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The Portland Trail Blazers will begin the 2020-21 season without fans in attendance at the Moda Center, the team announced Wednesday. Next season is set to kick off on Dec. 22 after it was approved by the league and its players last week. The Blazers hope to have fans in attendance at some point, the organization said in a press release:
After careful consideration in collaboration with the NBA and public health and state officials, fans will not be allowed in Moda Center for the beginning of the NBA season. With health and safety as our number one priority, we will continue to evaluate a timeline for fans to return to Moda Center, which has not been determined at this time. We will continue to take the lead from the state and are optimistic that conditions will improve as the season moves forward.
Many safety measures and improvements have been made to Moda Center in anticipation of having fans back in the arena. More information will be shared on these safety measures when we announce a timeline for fans to return.
In addition to the announcement, the team has set up an FAQ page about fan attendance at games, events held at the Rose Quarter, and more.
Fans with 2020-21 season tickets will be contacted “via email within the next two weeks with more information.”
Update: The Athletic’s Shams Charania has provided details on requirements for teams that do plan to host fans:
All fans are required to wear masks (above age of 2), socially distance, undergo symptom surveys. Food and beverage are not allowed for those within 30 feet of court. Teams would have option to install a plexiglass behind benches. https://t.co/Rr0YMpebdb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 11, 2020