The NBA has sent its 30 teams a memo with protocols for eligible markets to host fans, according to Shams Charania.
The number of fans allowed at each team’s arena will depend on their state government’s restrictions.
The protocols are as follows, per Charania:
- Fans within 30 feet of court to register negative coronavirus test two days prior to game or rapid test on day of game
- All fans are required to wear masks (above age of 2), socially distance, undergo symptom surveys
- Food and beverage are not allowed for those within 30 feet of court
- Teams will have the option to install a plexiglass behind benches
- For arena suites at 25% capacity or less, testing would not be required for fans
- Teams would be permitted for 50% if all fans were tested or if local county’s positivity rate is three percent or below and seven-day average of new cases per 100,000 residents is 10 or fewer
With the start of the 2020-2021 NBA season in a little over a month, there should be more official details and possibly even changes to some of the protocols still to come.
The Oklahoma City Thunder were the first team to announce a plan to have limited attendance ahead of the team’s home games for next season.