Normally high-profile and much anticipated games generate a lot of fuss over players, possible score, bets on who’s winning and who’s loosing, but this time around it’s safe to say that for the first in NBA history, during this pandemic, backstage has taken center stage.
This is because basketball fans seem to be fascinated to learn more about “The Bubble” than the games itself in the days prior to the player’s confinement, which is natural since there has been so much ado about it.
One clear example is that on July 05, 2020, on Tweeter, the topic NBA Bubble trended more than the acronym NBA itself, according to the apps’ reports made available to the league, the same happened with Google.
So here at STREETOPIA we decided to team up with two journalists that have had close access the new NBA stomping ground to unveil some behind the scenes facts that may help our readers to better understand what has been going on at The Bubble, some of which is exclusive content:
NOT ON THE MENU?
At the bubble absolutely everything is strictly controlled, including the food and protocols in place so the players can be in a risk-free environment during this global pandemic.
Everything has been so well thought in terms of feeding the athletes that an off-hours-and preference menu has been made available in case players decide to eat off hours, (remember when M.J. ordered that suspicious pizza, seen on the documentary The last dance?) or may want something that is not in the buffet. During this covid-19 era we cannot afford the risk of ordering pizzas over the phone.
Nutritionist Maria Fernandez, working at the bubble, has confirmed to STREETOPIA that all extra in-room menus have been carefully optimized to please players, be nutritive, fulfilling, and provide them with extra options as if they were in the comfort of their hotels/homes, once they are available 24/7 during their stay.
WHAT ARE PLAYERS ALLOWED TO DO WHILE IN THE BUBBLE?
Players have quite a few activities available on site, from pools, regular golf courses, mini golf, in-hotel movie theaters, fishing spots, dining areas, lounges with card tables, video games, TVs, and movie screenings. There are even DJ sets for gatherings at the end of the day.
WHAT ABOUT FAMILIES AND FRIENDS?
After the first round of the playoffs, teams will be allowed to get one room to accommodate guests. Individuals are responsible for the cost of the room, and the guests will have to quarantine upon arriving and test negative for COVID-19. Random tests will also be performed if any suspicious or symptoms are felt or seen by the onsite team of doctors.
HOW LONG WILL THE BUBBLE LAST?
The bubble is scheduled to last until October 13, 2020, which would theoretically be game 7 of the finals, if it ever goes that far.
WHERE CAN YOU WATCH GAMES FROM THE BUBBLE?
League pass, ESPN, TNT, NBA TV, and ABC.
Not only has the NBA survived the outbreak but it has also proceedings in place whenever fans cannot attend regular games, should that ever be the case again.
Journalists, athletes and fans, as reported in several media outlets across the US, have unanimously agreed on how fast and professionally NBA management has handled this crises.
