independent local journalism in Phoenix. ET SCHEDULE & RESULTS With under three weeks left until the 2021-22 NBA season tips off, at least 15 teams are telling their fans they need to vax up if they want to see the action in person this season--here are where fans will need to show proof of Covid vaccination, or a recent negative test, to get in. If all four were unvaccinated, that is a 26.7% positivity rate. Nobody thought Chris Paul would have another chance to make the Finals, and then he did. The fastest route to a return from COVID-19 is by producing two negative tests 24 hours apart which is how Horford returned to the Celtics for Game 2 of the conference finals. Paramedics and EMTs are present during events at the Footprint Center; First Aid is located on the Main Concourse across from Section 116. In 2020, they sold the Northern Arizona Suns to the Detroit Pistons. Signs must be made of a soft material that can be folded (e.g. At previous games inside. Obviously, the sooner youre done, the better. Prior to attending any game, all guests at Phoenix Suns Arena will be required to submit a Fan Promise an online, standardized health questionnaire about COVID-19 symptoms and exposure. Player prop bet odds for Nikola Jokic, Deandre Ayton and others are listed when the Denver Nuggets host the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena on Monday (opening tip at 10:00 PM ET). Video and recording devices including Go Pros & Google glasses. Reach the reporter at Alison.Steinbach@arizonarepublic.com or at 602-444-4282. In NBA terms, it is the Bradley Beal defense. Single-compartment drawstring bags, purses and diaper bags that have the appearance of a standard backpack and media backpacks are allowed as long as they meet the NBA bag-size requirements of 14 x 14 x 6. When it was over, they were told it was a fluke. This limited accommodation is in accordance with guidelines provided by the Center for Disease Control, the NBA and Arizona Department of Health Services, and the undertaking includes numerous steps taken by the Suns working with medical experts to ensure fans have a fun and safe experience. The arena transformation features touchless restroom facilities (sinks, paper towel dispensers, toilets, urinals). Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots over Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig during Game 1 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff . PHOENIX The newly renamed Footprint Center updated its event policy to mandate masks to enter any upcoming events. Whether you love them or hate them, you have an opinion on them, and the conversation is blustering on both sides. The Suns have spent this off-time preparing and having contingency plans in place for different variations of how and when they return. Below are policies and rules to assist with your visit to Footprint Center. Only four NFL teams put vaccine mandates in place prior to this seasonthe Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas Raiders and Buffalo Bills. More holidays are around the corner. The league on Sunday said it had no plans to put its season on hold, as teams struggle to make available a league-mandated eight-man roster for games due to injuries and COVID-19 contact tracing.. limited circumstances. Just like you could choose to skydive or not, just like you could choose to smoke or not.". I felt like I had a bad cold, sore throat, cough, congestion, Kerr said. Some people have chosen not to. In addition, the Suns are offering Party Pods for groups of four to six fans. Before purchasing tickets, carefully review your event and I felt like I could have coached, but I obviously didnt want to get anybody else sick. Phoenix Suns Arena: Phoenix Suns Arena Capacity: 18,055 What we know: The Suns will be welcoming 16,000 fans to their arena, beginning in Game 5 against the Lakers. That conversation usually fizzles once said team's ceiling is set below championship level, unless an MVP-caliber performer emerges, in which case the debate about his ability to win the title will only grow louder with each successive playoff loss. More than that, it raises questions about the NBAs current COVID-19 regulations. Masks have always been cited as an effective way to limit the spread of coronavirus which is mainly transmitted from person to person. Humble said it seems from what he's seen on TV that only fans in the front row really consistently wear their masks. Join the New Times community and help support In 2022-23, the Suns are 13th in the league in 3-point makes (12.2 per game) and seventh in 3-point percentage (37.4%). Williams' rotation runs at least 10 deep, and seven of them are averaging between 7.6 and 12.6 points per game. So, while all the world has is uncertainty at the moment, the Suns can at least find their own certainty in one of the biggest projects theyve undergone as a franchise going well during difficult times. I do think with half our community being vaccinated, and it's similar throughout the country, we're not seeing those bumps where people are gathered together so that's a good thing," she said. One day, well have a COVID-19 game, whether or not the league further relaxes its rules. Of the nine teams that won. The Valleys safety net health care system has seen a recent uptick in COVID-19 patients across its hospitals, from one COVID-positive patient two weeks ago to 12 as of Thursday, White said. Reset. Example video title will go here for this