PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns announced Thursday that they will not have any fans present for the start of the 2020-21 NBA season.
With the increased transmission of COVID-19 in Arizona, the Suns organization said the health and safety of the community, staff, and players are their highest priority and decided to not host fans beginning this preseason.
The Suns are set to play the Jazz this weekend in Utah and head back to Arizona for the first home preseason games on Wednesday, December 16 and Friday, December 18.
The Suns organization added that they have worked with the city and county officials as well as the Arizona Department of Health Services and the NBA to be able to begin the upcoming season at the Phoenix Suns Arena.
“Our fans are the lifeblood of the Suns organization, and we want nothing more than to welcome our fans into our newly transformed arena in Downtown Phoenix. The arduous choice to tip off our promising season without fans did not come easily,” said Phoenix Suns President & CEO Jason Rowley. “However, we are exercising an abundance of caution and doing our part to maintain the health and safety of all our stakeholders during this crisis. That said, we will monitor the best available date and science and continue consulting with health care professionals and public officials to help us determine when it is prudent to bring fans back to the arena.”
Update: Fan attendance for the 2020-21 season. We hope to see you soon Suns fans! #MaskUpAZ
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 10, 2020
Don't forget to tune-in to the @FrysFoodStores Tip-Off on 12.23!
The Phoenix Suns face the Dallas Mavericks for the start of the 2020-21 regular season on December 23.
