Atlanta is not interested in playing host in the middle of a pandemic.
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued a statement on Tuesday urging fans not to travel to the city and discouraging bars and clubs from promoting events around the All-Star Game scheduled for March 7.
“Under normal circumstances, we would be extremely grateful for the opportunity to host the NBA All-Star Game,” Bottoms said, per NBC Atlanta’s Chenue Her. “But this is not a typical year. I have shared my concerns related to public health and safety with the NBA and Atlanta Hawks.
“We are in agreement that this is a made-for-TV event only, and people should not travel to Atlanta to party. There will be no NBA-sanctioned events open to the public, and we strongly encourage promoters, clubs, bars, etc. not to host events in the city related to this game.”
NBA changed mind on canceling game
The NBA scrapped its initial plans to hold the All-Star Game this year in Indianapolis because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then last month, the league and the National Basketball Players Association agreed to hold a game in Atlanta.
Since then, the NBA has made plans to add the skills challenge, 3-point shootout and dunk contests to the event. Instead of spreading the contests out over the course of three days, all of the events will take place on March 7.