Players Only - Golden State will play the Nets behind closed doors as Coronavirus concerns mount

San Francisco issues public health order cancelling Warriors games, events over 1,000 people

Golden State Warriors @warriors

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.

on.nba.comWarriors Statement On Chase Center Events | Golden State WarriorsDue to escalating concerns about the spread of COVID-19 and in consultation with the City and County of San Francisco, the Golden State Warriors announced today that tomorrow night’s game vs. the Brooklyn Nets at Chase Center will be played without fans. In addition, all events through March 21 will…

The complete text:

Due to escalating concerns about the spread of COVID-19 and in consultation with the City and County of San Francisco, the Golden State Warriors announced today that tomorrow night’s game vs. the Brooklyn Nets at Chase Center will be played without fans. In addition, all events through March 21 will be cancelled or postponed at this time. Fans with tickets to Thursday and Saturday night’s games will receive a refund in the amount paid. Guests who purchased tickets to a concert occurring at Chase Center during the impacted dates will be notified through the promoter directly to either receive a refund or exchange for a rescheduled show at Chase Center.

We will continue to monitor this evolving situation closely to determine next steps for future games and events. We appreciate the understanding and patience of our fans, guests and partners during this unprecedented time.

Scheduled events through March 21 at Chase Center include:

• Thursday, March 12 – Golden State Warriors vs. Brooklyn Nets*

• Friday, March 13 – Tame Impala (postponed)

• Saturday, March 14 – Santa Cruz Warriors vs. Austin Spurs (moved to Santa Cruz)*

• Thursday, March 19 – Post Malone (cancelled or postponed)

• Saturday, March 21 – Bell Biv Devoe & Friends (postponed)

• *Games will continue as scheduled without fans in attendance.

Though the Golden State Warriors took some actions to slow the spread of growing Coronavirus, it was insufficient as a meaningful preventative measure, and the empty seats at last night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers were evidence of a growing public unease.

Speculation has been running rampant about how the NBA would deal with the spreading virus. With health experts issuing sterner and sterner advisories against large gatherings, it was a matter of “if” not “when” something would be done.

Amidst rising public health concern, the mayor of San Francisco just took the matter out of the team’s hands.

London Breed @LondonBreed

This morning we announced that the Health Officer of San Francisco is issuing an order prohibiting all large group events of 1,000 or more persons, effective immediately. This is necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19, and builds on our previous public health recommendations.

So, what’s this mean?

Most immediately, it looks like tomorrow’s game against the Nets will be the first NBA game played to an arena devoid of fans:

Marc Stein @TheSteinLine

The Warriors, league sources say, will be directed to play host to the Nets on Thursday night at Chase Center in a game CLOSED to fans

The two week ban will actually only affect a couple of Warriors games (though the Arena will also be forced to cancel all other venue events through March 21st as well)

Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater

The Warriors have seven remaining home games, two falling within the current two-week ban, all potentially impacted if this crisis drags. -March 12: Nets -March 25: Hawks -March 28: Thunder -March 29: Spurs -March 31: Nuggets -April 8: Cavaliers -April 13: Blazers