© Kelley L Cox | 2020 Mar 12
We know Joe Lacob is an ambitious man, but his latest plan is taking things to a whole new level.
The polarizing Warriors owner has submitted a plan to state and local officials that would allow for Chase Center to operate at 50 percent fan capacity for the upcoming season, and would require each fan to be tested by the Warriors for COVID-19 before each game, costing the team approximately $30 million.
According to ESPN, the plan “hinges on the use of rapid PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests or equivalent amplification technologies that can detect traces of the virus’ genetic material in nasal or throat swabs within 15 minutes and are far more accurate than rapid antigen tests, which look for a protein that is present on the surface of the virus that is shed.”
This is the type of test has only recently become available, and is currently being used by Hollywood studios, many of which have resumed production. It is far more accurate (close to 99 percent) than the standard rapid antigen tests (what the White House has been using) which could miss 30-50% of people who have enough viral load to be infectious, according to ESPN.
“I not only want to get this done and show the world how we can do it now, I’m willing to spend the money to do it,” said Lacob, who holds a master’s degree in public health from UCLA, via ESPN. “This is a serious, serious problem. It cannot go on for multiple years … because if this were to go on for several years, the NBA is no more.
“You cannot sustain this league with no fans. You can do it for a year. We’ll all get by for a year. But suppose we’re in this situation next year. Now we’re talking some serious, serious financial damage to a lot of people.”
The plan has been given the moniker, “Operation DubNation,” and is contingent on approval from city and state public health officials.
Fans would be required to get the COVID test onsite at Chase Center within 48 hours of game time. Everyone would still be required to wear a mask and social distance in the arena, which has a state-of-the-art filtration system.
The Warriors believe they lost about 50 million in revenue last season after their final 17 games were canceled. Lacob says that is not the driving force behind the project, however.
“I want people to understand this is not the Warriors just trying to make more money,” he said. “Yes, we’re trying to get fans and get revenue, but I’m trying to set a standard. I’m trying to show the world how this can be done, safely.”
The NBA season is scheduled to begin on December 22.
