The Golden State Warriors are gearing up to drop some serious cash on COVID-19 testing to open the Chase Center at 50 percent capacity for the upcoming NBA season. Team owner Joe Lacob says that he is prepared to spend $30 million on testing.
While they were not in the NBA bubble in Orlando, FL, Lacob and the organization have been working on a plan known as “Operation DubNation,” to safely welcome fans back into their stadium. The plan has been in the works since the league shut down on March 11th. Every fan, organization employee, and player for each home game or visit to the Chase Center will receive a COVID-19 test.
The initiative includes the use of the most accurate testing on the market. Rapid PCR tests or the equivalent will be the preferred tests of choice. These tests usually provide results in 15 minutes and have been proven 99% accurate, which is why they are much pricier than standard tests.
The rapid tests will be administered to fans either outside of the Chase Center or at drive-up locations near it. All tests must be done within 48 hours of the game. Once cleared to attend, fans will be required to wear masks and social distance while inside the arena. The reopening plan will also include a new state-of-the-art filtration system that can utilize only outside air or rapidly replace indoor air.
“I not only want to get this done and show the world how we can do it now, I’m willing to spend the money to do it,” Lacob told ESPN. “This is a serious, serious problem. It cannot go on for multiple years … because if this were to go on for several years, the NBA is no more. You cannot sustain this league with no fans. You can do it for a year. We’ll all get by for a year. But suppose we’re in this situation next year. Now we’re talking some serious, serious financial damage to a lot of people.”
Lacob has plenty of reasons to worry about the financial future of his organization. The Warriors could potentially lose $400 million in revenue and $200 million on the bottom line if fans are not present this season.
“I want people to understand this is not the Warriors just trying to make more money,” the 64-year-old said. “Yes, we’re trying to get fans and get revenue, but I’m trying to set a standard. I’m trying to show the world how this can be done safely.”
