It appears the new normal for Warriors fans is about to become obsolete.
Since the coronavirus pandemic struck the world early last year, the world of sports initially shut down and then came back to life, but it did so with no fans. As weird as that is, it almost seems normal if one watches on television.
Thankfully, that could change soon. The San Francisco Giants are finalizing a deal with the City of San Francisco that would permit a limited amount of fans to attend their home opener on April 9, and per the San Francisco Chronicle, Mayor London Breed is working on a similar agreement with the Warriors.
Breed, speaking at a news conference as the city moved to the orange tier, talked of finalizing the Giants’ plans to have a limited number of fans at their home opener April 9. Then Breed acknowledged city officials also are working with the Warriors on a similar arrangement.
“Once we finalize those plans, they will be made public,” Breed said, “and I’m really excited about that.”
Ron Kroichick/San Francisco Chronicle
The number of Warriors’ fans that could potentially attend is unclear, but it won’t be anywhere near the 9,000 fans owner Joe Lacob wanted at his home games prior to this season’s start. He proposed pre-game Covid-19 tests for every fan. Lacob has an advanced degree in epidemiology, so the idea was certainly legit.
My guess is perhaps 3,000 fans will attend, however. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was less than that, maybe by half. If San Francisco advances to the “yellow” tier, one notch above “orange,” more fans will have the opportunity. That’s a goal worth shooting for. One step at a time. Cliche, but it works.
Plus, as a super bonus, the Warriors have a six game home stand to close the campaign. Having fans at Chase Center for that stretch would be beyond special for the players and could result in splendid basketball, regardless of how many fans are actually in attendance.
Bay Area Sports Hub 