Find our latest updates on the coronavirus in California here.
Updated March 12, 1:53 p.m.
As Sacramento Kings fans arrived at the Golden 1 Center Wednesday night, the NBA announced that it was suspending the season.
But fans like K.D. Warren were in good spirits while walking up to the main gate — though he said he recognized the threat of the coronavirus pandemic.
“You know, first and foremost, the safety for everyone is the most important thing. So, hopefully we can get a cure for this so we can get back to basketball quick,” he said.
As tens of thousands of fans were getting settled in their seats, a message echoed from the loudspeaker: The Kings were postponing their scheduled game against New Orleans.
A report that a Utah player tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, became public just before tipoff of the Jazz’s home game against Oklahoma City on Wednesday. The game was quickly canceled, and the NBA announced it was “suspending play following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice.”
The Kings released a statement saying the game was canceled because one of the referees in Sacramento also worked a Utah Jazz game earlier this week.
Fan Tyler Johnson says the decision left him torn.
“I mean, I guess they’re concerned,” he said. “But at the same time we wanted to see the game, you know?”
On Thursday the team released a statement saying that while they were disappointed the season would be suspended, they supported the NBA"s decision.
“The health and safety of our fans, employees, players, partners and community has always been, and will always be, our top priority," the statement reads. "We are incredibly grateful for the support of our fans and community as we face this unprecedented situation together.”
Earlier on Wednesday, the Kings said fans would be allowed at the game despite announcements from other teams and leagues they would play to empty arenas due to concerns related to the coronavirus.
"After consultation with Sacramento County Public Health officials, tonight’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center will proceed as usual with fans," a statement from the team reads. "With regards to future Golden 1 Center events, we continue to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation closely and will follow the mandated guidelines of the NBA, CDC, medical experts and government officials."
On Monday, the Sacramento County Department of Public Health announced it would no longer recommend 14-day quarantines for those exposed to COVID-19 but not showing symptoms. They are advising seniors or people with underlying health conditions to avoid large gatherings.
The Kings set up a website where fans with tickets to Wednesday's game could request a refund if they fall into those groups.
Meanwhile, the NCAA first announced it would play its upcoming men's and women's Division 1 basketball tournaments — including games at the Golden 1 Center — without fans. The association later decided to cancel the tournaments entirely.
The Golden 1 Center in Sacramento was scheduled to host part of the first two rounds of the men's tournament starting March 20. Los Angeles was also scheduled to host games starting March 26. There were no California sites for the women's tournament.
Earlier this week Santa Clara County health officials banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people, which led to uncertainty around how the San Jose Sharks hockey team would play their remaining home games before announcing they would be closed to the public.
Wednesday, the Golden State Warriors announced they would play their next game without fans.
Follow us for more stories like this
CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you. As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.
Donate Today
