"Look at other cities where they've opened for baseball and other big events and what's happened afterward, we just haven't seen that. The conversation for most kind of just ends there: Yeah, they are really good. independent local journalism in Phoenix. 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. Bottles, cans & coolers *sealed water bottles permitted but may be prohibited for select concerts. Accessibility for our guests with disabilities is a high priority. 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. 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. 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. 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 Suns website says masks must be worn unless fans are eating or drinking. The home of the Suns and Mercury is now a GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Council) STAR accredited facility a performance-based accreditation program that helps facilities demonstrate they have the work practices, procedures and protocols to prepare for, respond to and recover from outbreaks and pandemics. Suns-Nuggets preview, Pt.1: Can Deandre Ayton stifle Nikola Jokic again. Theres a lot of room for things to happen in the shadows if that makes sense. Fans can grab, scan and checkout through the Official Suns App sponsored by Verizon. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a pause to the Suns' 2019-20 season and allowed for an early start to the most recent renovations. 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. from issuing exchanges or refunds after a ticket has been purchased, or for poster board or cloth). If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. The game will begin at 10 p.m. on Thursday. Tickets therefore cannot be If being rock solid, fitting into an ensemble and having a keen understanding of your craft were the sexiest of subjects, we would all probably be having a lot more Christoph Waltz discussions. Reset. Example video title will go here for this video, In the News: National headlines for May 1, 2023. Teams are required to test if vaccinated employees are symptomatic, which includes grey area if a player or staffer does not report symptoms. 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. But that number does not appear to include at least a few of the league's high-profile players. And we should have more Christoph Waltz discussions. Reach the reporter at Alison.Steinbach@arizonarepublic.com or at 602-444-4282. In light of the variants spread, some health agencies, some hospital leaders and health experts are suggesting people wear masks indoors in public places, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated, to help slow the spread. 4: Potent bench could be Denvers edge, Suns-Nuggets preview, Pt. "Obviously the vaccine DOES NOT WORK.". More holidays are around the corner. The Phoenix Suns put themselves in too deep of a hole after getting beat in the little areas early by the Denver Nuggets. Humble said as long as people aren't feeling sick, they should be able to decide for themselves about wearing masks indoors, depending on their personal risk tolerance. and help keep the future of New Times, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. The Centers for Disease Control still advises avoiding big indoor gatherings but our ABC15 Health Insider says if you're vaccinated, you can do this safely without worry. Rowley also said the city of Phoenix itself has not discussed making changes to funding or the contract. Health Insider Dr. Janice Johnston from Redirect Health says the key will be following the clean habits we've built over the last year. Humble said it seems from what he's seen on TV that only fans in the front row really consistently wear their masks. 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. Devin Booker's defensive rise could be coming at the right time to give the Phoenix Suns another defender to put on Denver's Jamal Murray. Apr 1, 2021. 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. Capacity for Phoenix Suns Arena is listed at 18,422. The recent uptick in Covid-19 cases in the Valley and across Arizona led Phoenix's NBA franchise to make the decision to start the 2020-21 season without fans inside the team's downtown arena. Four teams will have a vaccine mandate with no apparent exception allowing unvaccinated adult fans to attend gamesthey are: the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors. Persons exercising indoors must wear a face covering when it is difficult or impossible to maintain physical distancing of 6 feet. Opponents of these two teams average 224.1 points per game combined, 2.9 fewer than this matchup's over . Wheelchair/companion fraud includes, but is not limited to, misrepresentation of a disability for the purpose of obtaining wheelchair/companion seating. Fans are asked to wear masks to get in the door and when not actively eating. How will it look this time around? Make people more comfortable with maybe going cashless making sure your escalators have UV lighting that kills viruses and bacteria and all those things hiring outside professionals who can come in and do audits of the building to make sure that any high touchpoints (can be safer).. The NBA season tips off on October 19 with a double-header of the Milwaukee Bucks hosting the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers hosting the Golden State Warriorsplay for the rest of the league's teams will get underway over the following two days. More than that, it raises questions about the NBAs current COVID-19 regulations. the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 12, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. Try a week on us. The Milwaukee Bucks announced that they were expanding attendance to 18% capacity, or roughly 3,280 fans. The Phoenix Theatre Company will require its audiences to wear masks and be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for some of its upcoming performances. 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. If a Waltz has won two Academy Awards, and the Suns will take that hardware over fanfare any day. 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. Computers and laptops. 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. The Suns and Nuggets both need to prove something to themselves this postseason that they didn't achieve in the regular season. In that sense, the Suns certainly arent alone. . Information in this story was confirmed by more than a half-dozen sources. 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. At Staples Center, fans are required to show proof of full vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the game.. Warriors coach Steve Kerr missed two games in the Western semifinals after he tested positive, and Celtics forward Al Horford was out for Game 1 of the Eastern finals with a positive test. 