Fans could be back at Chase Center soon
Golden State discussing plan with city to finally fill up the Chase Center seats
More than a year since fans last attended a Warriors game, San Francisco Mayor London Breed suggested Tuesday that spectators may soon be allowed at Chase Center.
Speaking at a news conference as the city readies to move into the orange tier Wednesday, Breed referenced the Giants’ plans to have a limited number of fans at their April 9 home opener before acknowledging city officials are also working with the Warriors in plans to host fans for home games.
“Once we finalize those plans, they will be made public, and I’m really excited about that,” Breed said.
These are the most optimistic comments from a San Francisco official regarding the Warriors’ attempts to bring fans back to Chase Center. In November, the Warriors’ plan to host more than 9,000 spectators was rejected by the city’s public health department.
But that plan, which included coronavirus testing for all in attendance, was rejected as indoor business and both indoor and outdoor sports were highly restricted in San Francisco. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, city health officials have indicated that 25% capacity at sporting events could be allowed once the city reached the yellow tier, which would be the next step to reopening after orange.
After Tuesday night’s game against the 76ers, the Warriors have 15 home games remaining this season, including seven in April before ending the season on a six-game homestand starting May 6 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Warriors last played with fans in attendance on March 10 against the LA Clippers. A day later, the NBA season was postponed when Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus.
“Fans are what this league is about,” guard Damion Lee said. “We understand fans bring the revenue and also the enjoyment. Player-fan engagement is huge. Hopefully, we’ll have fans back sooner rather than later.”