What fans can expect at Phoenix Suns Arena next week

If you are among the few fortunate health workers to attend next week’s game against the Boston Celtics at Phoenix Suns Arena, congratulations. Thank you. Have fun.

And don’t screw this up.

This week your Suns because the 10th NBA team to allow fans back in the arena. The 1500 in attendance will be among the first to check out the Suns’ new renovated home.

Suns President and CEO Jason Rowley:

“With an exciting new era beginning on the court and a practically new building to play in, we’re thrilled to welcome fans back to Phoenix Suns Arena,” Rowley said in a press release. “Our staff has worked tirelessly with the NBA and health officials to ensure proper protocols are in place to keep everyone safe.”

Obviously it will be a vastly different experience, but an experience nonetheless.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Mandatory masks except when eating and drinking
• Paperless ticketing
• Cashless transactions
• Required social distancing (there will be markings throughout the arena)

Everything the Suns have put in place run congruent with the expectations of the Center for Disease Control, the NBA, and the Arizona Department of Health and Services.

The COVID numbers are astronomical. You know that. And it’s entirely plausible that this is a short-lived experiment in Arizona. So wash your hands, wear a mask, and get vaccinated when it’s your turn. I want to check out the new arena.