The NBA All-Star Weekend is usually one of the most socially active periods on the league calendar. There is never a lack of parties and events for fans, media, tourists, players and league personnel. But this is obviously not the kind of event that makes sense during a pandemic, and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms expressed concern about what it might mean to keep the game in the city, according to NBC Reporter Chenue Her.
“Under normal circumstances, we would be extremely grateful for the opportunity to host the NBA All-Star game, but this is not a typical year,” she said in a statement. “I shared my public health and safety concerns with the NBA and the Atlanta Hawks. We agree that this is a TV-only event and people should not travel to Atlanta for the party. There will be no NBA sanctioned events open to public and we strongly encourage promoters, clubs, bars, etc. not to host events in the city related to this game. “
The All-Star Game was originally scheduled to be held in Indianapolis, but the event was moved to Atlanta due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Players and their guests will not be allowed to leave their hotels outside of league sanctioned events, but this will not prevent local businesses and travelers from holding potential over-spreading events during the game.
Several players expressed concern about the idea of playing an All-Star Game, which, in itself, has the potential for the spread of the coronavirus across the country. A typical NBA game contains players and teams from just two teams, but the All-Star Game involves players traveling from the entire league to a single location. If only one player arrives with the virus and spreads, the entire league is in danger.
But the NBA has moved forward despite these concerns. There will be an All-Star Game, and now, all the players, team and host city can do is try to ensure that the event is held in the safest way possible.