Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is urging fans to refrain from traveling to her city for the NBA All-Star Game on March 7th.
On Tuesday, Bottoms said in a statement that “people should not travel to Atlanta to party.”
“Under normal circumstances, we would be extremely grateful for the opportunity to host the NBA All-Star game, but this is not a typical year,” Bottoms added.
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said that the game was a “made-for-TV event only” and confirmed that there would be “no NBA-sanctioned events open to the public.” She has also encouraged businesses in the city not to host any events or shows related to the game.
Several NBA stars, including LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kawhi Leonard, have expressed their disdain regarding playing an All-Star Game during the ongoing pandemic. In response, the NBA announced strict protocols for the All-Star events, including allowing players only a limited number of guests and requiring players to travel to the game only by private plane or private car. Additionally, players will only be permitted to leave their hotels for the All-Star events at the arena.
While tickets will not be sold this year, a limited number of vaccinated front-line workers will be invited to attend. However, the usual thousands of fans that the game attracts will not be in attendance.