video, In the News: National headlines for May 1, 2023. We should not be surprised by the media's fascination with the Lakers, starring LeBron James. As part of a $230 million project, about 70% of the arena renovations were expected to be done by the start of the 2020-21 season. Dr. Robby Sikka, a former vice president of basketball operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves who consulted with the NBA on COVID-19 treatment and protocols, said the rules the league still has in place should remain. I think we want to be mindful of an impact an infected player can have not just on other players on the floor but people in the arena., (Photo: Kate Frese / NBAE via Getty Images). Lost children will be taken to the Guest Services Office located in the pavilion, in the Northwest corner of the building. When social distancing measures are pulled back, the Suns'. But a team spokesperson said officials now "expect" and "encourage" face coverings. For event specific information, please visit the individual event detail page on FootprintCenter.com Additional health and safety measures instituted to welcome fans into the transformed [] Ben Rohrbach is a staff writer for Yahoo Sports. Bet on this. Adoration for coach Monty Williams came from every corner of the NBA. For the safety of our guests, Footprint Center does not permit the following items into the arena: Banners must be flame-retardant, hand-held, and not cause disturbance to other guest. Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker discussed his vaccination status and more after missing time due to COVID-19. Bulls star Zach LaVine missed Game 5 of Chicagos first-round series after the team announced he tested positive for the virus. The proposal to allow fans into the Phoenix Suns Arena, albeit with restrictions, was approved by the City of Phoenix on Feb. 2, and while the Suns are getting ready, frustrations are growing for . The NBA requires all team personnel, regardless of vaccine status, to test for the virus if they are experiencing symptoms, and they may not play, coach or be at team facilities if they test positive. (Kellan Olson/Arizona Sports). The closest thing Phoenix has to a box-office hero is Booker, who is comfortable in his role as a silent assassin. The arena is owned by the city but managed by the Suns organization. Guests who fail to comply with the Footprint Centers smoking policy will be asked to cease smoking. Re-entry is not available for any games, concerts, or events. Venue Improvements: As part of the Phoenix Suns Arena transformation, a new HVAC system has been installed to more effectively and thoroughly circulate and filter air throughout the arena and promote healthy air quality. With rising cases of COVID-19 nationwide due to stalling vaccination rates and the rise of the Delta variant of the virus, the CDC recently updated its guidelines to recommend masks be worn when. The Phoenix Suns will soon be one of those teams as the franchise announced Tuesday up to 1,500 ticketed fans can attend games at the $230-million renovated Phoenix Suns Arena starting Monday . Day of game ticket exchanges are on a first come, first served basis. Additionally, escalator handrails have been equipped with UV-C technology which eliminates harmful bacteria from this high-touch surface. Arizona Sports PHOENIX In a weird way, the Phoenix Suns were presented a unique opportunity given the timing of the COVID-19 outbreak and their renovations to Talking Stick Resort Arena. Bottles, cans & coolers *sealed water bottles permitted but may be prohibited for select concerts. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. The Suns' odds to win the title have finally surpassed those of the Los Angeles Lakers, even if they still trail the Brooklyn Nets, Warriors and Milwaukee Bucks in that regard. The Suns also added kiosks to exchange cash into debit cards to limit contact. The Denver Nuggets are 3.5-point favorites heading into Game 1 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena on Saturday, starting at 8:30 PM ET on TNT. Waltz has won two Academy Awards, and the Suns will take that hardware over fanfare any day. Party Pods within suites represent 25 percent of normal capacity. The venue debuted as America West Arena and later changed to U.S. Airways Center and then Talking Stick Resort Arena.. The Suns, who privately insist there was no breach of protocol, declined to comment publicly for this story. If a These two teams rack up 229.4 points per game between them, 2.4 more than this game's total. Their exceptionalism leads them to believe they can make Russell Westbrook work in ways no one else could and welcomes bloviating sports television segments dedicated to the dysfunction his arrival generates. Paul is no high-flyer, either. Will Humble,executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association, said he doesn't believe the Suns should require masks at this point in the pandemic, especially if they're not going to enforce it. LA Clippers star Paul George was out for the teams must-win Play-In game against New Orleans after testing prior to the game when he experienced moderate to severe symptoms. He is not one thing. And this is where it gets dicey.. The truth is James' ordeal is more proof the NBA's strict COVID guidelines are working. But unlike cups of beer and Devin Booker signs, an accessory worn for more than a year in public might be harder to spot. . Address. The news might help explain, in