Looking at empty stadiums has become a common thing not only at NBA, MLB, MLS or NFL, but also in almost every sports competition around the world. Forallorganizations,the lack of fanswas a real setback, and for every supporter being unable to attend games wasdisappointingtoo.
The NBA first resolved to finish last year’s competition in a particular wayin order to take care of everyone’s health,moving everyteamtoOrlando, Florida.But the currentseason went back to a more normal course, althoughwithout the usual full-packed stadiums thatused to surround every game.
However, not every team iscompletely playing without fans in their venues. There are a number of franchises who receive a limited amount of spectators, obviously if with previous approval fromthe authorities according to the situation in that city. Find out here which NBA teamsallow fans into their stadiumsduring these times.
AtlantaHawks
Atlanta Hawks received fans for the game against LA Clippers (Getty).
The Hawks started to allow fans into the State Farm Arena in January 26, 2021, in the hosts victory 108-99 against Los Angeles Clippers. The decision was prepared for a long time to take care that every health measure was taken andthe amount of fans allowed wasaround 1,300, an 8% of total capacity.
Brooklyn Nets
The team that looks as a title contenderthis season as they are starringthe amazing playersKirie Irving, James HardenandKevin Durantstarted with a low figure to welcome back fans. Barclays Center opened the doors to 300 fans to attend games, and the figure may change depending on the situation’s evolution.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs are allowing almost a 14%capacityof their venue, Rocket Morgage Fieldhouse, which has atotal capacityof 19,432 people. Since the state of Ohio allowed it and thesafety plan is followed, the number of fans that can attend Cavaliers games are 2,720.
Dallas Mavericks
The American Airlines Center first received around 1,500 essential workers to watch an NBA gamelive against Minnesota Timberwolvesclose to the action,a nice gesture from the Mavs.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets, who aren’t going through a good season after James Harden’s move to Brooklyn, announced that they will allow a limited capacity of fans to attend games at the Toyota Center. Their plan allowsroughly 4,500 fans inside the stadium, with proper distancing between all.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers started with a certain amount of allowed fans into theBankers Life Fieldhouse that thenwas increased as local authorities guaranteed it was safely to do so. The Fieldhouse currently allows around4,500 fans, a 25% capacity.
Memphis Grizzlies
TheGrizzlies also welcomed a shorter amountof attendees at the beginning, but the number started to increaseas the situation allowed it. It was a gradual rise that included floor seats first, then guest suits and later season ticket-holders. They currently allow 2,000 fans in, a 11 percent capacity of the arena.
Miami Heat
The Heat firstly received a reduced capacity of around 1,500 fans into the American Airlines Arena, and later announced that they would increase that amount to the double.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks also have prepared the safety measures in order to open theFiserv Forum’s doors again for supporters to watch the team. An amount of 1,800 fans, 10 percent of capacity are allowed into the arena.
New Orleans Pelicans
At first, the Pelicans welcomed back a little number of fans, around 750, a 4% capacity of theSmoothie King Arena, until they could safely increase that number. A 9 percent of total capacity, 1,400 people, can attend the games.
New York Knicks
Madison Square Garden finally opened again for the spectatorsat a 10 percent capacity, which means around1,980 attendees can watch in person the New York Knicks games.
Orlando Magic
The Amway Centeralso received fans again but obviously in a restricted number and following safety measures. The number of allowed fans increased sincethe first game when the doors opened and the Magic plan to receive up to a 20% capacity this season.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns firstly allowed a limited number of 1,500 fans inside their venueuntil they announced an increasing capacity of 3,000. Another level of the stadium was opened to keep adding fans distanced from each other.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz increased thequantity of attendees after starting with a reduced number of 1,500 peoplein the lower bowl. Later, they openedthe upper bowlstoo so that thenumber of fans allowed inside theVivint Home Smart Arena went up to 3,902, almost a 21% capacity.
The Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz are the NBA teams which allowed fans into the stadium.
