Kings game against Pelicans will go on with fans in attendance, but future uncertain
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NBA suspends season after Jazz player tests positive for coronavirus. Kings game postponed
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Ticketholders will be allowed inside the arena when the Kings play the New Orleans Pelicans in a nationally televised game with playoff implications for both teams Wednesday night at Golden 1 Center, but that might change in the days ahead.
The Kings released a statement Wednesday saying the game will be played as scheduled with fans in attendance, but they will continue to monitor the COVID-19 coronavirus and follow appropriate recommendations.
“After consultation with Sacramento County Public Health officials, tonight’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center will proceed as usual with fans,” the Kings said. “With regards to future Golden 1 Center events, we continue to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation closely and will follow the mandated guidelines of the NBA, CDC, medical experts and government officials.”
The statement from the Kings noted public health officials advise individuals who are considered high risk, those over 60 and anyone with an underlying chronic health condition or compromised immune system, should avoid large public gatherings. Those who wish to request to credit or refund for Wednesday’s game can go to kings.com/march11.
“Any guest who is feeling sick, regardless of their symptoms, should always refrain from attending public events,” the Kings said.
The Kings (28-36) and Pelicans (28-36) are tied for ninth in the Western Conference, 3½ games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth seed in the playoff race. The game will be broadcast by ESPN, the first national television appearance for the Kings this season.
The NBA board of governors held a conference call with the commissioner’s office Wednesday. ESPN reported the NBA was discussing a number of possibilities, including moving games to NBA cities where outbreaks have not occurred, prohibiting fans from attending games or suspending game operations for a period of time.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the NBA is exploring ways to allow the league to continue playing and televising games during the coronavirus crisis despite the increasing likelihood of games being played in empty arenas.
Last week, the NBA circulated a memo instructing teams to prepare for the possibility of playing games in closed arenas. The league said teams should identity essential staff necessary to conduct games and be able to quickly communicate with nonessential staff, as well as ticket holders, should it “become necessary to play a game with only essential staff present.”
Kings coach Luke Walton addressed that possibility Tuesday as the Kings prepared to face the Pelicans.
“We trust the NBA and if that (directive) comes down, we’ll do it,” Walton said. “… Health is always most important, so we’re conscious about it and people in our front office are directly working with the NBA. If a plan comes down from above, then we’re onboard and we’ll follow it.”
Walton was later asked if players and coaches were advising loved ones not to attend games due to the risk of coronavirus exposure at large sporting events.
“I can only speak for myself,” Walton said. “My family was here last game. We feel like as long as we take the proper steps and we’re constantly washing hands and just being mindful of what we’re doing, we should be fine. That’s an individual choice for each person, but for myself and my family, we feel completely fine, comfortable, safe going out into the town, coming to games and what not.”
Kings forward Harrison Barnes said it was difficult to imagine NBA games played in empty arenas.
“I have no idea what that would look like, the atmosphere, the energy,” Barnes said. “… It s would be tough because the fans — not only here in Sacramento but around the league — they add an element to the game that makes it fun and exciting.”
Still, Barnes conceded, “there are things that are bigger than basketball and this is one of them.”
The Golden State Warriors became the first to announce plans to play in an empty arena Wednesday morning when they said Thursday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets at Chase Center in San Francisco will be closed to the public.
“Due to escalating concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, and in consultation with the City and County of San Francisco, tomorrow night’s game vs. the Nets at Chase Center will be played without fans,” the Warriors said on Twitter. “Fans with tickets to this game will receive a refund in the amount paid. All events at Chase Center through March 21 will be cancelled or postponed at this time. We’ll continue to monitor this evolving situation closely to determine best steps. We appreciate the understanding and patience of our fans, guests and partners.”
The announcement came after San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced an order from the San Francisco Health Office prohibiting public events with 1,000 or more people.
“We know this order is disruptive, but it is an important step to support public health,” Breed said in a written statement. “We’re following the recommendations of public health officials to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. This order mirrors actions being taken by other local governments and is informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.”
The NCAA later announced it will hold its annual men’s and women’s basketball tournaments without fans.
On Tuesday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recommended that indoor sporting events should be held without spectators “other than the athletes, parents and others essential to the game” in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse later issued a statement saying a minor league hockey game would be played at the arena Sunday “with regular fan access” despite DeWine’s recommendation.
“Appropriate precautionary and preventative measures recommended by the CDC and other health experts at this point are being followed,” the statement said. “The Cleveland Monsters game will continue to evaluate, make decisions and provide appropriate updates concerning any potential changes to the on-going event and game schedule as needed.”
This story was originally published March 11, 2020 at 4:37 PM.
