Golden State Warriors Schedule: Coronavirus Concerns Force Upcoming Game To Be Played Without Fans

The Golden State Warriors played in front of thousands of fans Tuesday night at Chase Center, despite the recommendation from the San Francisco Department of Public Health that “non-essential large gatherings should be canceled or postponed” because of concerns over the coronavirus. The team won’t be able to make such a decision for its next home game.

San Francisco has banned mass gatherings of more than 1,000 people for at least two weeks. That includes games at Golden State’s home arena, which has a capacity of just over 18,000 people.

The Warriors are set to host the Brooklyn Nets Thursday. According to Marc Stein of The New York Times, no fans will be in attendance.

Press release from San Francisco mayor London Breed on the banning of events larger than 1,000 people, including Warriors games:

“Today I spoke with the Warriors to discuss the steps were taking to cancel large events and they are in support of our efforts.” pic.twitter.com/60VE3an23m
— Logan Murdock (@loganmmurdock) March 11, 2020

The Warriors, league sources say, will be directed to play host to the Nets on Thursday night at Chase Center in a game CLOSED to fans
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 11, 2020

Warriors stil meeting on the matter and further direction could come from league owner’s call this afternoon, per sources. For now, the Chase Center is expected to be empty for game vs. Brooklyn on Thursday. Warriors are away until March 25th, so that buys them time at Chase. https://t.co/52xXvFXSaw
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 11, 2020

Following the contest against Brooklyn, the Warriors will start a five-game road trip. Golden State is scheduled to play in Milwaukee, Toronto, Indiana, Detroit and New York from March 14-21. The team is scheduled to return home on March 25 against the Atlanta Hawks.

March 25 would mark the final day of the two-week ban, unless it is extended. The Warriors are set to play at Chase Center on March 28, 29 and 31 as part of a four-game homestand.

“This is a first. It’s a first for me,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told reporters Tuesday. “It’s brand new and it’s strange and I don’t really know what to think, even just in everyday life. Just visiting with friends and gathering, it’s awkward. You don’t want to shake hands you’re doing the bash brothers thing. How are we supposed to act? It’s all very strange and awkward.”

“We’re just going to do what we’re told to do and look forward.”

The NBA’s board of governors has a conference call with the commissioner's office scheduled for Wednesday, according to ESPN, to discuss how the league will handle the coronavirus pandemic. Playing more games without fans in the building is a potential option moving forward.