NBA Expects Fans to Return to Arenas at Full Capacity for 2021-2022 Season
With COVID-19 testing and vaccines becoming more readily available.
The NBA is aiming for full arenas for the next 2021-2022 season as COVID-19 vaccines are becoming increasingly available throughout the world and nation. The league is also hopeful that arenas can open up to additional fans this season.
ESPN reports that the efforts are largely due to the NBA’s last multiyear and leaguewide partnership with biometric screening company, Clear. The company, which is known for its expedited security processes, has made effective and efficient coronavirus health screenings available to all 30 NBA teams. Each team will be expected to integrate the technology into their arenas, facilitating the return of more fans to games.
One-third of the leagues have already begun using Clear’s Health Pass program, including the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs. It is important to note that the program is set to be used by fans only. The NBA reveals to ESPN that there are currently no plans for the program to be used on players. Fans will have to download the Clear app to verify their identities and COVID-related health information, prior to entering into arenas.
With the rise in vaccinations and rapid testing measures improved, Clear CEO Carn Seidman Becker told ESPN, “I am very optimistic that you can head back to full stadiums.”
It still remains to be seen whether or not the arenas will be at its full fan capacity by the 2021-2022 NBA season.
In other NBA news, the Los Angeles Lakers signed Rockets’ Veteran guard Ben McLemore.
