DALLAS (105.3 the Fan) - Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Dallas Mavericks announced on Friday that they will begin the season without fans in attendance at the American Airlines Center, starting with the team's Thursday, December 17th matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Mavs released a statement on the decision, citing fan, player, and employee safety as their primary concern going forward:
The health and safety of Dallas Mavericks fans, players and employees remains the organization's top priority. After careful consideration and in collaboration with the NBA, American Airlines Center, and Dallas County public health officials, the Mavs plan to start the 2020-21 preseason without fans. The Mavs only home preseason game is scheduled for Thursday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m.
"We are optimistic that we will be able to welcome fans back to the AAC this season but want to make sure we do so in the safest way possible," said Mavs CEO Cynt Marshall. " Unfortunately, having looked closely at the current data, trends, and historical spikes, we cannot risk our fans' safety, which is in the best interest of our community."
No definitive timetable has been set for fans returning to the arena and the Mavs will continue to work with Dallas County leadership and public health officials to determine the best possible scenario closer to the start of the regular season.
Dallas starts their preseason slate this Saturday night in Milwaukee, against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, followed by a rematch against that same Bucks team on Monday night.
