New attendance policies announced
COVID-detecting dogs will be present when fans are allowed again starting Jan. 28
The Miami Heat on Thursday outlined their formal plans for the resumption of attendance at AmericanAirlines Arena, a plan initially limited to seasonticket holders that includes COVID-detecting dogs.
The Heat plan to allow fewer than 2,000 spectators into games for the first time this season, starting with the Jan. 28 nationally televised game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
At the forefront of the plan will be the screening of those entering with specially training COVID-detection dogs.
Of that process, the Heat have noted:
All guests and employees must be screened by the canine team prior to entering.
If anyone in a party is signaled by a canine, all members of the party will not be permitted to enter. A staff member then will notify the next steps regarding ticketing. All members of a seating party must be screened together.
The dogs have been specifically trained to identify the active virus, and will not signal if someone entering has received the vaccine.
Parents are allowed to hold children during the canine screening process.
An opt-out of the canine screening is available. The alternative testing method comes at no cost but can take up to 45 minutes. Entry will not be allowed in such cases until cleared by the testing provider.
For those seated within 30 feet of the court, everyone above the age of five will be required to undergo an on-site rapid test. Parents/
guardians will register on the behalf of minors.
All guests must enter through Gate 5, located on the northeast side of the building.
If a guest becomes sick or doesn’t feel well during the game, isolation rooms will be available throughout the arena.
As for ticketing, the Heat announced that for the six home games between Jan. 28 and Feb. 9, seats will be sold on an individual-game basis to season-ticket holders and will be based on availability. Protocols include:
All guests over the age of 2 must always wear a face mask. Approved face masks include KN95, N95, cloth and surgical. Not permitted are bandanas, gaiters, and masks with ventilators. Masks will be provided if needed.
All parties will be seated at least six feet apart, with seating generally set in pods of a maximum of four.
Arena access will include concourses, restrooms, and designated food and beverage locations.
Initially, only water and soft drinks will be available for purchase.
Food and beverage must be consumed on the East Plaza. No food or beverage is allowed on the concourse or in the arena bowl.
Lounges, loges and suites will remain closed.
Cash will not be accepted for in-arena purchases.
At the end of the Heat’s FAQs, the team notes:
“In connection with the 2020-21 NBA season, we have taken enhanced health and safety measures intended to mitigate the risk of exposure to COVID19. Despite the protocols and requirements that we have put in place, no precautions can eliminate the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Traveling to and from, visiting, and/or providing services in and around the Arena may lead to a risk of exposure to COVID-19.”