Hello (Again): Nets to welcome fans back to Barclays Center Feb 23

By Jake Samieske

Nets fans can get their long-awaited first in-person look at Brooklyn’s new big three before the end of the month when they face off against the Sacramento Kings.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that New York sports and entertainment arenas will open up for live events at 10 percent capacity beginning February 23. Fans in attendance must get a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the event and submit to a temperature check at the gate. Masks will be required.

“Thank you to Governor Cuomo and his team at the Department of Health for collaborating with us in creating a robust health and safety plan that allows fans to return to our arena,” said John Abbamondi, CEO of the Barclays ownership group BSE Global in a press release.

The announcement offers Brooklynites the chance to finally check out the new-look Brooklyn Nets live. With a current 15-12 record (good enough for third in the Eastern Conference), the team is fresh off the addition of MVP James Harden, and has serious championship aspirations.

Nets sharpshooter Joe Harris told the New York Post he is “extremely excited” about the return of fans.

“The game is just not the same without fans,” he said. “Any time you can have even a little bit, it changes a lot. The first time we played against fans in Memphis and then in Cleveland, those games just feel different than the empty arenas where you sort of have this artificial energy.”

Rookie head coach Steve Nash called it “a win all around.”

The return of fans also coincides with the return of Kevin Durant, who has missed the past six days of activity due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols. He’s widely expected to contribute to the Nets’ already-potent offense, which averages an astounding 120.4 points per game. But in order for the Nets to be considered serious challengers to Lebron James and the Lakers’ title defense, they’ll have to improve defensively, where they rank third worst in the league.

Abbamandi also pledged to donate an undisclosed amount of revenue to Covid vaccination efforts. On the same day, Mayor de Blasio announced his desire to use the Barclays Center as a mass vaccination site, marking the public reopening as a win for sports fans and the community at large.

The Nets return to action February 13 against the Golden State Warriors.