The Dallas Mavericks are blessed with one of the best players in the NBA in Luka Dončić. They have a proud history built by champions like Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd.
But they know what their true No. 1 asset is.
Their fans.
MFFLs fuel the Mavericks’ franchise, which is why the team has taken safety to unparalleled heights for home games at American Airlines Center.
Furthering that commitment, the Mavericks have implemented the next step, creating a designated suite area where people with compromised immune systems can safely enjoy Mavericks’ games.
The first usage of the suite will be at Monday’s home game against Denver. The goal is to give persons who are more susceptible to infectious diseases a relatively isolated area from which they can watch the game. Visitation will be limited at the suite.
It’s a move close to the heart of Mavericks’ CEO Cynt Marshall, who is a cancer survivor with an at-risk immune system.
“What’s new is that individuals like me who have a compromised immune system will now have the option to enjoy the game in an area designed for fully vaccinated immunocompromised fans,” Marshall said. “We want cancer survivors and others to take the necessary precautions to remain healthy while also attending our games.
“With our season off to a great start on the court, we strive to maintain that same positive energy off the court. The safety and well-being of our fans will always be our top priority.”
The guest list for the first IC Suite includes 10-to-12 fans and Marshall is scheduled to host the inaugural night in the suite.
The Mavericks plan to have someone from their staff act as host of the IC Suite at each game.
The Mavericks have had extensive COVID-19 measures in place since the start of the season, some of which may not be well known to fans.
For instance, the Mavericks have worked with AAC management to have electrostatic sanitizing of the arena bowl and seats after each event, in addition to sanitizing of high-touch areas multiple times during events.
There are more than 200 hand sanitizing stations in the arena.
All game-day workers are vaccinated and fans also can receive Pfizer or Moderna vaccines (first, second or booster shots) through MD Labs, which has stations set up at the Jack Daniels Old No. 7 Club.
There also are pediatric vaccination doses available for children 5 to 11 years old.
Because of the AAC and Mavericks’ attention to safety, Global Biorisk Advisory Council has given the building STAR accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities. Under the guidance of GBAC, a division of worldwide cleaning industry association ISSA, AAC has implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfecting and infectious disease prevention.
“We’ve had extraordinary safety measures in place from the beginning of the season, including entrance restrictions and stringent sanitation protocols,” Marshall said. “In response to the recent actions of the local health officials downgrading the COVID-19 alert level, we are lifting the entrance restrictions for fans who sit beyond 15 feet of the court or player benches. Masks will still be required for everyone ages 2 and above.”
The Mavericks will continue to monitor local COVID-19 trends and safety guidelines to make adjustments to policies if warranted.
For more information, fans can visit mavs.com/21healthsafety.
Twittter: @ESefko
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