With Barclays Center closed, Nets/arena CEO promises fans refunds or credits; arena still not saying events within next month are off
As you know, the NBA recently announced that the 2019-20 season will be suspended for at least the next 30 days. This decision impacts all Brooklyn Nets and Long Island Nets games for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, per New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s directive prohibiting gatherings of 500 people or more, Barclays Center will be closed and the events to be held at Barclays Center will be postponed.NetsDaily reported that the Nets' DeAndre Jordan told WFAN’s Maggie Gray (who ran into him at Whole Foods!) that he thinks his team would be tested immediately.
We will honor tickets already purchased for any rescheduled games. If games are not played or played in an empty arena, fans will have the option to receive a credit for a future game or a refund. We will be in touch as soon as we have additional information on the status of future games.
We want you to know that your health and safety is our first priority. As such, we are closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in coordination with leading medical experts and local, state, and federal health authorities to ensure we are making informed decisions and taking all necessary and advisable measures to protect the health and well-being of our fans, players, employees, and partners. For example, we have engaged a specialist firm to thoroughly disinfect Barclays Center and our practice facility and offices, and we will disinfect the facilities on a regular basis, so that when you do come back to Barclays Center, you will feel safe.
We have instituted a work from home policy for the Nets staff and our customer service team remains available for any fan inquiries.
Yes, at least two cases of coronavirus in the NBA make a strong case for testing, but this again suggests that some have better access than others. Also, the NBA for now has banned group workouts and practices.
Arena not completely on hold?
The Barclays Center web site indicates that several events are postponed or canceled, but does not indicate as such for the April 3 Lit AF Tour, the April 17 April Fools Comedy Jam and the April 18 Ultimate Fighting Championship.
That seems highly unlikely, given that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has banned events with 500 people and Mayor Bill de Blasio suggested that could last six months.
Comedy events require audience feedback, so I'd bet they're canceled or postponed, but there's a theoretical possibility that the mixed martial arts event could continue without attendees, and be broadcast.
The New York Post's George Willis today reported:
As of now, there’s every indication the UFC will do all it can to preserve UFC 249 at Barclays Center, where Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0) and Tony Ferguson (25-3) will meet in a mega-fight for the lightweight championship. Gatherings of more than 500 have been banned by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. While the ban could last up to six months there is hope the world will be a safer place in 30 days. If UFC 249 is canceled, it would mark the fifth time a Khabib-Ferguson matchup will have been scrapped.
We are continuing to monitor the situation and will be sure to inform our attendees if there are any changes to UFC.— Barclays Center (@barclayscenter) March 13, 2020
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