Inside the Bubble – How the NBA Season Has Changed
The NBA season resumed on July 30th and it is unlike anything we have seen before. While our favourite players are still entertaining us with their skills and passion, there are a few things that have been altered to adjust to the current global health crisis.
Let’s explore some of the major changes implemented into the NBA 2019/20 season.
The Bubble
Historic circumstances have seen the NBA season resume inside a bubble to protect players and staff from the ongoing pandemic and ensure the health and safety of everyone involved.
The NBA, including players and staff, are isolating from the rest of the United States at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, located at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The teams are spread across three different Disney hotels, and must adhere to strict social distancing rules and health precautions such as mask wearing and regular sanitising.
Players are not allowed to leave the bubble and unauthorised people are not allowed to enter the bubble. However, some families can join during playoffs. Players will also be tested for COVID-19 every day and monitored for signs or symptoms. The bubble is designed to control the environment as best as possible and minimise the risk of external factors.
Virtual Fans
When the return of the season was announced it was assumed it would be a fan-free affair. And while in a sense this is accurate, the rise of the virtual fan has begun. Large video boards strategically placed on the sidelines allows fans to get as close to the action as possible within the safety of their own homes.
Microsoft and Michelob Ultra are behind the idea and fans can register for virtual seats at games, with more than 300 fans able to participate at the same time. Virtual fans can even interact with one another, re-creating the feeling of sitting next to each other and reacting in real time.
A Season to Remember
While the NBA has had its fair share of ups and downs this year, the players are still determined to give basketball fans a season to remember. So, keep watching, keep supporting, and keep playing. And although these are unprecedented times, you can still find comfort and familiarity in the game you love.