Warriors Directed to Host Nets Without Fans in Attendance at Chase Center
Several sporting events around the country are already set to be played with no fans in attendance. Now, the Golden State Warriors could be the first NBA team to follow suit when they host the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.
The team has reportedly been directed by the league to play its game without fans in the seats after the city San Francisco placed a temporary ban on gatherings in surplus of 1,000 people.
The Warriors, league sources say, will be directed to play host to the Nets on Thursday night at Chase Center in a game CLOSED to fans
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 11, 2020
The city's ruling established that, should the Warriors play their game at Chase Center, fans would not be permitted to attend. While there was some brief discussion over the possibility of moving the game to another arena, it looks as if the league is going to keep the game at its original location.
It begins. Amid coronavirus concerns, the Nets vs. Warriors game on Thursday will be the first NBA game CLOSED to fans. (per Marc Stein)
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) March 11, 2020
More: https://t.co/tX5Nv99UrY pic.twitter.com/l9C8r9GyNL
The Warriors closing a game to the public could lead to other teams following suit. The Cleveland Cavaliers may be next after Ohio's governor advised indoor arenas to be closed to fans.
Fans who had tickets for Thursday's game may be upset, however, general caution is not the worst thing in the world if it means keeping people safe during what has been declared a pandemic.