Hand-sanitizer stations will be available throughout the concourses on all levels of the arena. That means if Wiggins doesn't get vaccinated, he'll stand to lose around $15.8 million in salary. How can Suns improve if they end up trading Deandre Ayton? After successfully hosting 1,500 fans during games this week in two-person and four-person, socially distanced pods, the organization has decided to increase capacity to 3,000 fans, adding more two-person and four-person pods in the upper level of the arena, along with a limited number of floor seat pods. 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. Naturally, this launched a thousand online conspiracy theories ranging from James' superhuman immune system to an NBA cover-up and outright coronavirus denialism. People working outside while following CDC guidelines and adhering to physical distancing of 6 All true, but that take ignores one fact that became increasingly clear throughout the playoffs: The Suns are rock freaking solid. 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. Its certainly in the short term and so its something that were taking very, very seriously, Rowley said. I dont think were looking to be a trendsetter there. Amick and Vardon further report that the Mavericks were aware of the rumblings of an outbreak with the Suns and concerned for their own health as early as Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals that they won in Game 7, which was May 15. Apr 1, 2021. The three Western Conference finals games played in Phoenix over the past two weeks saw crowds of about 16,600 fans. The vaccination for the other four is undisclosed. That ready to go will be 60% of the renovations done this summer and the rest finished next summer, and the Suns obviously feared potential snags the renovations could hit that would jeopardize their timeline. Of the nine teams that won 19 or more straight, five captured the championship that same season. 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. Were talking about a disease that doesnt just impact life and death, but this is a disease that potentially spreads rapidly throughout a population, Sikka said. 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. The Phoenix Suns are going to the NBA Finals, and the downtown arena will be packed. Thirty-one of them had lower than normal levels of antibodies, and the other three had no detectable levels at all, only natural six months after vaccines became available. The Phoenix Suns' star quartet of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton looked mighty average in their Game 1 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Try a week on us. The league has transitioned to more of an endemic approach, with teams expected to test a staff member, coach or player only if they have symptoms. For more information please contact Footprint Centers Guest Services team at 602-379-2060. 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. The Denver Nuggets' bench has rounded into form this postseason and could be a tough matchup for the Phoenix Suns. Since the start of the 2022 postseason, there have been some high-profile cases of key players and coaches missing games due to COVID-19. [21] 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). Smoking of all kinds including e-cigarettes are prohibited in any area of the Footprint Center. 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. implemented COVID-19 vaccination and testing rules. 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." TheWorld Health Organization last weekurgedeven people who are fully vaccinated to wearmasks indoors and practice social distancing to avoid getting infected with the delta variant. 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. Phoenix's independent source of Ultimately, I think thats a bigger issue than the NBA. The Suns also added kiosks to exchange cash into debit cards to limit contact. The NBA will have far more teams put vaccine mandates in place than the NFL did for its season. The Phoenix Suns put themselves in too deep of a hole after getting beat in the little areas early by the Denver Nuggets. 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. On Feb. 8, the Suns began allowing fans into the arena after starting the season without them in attendance. 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. All floor seats are at least 10 feet from the sidelines, and floor seat holders must remain masked at all times and will not be permitted to eat or drink while in the floor area. Sixteen-thousand fans are welcome at the Tuesday night Phoenix Suns game -- how can you feel safeand is it safe? The Suns are selling even more seats for the game, nearing full capacity in the arena. As accessible seating is limited, advance notice is preferred in order for Guest Services to accommodate all our disabled guests. The Suns did not comment on the report to The Athletic before it published the story. Bet on this. Contactless Accommodations: Phoenix Suns Arena has transitioned completely to paperless ticketing and offers numerous hands-free, cashless payment experiences via the Suns Mobile Wallet within the Official Suns App sponsored by Verizon. But he is concerned about the start of the next NBA season, when the effectiveness of booster shots wanes. Select Your Dates. The arena transformation features touchless