part, how Phoenix went from beating Dallas by 30 points in Game 5 before losing by 27 and then 33 points in Games 6 and 7, respectively. Halloween-style Masks Not to be worn upon entry and in concourses. All attended points of sale will have Plexiglass barriers between fans and staff. But concern has been growingabout a more contagious version of the new coronavirus. Social Distancing: Physical distancing will be required at all times, particularly in queueing areas (arena entrance, concessions, restrooms and Team Shop) which will be clearly marked and monitored by arena staff. At this point pretty much everybodys had a chance (to get the vaccine). The good news is and Ill just say this, because I know from speaking to people associated with both of the teams in the finals, you have teams that are taking this very seriously, Sikka said. Ticket sales for the new seating areas (except floor seats) being added throughout Phoenix Suns Arena will go on sale tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 11, beginning with priority access to PayPal SixthMan Season Ticket Members at 8 a.m. MT, followed by non-members at 4 p.m. MT. As for how that has halted the renovations they got underway in late April, it hasnt. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Read More Stories from Our 'Your Health Matters' Partners. refund is approved, we cannot issue a refund to a different credit or debit If it did anything it gave us the opportunity to be confident that we would be ready to go by next season, he said. They are now both competing in the NBA Finals. For group ticket information call (602) 379-7878. Dr. Johnston says we can take heart in looking around the country as super-spreader events seem to be a thing of the past. He is all things, scoring in isolation, as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, spotting up or coming off screens. reported The Athletics Sam Amick and Joe Vardon. Fourteen of them have been reported to be vaccinated. Sixteen-thousand fans are welcome at the Tuesday night Phoenix Suns game -- how can you feel safeand is it safe? be processed to the original method of payment used at time of purchase. Theres a lot of room for things to happen in the shadows if that makes sense. What were looking at is technology and how we can utilize technology to improve that sanitation level, Suns president and CEO Jason Rowley said Tuesday. 2023 www.azcentral.com. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Capacity had been reduced because of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a jump to 5,000 fans allowed per game on March 31. Rowley said there was never a thought of pausing renovations due to the virus. 4: Potent bench could be Denvers edge, Suns-Nuggets preview, Pt. It hosted the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association from 1968 to 1992, as well as indoor soccer, roller derby and major and minor league ice hockey teams. And Los Angeles Countys public health department recommendedMonday that everyone wear masks indoors in public places regardless of whether theyve been vaccinated in light of the delta variant. I think its very clear that nobody wanted to report stuff, said one source with knowledge of the Suns positive tests who was not authorized to speak publicly about them. In the event of an emergency, please notify any Footprint Center representative or uniformed police officer in your area in order to ensure that appropriate emergency personnel are notified and dispatched. Rowley also said the city of Phoenix itself has not discussed making changes to funding or the contract. Even people who are fully vaccinated must wear face masks at all times unless eating or drinking in their seat or designated eating areas, according to the arena website. PHOENIX It appears the Phoenix Suns were dealing with more than the Dallas Mavericks during the 2022 Western Conference semifinals. At previous games inside Suns Arena, they were able to keep empty seats between fans but Tuesday night will be more of a challenge. Despite that, they will go into Game 2 with loads of optimism. The health and safety of fans, staff, players and officials remains the utmost priority for the organization as it moves from 1,500 fan capacity to 3,000. Fans who are at high risk for COVID-19, who are feeling sick or who have been recently exposed to a positive case are asked not to attend games. The Warriors advanced to the Western Conference semifinals by beating the Kings 120-100 in Sunday's winner-take-all Game 7. The NBA has gotten a starry second-round slate, with Stephen Curry and Golden State set to meet LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Phoenix beat the Lakers without Anthony Davis, the Denver Nuggets without Jamal Murray and the Los Angeles Clippers without Kawhi Leonard. You can say that you put that on your website, and you can even print it on the tickets, but if you dont enforce it, then its not real," Humble said. will be allowed. Arizona Derby Dames (2009-present) Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum is a 14,870-seat multi-purpose indoor arena in Phoenix, Arizona, located at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. Signs about wearing masks have beenposted around the arena for Suns and Mercury contests. Seating Charts. Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving, who is known for following bizarre conspiracy theories, said he won't disclose his vaccine status, but Rolling Stone reported Irving has been liking posts on an Instagram account that claims Covid vaccines are part of a "plan of Satan" to connect Black people to a master computer. