In an email to ticket holders for this season on Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Thunder announced that they will not receive fans at home games for the 2020-21 season, becoming the first NBA team to decide not to have fans. .
“The decision was based on several factors,” the e-mail read. “The last thing is that the overall health and safety of our fans and community is the most important thing to us.”
Before the start of the season, Thunder intended to host fans with limited capacity, with health and safety protocols established throughout the arena. However, with the fall in COVID-19 cases across the country, and especially in Oklahoma, the team announced in late November that the fanless season would begin.
But despite a positive trend in cases of falls and hospitalizations in the state, Thunder made the final decision to continue the season without fans, claiming that it is “too soon” and that there are “too many variables that still need to be overcome.” “to bring thousands of fans back to the arena.
“Our long-term personal relationships with our fans are something we deeply appreciate, and as we look to the future with you, it’s essential for us to make sure that when you return, you’re in a good mood. safer environment than the one we are in. right now, “he told the team.”
With the Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Hornets announcing plans to host fans later this month, there are now 18 teams that either get fans back in the arenas or have a plan for the near future. Teams that allow fans do so at low capacity to allow for physical distance, with attendance in the range of 10-15% (usually around 3,000 fans in total).
Thunder, known for their enthusiastic base of local fans, said the “limited gaming experience” that fans would find “under the strict conditions that would be needed” also played a factor in the decision.
“The current protocols required will not allow us to meet our standards for a captivating and state-of-the-art entertainment experience,” the team said. “We have always felt the obligation to deliver in this area for our fans, but in these conditions, we do not believe it is possible.”
In Oklahoma, public health measures, such as masking and physical distancing, have polarized the problems. And within the organization, there is awareness of the tension that could be generated by the application of protocols in matches between the team and fans.
The email said Thunder wants to focus on preparing to host fans for the 2021-22 season.
“We want to make sure that your gaming experience is always safe, healthy and as good as possible,” the team said. “We hope to return them next season in these conditions.”