restroom facilities (sinks, paper towel dispensers, toilets, urinals). The COVID-19 pandemic forced a pause to the Suns' 2019-20 season and allowed for an early start to the most recent renovations. First, it's a flimsy excuse, and second, the story raises questions about how the Suns navigated NBA rules for dealing with COVID-19. His impact requires a deeper look, and that does not play well on Skip Bayless-based programming. That means about only 15 players are not. Detailed information about the testing process will be available soon, and upon purchase of a floor seat. Opponents of these two teams average 224.1 points per game combined, 2.9 fewer than this matchup's over . When it was over, they were told it was a fluke. At Staples Center, fans are required to show proof of full vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the game.. At previous games inside. 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. In addition, the Suns are offering Party Pods for groups of four to six fans. Fans can grab, scan and checkout through the Official Suns App sponsored by Verizon. Reset. Bottles, cans & coolers *sealed water bottles permitted but may be prohibited for select concerts. The question of when fans are back, of course, remains in the air, let alone when NBA basketball comes back without them. As if breakthrough cases were not something discussed in great detail on a daily basis in this country. Although the Footprint Center website states that once inside the building, masks are just recommended when not eating or drinking. Failure can take many acceptable forms, from bad matchups to the effects of altitude on a top-heavy team already taxing its best players. Both leagues are letting teams come up with their own health and safety guidelines for fans. 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. Suns-Nuggets preview, Pt.1: Can Deandre Ayton stifle Nikola Jokic again. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 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Masks: Wearing masks will be mandatory for entry and must be worn at all times unless actively eating and drinking and only in ticketed seats. That includesSuns, Phoenix Mercury and Arizona Rattlers games. Official Phoenix Suns app sponsored by Verizon. 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. Despite that, they will go into Game 2 with loads of optimism. ALSO READ - LeBron James to face no action over COVID-19 protocol violation. seat selection. The ordeal raised questions internally about whether they were following the leagues rules for testing. He was fucked up, one source said of George. Banners and signs are allowed at the Footprint Center; however, they must be constructed of flame-retardant material and may not be displayed during play due to sight restrictions. Thats up from 49 cases as of June 21, according to the nonprofits sequencing dashboard. Wheelchair/companion fraud includes, but is not limited to, misrepresentation of a disability for the purpose of obtaining wheelchair/companion seating. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Read More Stories from Our 'Your Health Matters' Partners. The playertested positive the day after Game 7. Halloween-style Masks Not to be worn upon entry and in concourses. Banners and signs must be hand held and may not obstruct the view of other guests or Footprint Center advertising signage or be temporarily or permanently affixed to the building structure. (COVID-19) was on everybodys mind, one source close to the situation said. Video and recording devices including Go Pros & Google glasses. He said masks are encouraged but once the arena hit over 16,000 fans, "it became increasingly harder to enforce.". Its been smooth sailing. Although it would be hard to know by watching footage or seeing fan pictures, masks are required for entryfor all events at the Phoenix Suns Arena. BOSTON The Phoenix Suns were managing a COVID-19 outbreak as their season fell apart, multiple sources told The Athletic, with six individuals including one player testing positive either late in the Western Conference semifinals or the day after Game 7. One day, well have a COVID-19 game, whether or not the league further relaxes its rules. More details in Visitor Guide A-Z under video recorders. The data suggests that people who are vaccinated are at very low risk of getting infected in general, extremely low risk of getting severely infected, but they still could get the virus and they could transmit it, so if youre in a crowded circumstance, thats something to consider,"LaBaer said. New capabilities include: Grab & Go Concessions: Three unique Grab & Go stands are available throughout the main concourse stocked with an assortment of soda, water and alcoholic beverages. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. 