arizona Coyotes to watch them face off against the Tamp Bay Lightning during their special Halloween festivities. Wearing a goofy costume, yet another team jersey, and a huge smile on his face, Teddy could be seen dancing around ecstatically while the entire stadium sang ‘Happy Birthday.’
When we saw on social media that no one showed up to Teddy’s 6th birthday we knew we could help.
What better than a party with @j_chychrun7 and the Yotes? Thank you to #OurPack for giving Teddy a night of hockey he’ll never forget. pic.twitter.com/GQQckDIPzI
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) October 28, 2018
Yes, bad things happen, and often to good people who don’t deserve it. But Teddy’s story is a perfect example of how meaningful gestures can always make a difference, if not completely turn a sorry situation into something magical and unforgettable.
Happy Birthday, Teddy!