Warriors Games in Jeopardy After San Francisco Makes Decision to Ban Gatherings of 1,000 People
By Karl Rasmussen
There's been a lot of discussion as to whether NBA games would, or should, be played in empty arenas, or at all, amid the widespread outbreak of the Coronavirus. Well, for the Warriors, that decision may no longer be theirs to make, after they defied a city recommendation on Tuesday.
The city of San Francisco motioned on Wednesday to ban gatherings in surplus of 1,000 people, a ruling which extends to Warriors games held at the Chase Center, which seats more than 18,000.
San Francisco is banning gatherings of more than 1,000 people, including Warriors games.
— Connor Letourneau (@Con_Chron) March 11, 2020
This comes following Santa Clara county's decision to issue a similar bar on large gatherings Tuesday.
San Francisco had previously requested the Warriors cancel games due to fear of COVID-19, though no official action had been taken from the organization.
The Athletic's Tim Kawakami reported Tuesday evening that it was "very likely" the team would be forced to play in front of an empty arena, and it looks like he was right.
Strong, strong, strong indications that there will be a clear decision and announcement on near-term sports events in San Francisco.
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) March 11, 2020
-Very likely this is the last game in the area for a while not played in an empty arena.
The Warriors had previously planned to keep the doors of the Chase Center open, advising fans that the organization was not liable should they contract COVID-19 while in attendance.
Sign at the entrance pic.twitter.com/Zsa07Oda1G
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) March 7, 2020
The city of San Francisco has made its ruling in order to best protect the public, but it may have put Warriors games at risk in the process.