11 Rock Stars Who Allegedly Slept With Underage Girls, Here's when Aerosmith's farewell tour will stop in Phoenix, Ella Mai, Tennis and the best concerts in Phoenix this week, Mesa Metalheads SaintBreaker Celebrate the Release of Their Second Album Tonight, Caroline Polachek, Subtronics and the Best Concerts in Phoenix This Weekend. Dr. Johnston says we can take heart in looking around the country as super-spreader events seem to be a thing of the past. COVID-19 WARNING: An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any place where people gather. "Obviously the vaccine DOES NOT WORK.". Devin Booker was not a winner, and then he was. Unvaccinated NBA Players Will Reportedly Lose Salary For Games They Miss Due To Local Mandates (Forbes), The NBAs Anti-Vaxxers Are Trying to Push Around the League And Its Working (Rolling Stone), Full coverage and live updates on the Coronavirus, This is a BETA experience. While a packed arena without masks would have been "irresponsible"a couple months ago, Humble said he thinks "it's generally OK" at this point. Each week during the 2021-22 NBA season, we will take a deeper dive into some of the leagues biggest storylines in an attempt to determine whether the trends are based more in fact or fiction moving forward. 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. Additionally, anyone who purchases a Party Pod throughout the regular season will enjoy priority access to purchase a Party Pod and/or suite rental during the 2020-2021 playoffs following PayPal SixthMan Season Ticket Members. The Footprint Center reserves the right to remove ANY banner or sign without exception. The Phoenix Suns announced that they're increasing capacity to 3,000 fans at home games. Initially, the team was slated to play a final season representing Arizona, but when the G League went to a single site season . A negative COVID-19 test will only apply to . In 2022-23, Phoenix has taken 63.8% percent of its shots from inside the arc . 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.. Guests may also call the Footprint Center Security department at 602-379-2055. lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed tickets. More than that, it raises questions about the NBAs current COVID-19 regulations. Ever since Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving brought the league to the center of the vaccine debate in October, my inbox continues to be littered with questions that take some form of, If vaccines are so effective, why are NBA players still getting COVID-19? From the time of the NBAs Orlando bubble in 2020 to this postseason, much has changed about the way the league handles the virus. The Phoenix Theatre Company will require its audiences to wear masks and be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for some of its upcoming performances. Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots over Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig during Game 1 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff . 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. I felt like I had a bad cold, sore throat, cough, congestion, Kerr said. But concern has been growingabout a more contagious version of the new coronavirus. But unlike cups of beer and Devin Booker signs, an accessory worn for more than a year in public might be harder to spot. With their season on the line, the Suns were destroyed at home by the Dallas Mavericks 123-90 on May 15. Paramedics and EMTs are present during events at the Footprint Center; First Aid is located on the Main Concourse across from Section 116. Party Pods within suites represent 25 percent of normal capacity. 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. 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. Additionally, escalator handrails have been equipped with UV-C technology which eliminates harmful bacteria from this high-touch surface. As for how that has halted the renovations they got underway in late April, it hasnt. The casual fan only had a month or two to process all of it. the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 12, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Athletic does not identify individuals who test positive for COVID-19 unless their names are made public by the team, league or the individuals themselves. In 2022-23 against the spread,. 2023 www.azcentral.com. If all four were unvaccinated, that is a 26.7% positivity rate. Follow her on Twitter @alisteinbach. 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. Limited floor seating will go on sale to PayPal SixthMan Season Ticket Members at 8 a.m. MT, Friday, Feb. 12. A host of sporting events, shows and concerts is on the schedule for the center and can befound here. The Footprint Center reserves the right to take appropriate action up to and including relocation, ejection, or season ticket revocation for wheelchair/ companion ticket fraud. A comprehensive outline of protocols and what to expect on game day to keep fans, staff and players safe can be viewed at Suns.com/COVID. Due to some events having different item restrictions, please contact the arena for more information at feedback@phxses.com. A league spokesman toldThe 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. People who are not vaccinated should still wear masks in public, especially when indoors around people they dont live with or know the vaccination status of, state health director Dr. Cara Christ said this week. Close. As our schedule changes, we can potentially adapt, Rowley said. But unlike cups of beer and Devin Booker signs, an accessory worn for more than a year in public might be. To limit any potential spread of COVID-19, visitors must wear a mask to enter the building. The truth is James' ordeal is more proof the NBA's strict COVID guidelines are working. Rowley also said the city of Phoenix itself has not discussed making changes to funding or the