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 Denver Nuggets' bench has rounded into form this postseason and could be a tough matchup for the Phoenix Suns. For information regarding ticketing and seating, accessible drop-off locations, Assistive Listening Receivers, radios, and facility features, please contact a member of our staff or visit the Guest Services Office located in the pavilion, at the Northwest corner of the building. Phoenix blues institution The Rhythm Room. You can find them if you follow people who care more for substance than empty calories. Talent at ABC/ESPN with the closest proximity to players (on-court or one-on-one sitdown interviews) during the finals have to test to gain access, regardless of vaccine status. 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. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images). The arena transformation features touchless restroom facilities (sinks, paper towel dispensers, toilets, urinals). "LeKaren gets COVID while Kyrie is still free," one email read. All floor seat ticket holders will also need to accept COVID-19 testing protocols set by the Phoenix Suns and the NBA. Some say yes, both unvaccinated and vaccinated people should be wearing masks when around a lot of people indoors. We got a crash course in Mikal Bridges' two-way contributions. Ultimately, I think thats a bigger issue than the NBA. Phoenix's independent source of In addition, the Suns are offering Party Pods for groups of four to six fans. Masks have always been cited as an effective way to limit the spread of coronavirus which is mainly transmitted from person to person. Sixteen-thousand fans are welcome at the Tuesday night Phoenix Suns game -- how can you feel safeand is it safe? Some people have chosen not to. The Suns also added kiosks to exchange cash into debit cards to limit contact. Sikka, a physician for the Denver Broncos of the NFL and founder of the COVID-19 Sports and Society Workgroup, said the combination of vaccines and antiviral drugs like Paxlovid are helping players recover faster from the virus, preventing symptoms from lingering and allowing them to test negative sooner. ET SCHEDULE & RESULTS And this is where it gets dicey.. PHOENIX The newly renamed Footprint Center updated its event policy to mandate masks to enter any upcoming events. Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12 News YouTube channel. May 26, 2020, 7:07 PM | Updated: 9:40 pm, Suns president Jason Rowley and general manager James Jones preview the progress made on renovations to Talking Stick Resort Arena. Have a tip? Even if all of them were fully vaccinated, that is a 3.5% positivity rate, slightly higher than most studies. There really is an honor system where the only time the NBA is going to dive in and regulate is if something gets so obvious and so loud that theyre forced to.. Suns' offseason questions: How much should Phoenix rely on Chris Paul? If it did anything it gave us the opportunity to be confident that we would be ready to go by next season, he said. Phoenix is removed from all that noise. With a majority of the space starting from scratch outside of the foundation, they were placed in a position to seamlessly put in place more precautions and safety measures for the virus. The league knew that the one player tested positive after the Game 7 loss and there were no red flags about if that player should have tested earlier, Amick added. All rights reserved. Up to 80% of all planned work was completed in time for the 2020 preseason home opener, a 112-107 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on December 16, 2020. The playertested positive the day after Game 7. (Kellan Olson/Arizona Sports). From the time of the NBAs Orlando bubble in 2020 to this postseason, much has changed about the way the league handles the virus. As COVID-19 cases in Arizona continue to decrease to their lowest levels in nine months, multiple concert venues across the state have recently started rolling back rules requiring patrons to provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative test result. Become a member to support the independent voice of Phoenix The Phoenix Suns are going to the NBA Finals, and thedowntown arena will be packed. Yet, who really talks about the Suns outside of Phoenix? I dont think were looking to be a trendsetter there. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. 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. Follow @brohrbach, Kyrie Irving brought the league to the center of the vaccine debate. 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%). Thats a really interesting question, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said last week. The NBA will have far more teams put vaccine mandates in place than the NFL did for its season. A negative COVID-19 test will only apply to . 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. Irving would stand to lose even more if he's unvaccinatedover $17.5 million. 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. At this point pretty much everybodys had a chance (to get the vaccine). The Suns have hit the over in seven of their past 10 games. It is, in essence, an honor system. Select Your Dates. 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. Both leagues are letting teams come up with their own health and safety guidelines for fans. A sign on the box office windows of the Marquee Theatre in Tempe announcing the venue has lifted its COVID-19 restrictions. Those who are fully vaccinated don't have to wear masks indoors. 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.. Before purchasing tickets, carefully review your event and 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. 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. With their season on the line, the Suns were destroyed at home by the Dallas Mavericks 123-90 on May 15. The Athletics policy is not to name players who test positive for COVID-19 unless they are named by the team. A little over a week later, the franchise doubled the capacity from 1,500 to 3,000.. Theres not a lot of day-to-day oversight. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Those are the questions that we should ask. In the event a guest requires accessible seating for a particular game, accommodations may be made prior to that game based on availability. It is probably no coincidence that six of the NBA's 18 positive tests have occurred since Thanksgiving. For the first time in more than a decade, the Phoenix Suns look like they are headed to the NBA playoffs, which creates a number of new opportunities on the business side of the . Despite that, they will go into Game 2 with loads of optimism. In 2020, they sold the Northern Arizona Suns to the Detroit Pistons. If we have to still move stuff to next summer, well do that, but were gonna keep all those options open.. Despite that, they will go into Game 2 with loads of optimism. 