By Dorothy J. Gentry
Sports Editor
A tough season playing in a pandemic has been made tougher for the NBA. Only a handful of its 30 teams allow a limited number of fans into their arenas on game days.
The Dallas Mavericks were among those who were playing in empty arenas, deciding back in December to start the season without fans, citing the “health and safety of Dallas Mavericks fans, players and employees.”
That has changed, slightly.
Starting Monday, Feb. 8, the Mavs will welcome back a limited number of fans at American Airlines Center by honoring and thanking essential workers in Dallas/Fort Worth.
In a show of appreciation and support for their work on the frontlines of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Mavs have offered vaccinated essential workers, including medical professionals, police and firefighters, food services and others the opportunity to attend an upcoming Mavs home game from Feb. 8-Feb. 14. (Game dates: 2/8, 2/10, 2/12 or 2/14).
Only 1,500 visitors will be permitted at the first game on Feb. 8th and all must adhere to the following protocols laid out by the Dallas Mavericks and in compliance with the Center for Disease Control, Dallas County Health and Human Services and the NBA:
- Each individual must have received at least one round of the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Each individual must show their CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card prior to entering AAC.
- Each individual must complete the Fan Health Survey at least 30 minutes prior to entering the arena on game day.
- Proper face masks and social distancing are required and will be strictly enforced at all times.
Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynthia Marshall said hopefully the game will provide “a much-needed break from very hectic and tumultuous schedules. The Mavs and Mavs Foundation have been committed to supporting our essential workers through PPE and donated meals over the past year, and this is just another way we can say ‘thank you’ for serving us day in and day out.”
Said Mavs owner Mark Cuban: “We owe so much to people who have put their lives at risk to make us safer. Bringing them to a Mavs game is the least we can do!”
Mavs officials say they will continue to work with Dallas County leadership and public health officials to determine the best possible scenario for fans to safely return to American Airlines Center for Mavs basketball games. The Mavs recommend visiting the Dallas County COVID-19 Vaccination site to register for the vaccine and schedule an appointment when one becomes available.
For a more complete list of rules, regulations and safety protocols, please visit the American Airlines Center Fan Safety Guidelines site. For more information on COVID-19 and the vaccine, visit cdc.gov. For information and to sign-up for the COVID-19 Prevalence Study at UT Southwestern, visit ustswmed.org/covidstudy.