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventionstill says fully vaccinated people can resumeactivities indoors and outdoors without masks or physical distancing, unless local places or businesseshave stricter rules. The Denver Nuggets (53-29) have one player on the injury report in their NBA playoffs second round game 1 with the Phoenix Suns (45-37) at Ball Arena on Saturday, April 29 at 8:30 PM ET. The maximum protection that you can get as you choose to go into these events would be to wear a mask in these environments, White advised. Smoking of all kinds including e-cigarettes are prohibited in any area of the Footprint Center. If we have to still move stuff to next summer, well do that, but were gonna keep all those options open.. He was fucked up, one source said of George. Even if all of them were fully vaccinated, that is a 3.5% positivity rate, slightly higher than most studies. First, it's a flimsy excuse, and second, the story raises questions about how the Suns navigated NBA rules for dealing with COVID-19. In that sense, the Suns certainly arent alone. The conversation for most kind of just ends there: Yeah, they are really good. Saturday marks the 25th anniversary of Michael Jordans flu game, when he scored 38 points in a Bulls win in the NBA Finals over Utah playing with what at the time was believed to be the flu (which is highly contagious) but was actually food poisoning from bad pizza. She says to give each other some space when you're waiting in line and wash your hands frequently. Those continuing to violate the policy will be ejected from the facility. When : Game 1 is Saturday, April 29 at 5:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. In 2022-23 against the spread,. The virus also cost ABC game announcer Mike Breen several games, and analyst Jeff Van Gundy was out of Game 1 of the finals. All rights reserved. In the event that Footprint Center relocates a guest and one companion to accessible seating, any price increase differential resulting from such seat relocation is the responsibility of the guest. FOX 10's Danielle Miller reports. Amick told Bickley & Marotta that, in reporting for the story, some sources said they believed there was a rift in the Suns organization about how to handle the COVID-19 developments. [21] Apr 1, 2021. Those are the questions that we should ask. Fans are asked to wear masks to get in the door and when not actively eating. Even if one of those four players whose vaccine status has not been disclosed tested positive, that would be a 6.7% rate twice that of their vaccinated counterparts in the smallest of sample sizes. Do I think there were some really uncomfortable moments internally where some people felt like, We should be more diligent, we should be testing more, we are seeing symptoms from a variety of people? Yeah, I think that happened, Amick toldBickley & Marotta. The Suns and Nuggets both need to prove something to themselves this postseason that they didn't achieve in the regular season. A casual observer's begrudging respect does not really matter in the end. Additional health and safety measures instituted to welcome fans back to the transformed arena include: The Suns organization will continue to practice and promote actions that limit the spread of the virus, including wearing masks, washing hands and practicing appropriate social distancing. Limited floor seating will go on sale to PayPal SixthMan Season Ticket Members at 8 a.m. MT, Friday, Feb. 12. who uses vulgar or abusive language or who fails to comply with Phoenix Suns rules. Detailed in Visitor Guide A-Z Banners/Signs section. A league spokesman told The Athletic, The NBA has seen no evidence to suggest any rules violations by Suns players or staff. A league source added the NBA could always revisit the situation if new information emerged. The NBA is requiring all coaches and staff be vaccinated against Covid-19, but players will face no such mandate, after the union representing them called the idea a "non-starter." The Fan Promise will be accessible via the Official Suns App sponsored by Verizon and must be completed by every fan, employee and vendor entering the venue. Breach of terms or rules will terminate your license to attend the event without refund. It is probably no coincidence that six of the NBA's 18 positive tests have occurred since Thanksgiving. Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors was also unvaccinated as of last week, with the NBA denying his application for a religious exemption to the league's vaccine policy. All floor seat ticket holders will also need to accept COVID-19 testing protocols set by the Phoenix Suns and the NBA. With rising cases of COVID-19 nationwide due to stalling vaccination rates and the rise of the Delta variant of the virus, the CDC recently updated its guidelines to recommend masks be worn when indoors. The team did not gather for in-person exit interviews as a result of the outbreak, according to the report. Fans can grab, scan and checkout through the Official Suns App sponsored by Verizon. "We still expect fans to wear masks throughout the arena and required at court level per NBA rules," Dean Stoyer, the teams chief marketing and communications officer, wrote in a text message.

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