Mavs have invited essential workers to attend upcoming home games

To show their appreciation to those who have worked tirelessly to serve the Dallas/Fort Worth communities during the coronavirus pandemic, the Dallas Mavericks have offered vaccinated essential workers a chance to attend one of the team’s four upcoming home games.

Those games will be played at American Airlines Center on Monday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks, Feb. 12 against the New Orleans Pelicans, and Feb. 14 against the Portland Trail Blazers.

The essential workers include medical professionals, police and firefighters, and food service workers.

“The Mavs and Mavs Foundation have been committed to supporting our essential workers through PPE and donated meals over the past year, and this is just another way we can say ‘thank you’ for serving us day in and day out,” Mavs CEO Cynt Marshall said. “Hopefully this will be a much-needed break from very hectic and tumultuous schedules.”

Only 1,500 visitors will be allowed at Monday’s Mavs-Timberwolves game and they must adhere to the following protocols laid out by the Mavs and in compliance with the Center for Disease Control, the NBA and the Dallas County Health and Human Services.

• Each individual must have received at least one round of the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Each individual must show their CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card prior to entering AAC.
• Each individual must complete the Fan Health Survey at least 30 minutes prior to entering the arena on game day.
• Proper face masks and social distancing are required and will be strictly enforced at all times.
• For a more complete list of rules, regulations and safety protocols, please visit the American Airlines Center Fan Safety Guidelines site.

“We owe so much to people who have put their lives at risk to make us safer,” Mavs owner Mark Cuban said. “Bringing them to a Mavs game is the least we can do!”

In a press release, the Mavs noted they will continue to work with Dallas County leadership and public health officials to determine the best possible scenario for fans to safely return to American Airlines Center for Mavs basketball games.  The Mavs recommend visiting the Dallas County COVID-19 Vaccination site to register for the vaccine and schedule an appointment when one becomes available.

For more information on COVID-19 and the vaccine, visit cdc.gov. For information and to sign-up for the COVID-19 Prevalence Study at UT Southwestern, visit  ustswmed.org/covidstudy.

Twitter: @DwainPrice