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. As for how that has halted the renovations they got underway in late April, it hasnt. seat selection. Detailed in Visitor Guide A-Z Banners/Signs section. If all four were unvaccinated, that is a 26.7% positivity rate. 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. 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. Of the nine teams that won 19 or more straight, five captured the championship that same season. The Suns have spent this off-time preparing and having contingency plans in place for different variations of how and when they return. *The use of still cameras during concerts and other Non-SUNS/MERCURY/RATTLERS events, will be determined on an event-by-event basis. ALSO READ - LeBron James to face no action over COVID-19 protocol violation. Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker discussed his vaccination status and more after missing time due to COVID-19. The virus also cost ABC game announcer Mike Breen several games, and analyst Jeff Van Gundy was out of Game 1 of the finals. 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. 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. reported The Athletics Sam Amick and Joe Vardon. Although the Footprint Center website states that once inside the building, masks are just recommended when not eating or drinking. Children or parents should contact the nearest Footprint Center staff member if they become separated. Adoration for coach Monty Williams came from every corner of the NBA. That means about only 15 players are not. There will also be six-foot physical distancing in the arena bowl between parties in ticketed seating pods. Banners or signs may not be commercial in nature or obscene, or cause any disturbance to other fans. If any seats remain, non-members outside of the presale list will have access to floor seats at 3 p.m. MT. The Phoenix Suns ended their conference semifinals series against the Dallas Mavericks and their 2021-22 season suffering from a COVID-19 outbreak, reported The Athletics Sam Amick and Joe Vardon. 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. But a team spokesperson said officials now "expect" and "encourage" face coverings. 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. Of the nine teams that won. local news and culture, Benjamin Leatherman Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. 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. Detailed information about the testing process will be available soon, and upon purchase of a floor seat. Limited floor seating will go on sale to PayPal SixthMan Season Ticket Members at 8 a.m. MT, Friday, Feb. 12. Updated: 6:23 PM MST June 8, 2022. . 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. 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. Event Schedule (60) Venue Details. The Phoenix Suns announced that they're increasing capacity to 3,000 fans at home games. For the rest of the arena, he said it doesn't make sense to require masks, particularly if the mandatewon't be enforced. One day, well have a COVID-19 game, whether or not the league further relaxes its rules. Join the New Times community and help support Once seated, fans will enjoy an enhanced gameday experience headlined by a new center hung scoreboard that is six times larger and clearer than its predecessor, two new LED ribbon boards that ring the lower and upper bowls, an upgraded sound system for crystal-clear audio and Musco lighting that gives our players main stage theatre illumination. Some thought it played a part in Phoenixs flameout, while others disagreed. 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. 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. 2023 Copyright Footprint Center. Instead of that being something thats just in the back of the organizations mind, they have already been heavily discussing those changes and are fully open to them. Seating Charts. March 28, 2022 Day of game ticket exchanges are on a first come, first served basis. Here in Arizona, venues began amending their COVID-19 policies within the last three weeks . *Please note that each event may have its own health requirements for entry. Six people, including a . Talking heads may be sleeping on the reigning Western Conference champions, but the sharps have taken notice. As our schedule changes, we can potentially adapt, Rowley said. In early March, New York City lifted its requirements and Los Angeles County will do the same on April 1. Mask rules and enforcement are up to the Suns. On Feb. 8, the Suns began allowing fans into the arena after starting the season without them in attendance. 4 min read. One Phoenix assistant coach, Bryan Gates, tested positive after Game 6 and missed the final game, while at least some of the other Suns indicated to colleagues they werent feeling well prior to Game 7. As accessible seating is limited, advance notice is preferred in order for Guest Services to accommodate all our disabled guests. All true, but that take ignores one fact that became increasingly clear throughout the playoffs: The Suns are rock freaking solid. Please visit the box office to load cash onto a prepaid card which can be used at concessions, team shop and easily loaded int the Mobile Wallet withinthe Official Suns App sponsored by Verizon. Floor seat holders will enjoy a private entrance and be the first fans to have access to the new Ultra Club. Email him at rohrbach_ben@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! They are trying to prevent spread within their organizations because they want to be able to play in the finals.. He was fucked up, one source said of George. Sign in to your account to access your Phoenix Suns tickets. Team personnel can be subjected to testing for close contact with someone with COVID-19 if they have not received all of their vaccine shots. Fourteen of them have been reported to be vaccinated. You hear stories from quite a few teams, where its like we never admitted it publicly, but so-and-so doesnt feel great and theyre a really important player, Amick told Arizona Sports Bickley & Marotta on Wednesday after the story was published. 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. Cash Conversion: As a convenience to our fans with cash, the Phoenix Suns Arena offers free cash conversions. Phoenix. I work outside, do I need to wear a mask? Below are policies and rules to assist with your visit to Footprint Center. 2: Bookers defense could face healthy Murray. Six members of the team, including a player, tested positive for the virus at the tail end of the series or just after it ended.

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