With the details of the 2020-2021NBA season in the seemingly unknown, one of the most-asked questions is whether fans will be allowed back in the arenas. So far, the Los Angeles Lakers decided against having fans next season. Other teams are planning for a limited number of fans.
The Golden State Warriors have announced their own plan this week which allows 50% capacity for fans at the Chase Center for next season. The plan was put forth for both state and local officials. The plan is dubbed “Operation DubNation.”
Warriors owner Joe Lacob is preparing to spend $30 million for COVID-19 testing for fans, staff and players who will enter the building. It is part of the plan which would test every fan for COVID-19. “I not only want to get this done and show the world how we can do it now, I’m willing to spend the money to do it,” Lacob told ESPN. “This is a serious, serious problem. It cannot go on for multiple years … because if this were to go on for several years, the NBA is no more. You cannot sustain this league with no fans. You can do it for a year.”
While this is certainly an ambitious plan, it could be a first to offer a model for other sports teams to use.
