Sports
NBA All-Star Events; Atlanta Mayor Tells Fans To Stay Home
The NBA All-Star Game will be scaled down this weekend, but appear to defy Mayor Keisha Lance Bottom's request not to come to Atlanta.
ATLANTA — The NBA All-Star Game is condensed into one day this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, with events kicking off on TV from Atlanta Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
While the Atlanta Hawks' Statefarm Arena will be at the center of the pro basketball world Sunday, the league and Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms don't want Atlanta to be the sprawling epicenter of partying and revelry that typically accompanies NBA All-Star weekends.
Lance Bottoms is asking people to stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Find out what's happening in Atlantafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Under normal circumstances we’d be grateful for the opportunity to host the NBA All-Star game, but this isn’t a typical year. I’ve shared my concerns w/ @NBA & @ATLHawks & agree this is a made-for-TV event only & people shouldn’t travel to Atlanta to party.https://t.co/Bql0nMGExZ
— Keisha Lance Bottoms (@KeishaBottoms) February 16, 2021
No tickets are being sold to the even. But the city of Brookhaven has thumbed its nose at Atlanta, extending alcohol pouring hours over the weekend.
And Channel 2 Action News (WSB-TV) reports that people are arriving for parties planned through the weekend despite the Atlanta mayor's pleas.
Find out what's happening in Atlantafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
It is unclear if (or how) Lance Bottoms intends to regulate her request.
The fireworks on the court can be viewed on TV or streaming on TNT. Here’s what to watch for:
- Taco Bell Skills Challenge - prior to Tip-Off of the All-Star Game
- MTN DEW 3-Point Contest - prior to Tip-Off of the All-Star Game
- AT&T Slam Dunk - Halftime of the All-Star Game
- Team LeBron vs. Team Durant All-Star Game
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