contract. All floor seats are at least 10 feet from the sidelines, and floor seat holders must remain masked at all times and will not be permitted to eat or drink while in the floor area. Some say yes, both unvaccinated and vaccinated people should be wearing masks when around a lot of people indoors. Only four NFL teams put vaccine mandates in place prior to this seasonthe Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas Raiders and Buffalo Bills. We certainly would advocate that people wear masks, that our fans do wear masks, since theyre coming together in these indoor, not well-ventilated environments, to help us decrease the amount of virus transmission that we see, with this virus being prevalent within our communities,Dr. Michael White, chief clinical officer for Phoenix-based Valleywise Health, said at a news briefing Thursday . If a Join the New Times community and help support Health care workers, for example, are susceptible to a much higher breakthrough rate. The Warriors advanced to the Western Conference semifinals by beating the Kings 120-100 in Sunday's winner-take-all Game 7. LeBron James registered a false positive test for COVID-19 this week, and eight negative tests later, he cleared the NBA's health and safety protocols in time for Friday's showdown with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. Phoenix beat the Lakers without Anthony Davis, the Denver Nuggets without Jamal Murray and the Los Angeles Clippers without Kawhi Leonard. In that sense, the Suns certainly arent alone. of the Western Conference Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on June 28 . 3: Freeing up Kevin Durant, Denvers largest test, Suns-Nuggets preview, Pt. The Arizona-based Translational Genomics Research Institute had identified as of Friday 122 known cases of the delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Health and Safety Protocols *Please note that each event may have it's own health requirements for entry. 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. Rowley said there was never a thought of pausing renovations due to the virus. Found items may be turned in to the Guest Services Office. The Mavericks had grown concerned about the rumblings too, with one Dallas source indicating the discussion about a rumored Suns outbreak began as early as Game 5. She said unvaccinated people are "highly at risk for getting the delta variant of COVID-19.". By my count, 18 of the 510 players on the NBA's 30 rosters have tested positive for COVID-19 this season. Additional health and safety measures instituted to welcome fans into the transformed arena include: Footprint Center is a smoke-free facility with no designated smoking area outside of the facility. Pricing for the Party Pods start at $300 to $500 per seat and will vary per game. Policies set forth by Event Organizers generally prohibit us Phoenix has a 4-6 record against the spread while finishing 6-4 overall over its last 10 games. 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. Become a member to support the independent voice of Phoenix "The Phoenix Suns were managing a COVID-19 outbreak as their season fell apart, multiple sources told The Athletic, with six individuals including one player testing positive either late. The Suns were thoroughly outmatched by the Nuggets in Game 1 on Saturday. Below are policies and rules to assist with your visit to Footprint Center. 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. PHOENIX It appears the Phoenix Suns were dealing with more than the Dallas Mavericks during the 2022 Western Conference semifinals. If a refund is issued, it will refund is approved, we cannot issue a refund to a different credit or debit The Phoenix Suns put themselves in too deep of a hole after getting beat in the little areas early by the Denver Nuggets. Bulls star Zach LaVine missed Game 5 of Chicagos first-round series after the team announced he tested positive for the virus. Seating Charts. Breach of terms or rules will terminate your license to attend the event without refund. The conversation for most kind of just ends there: Yeah, they are really good. Located in the private luxury suites at Phoenix Suns Arena, the Party Pods offer a choice of food and beverage packages, one parking pass for the group, a dedicated restroom within the suite, and a private shopping experience exclusively for Party Pod fans. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images). Parents looking for a lost child should go to that location as well. will be allowed. How will it look this time around? The policy will only impact players who play home games in the cities that don't allow exceptions for negative testingNew York and San Franciscowhich impacts the Nets, Knicks and Warriors. As a result of the outbreak, the Suns could not hold season-ending exit meetings between players and coaches at their practice facility and instead conducted a team-wide meeting via Zoom. For event specific information, please visit the individual event detail page on FootprintCenter.com. Jun 8, 2022, 7:14 AM | Updated: 9:10 am, Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) drives past Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the first half of Game 7 of an NBA basketball Western Conference playoff semifinal, Sunday, May 15, 2022, in Phoenix.

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