It appears that anybody and everybody will be in Atlanta, Georgia this weekend as the 2021 NBA All-Star Game takes place in Phillips Arena. According to flyers posted across social media, events are set to take place at Compound, Cosmopolitan Lounge, oAK and several other venues are set to host events during NBA All-Star Weekend. Adding on, Future, Lil' Baby, Lil' Durk, Rick Ross, Bobby Shmurda, Meek Mill and several other prominent artists are set to appear. These events appear to run counter to the warning Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued last month regarding public events during NBA All-Star Weekend.
"Under normal circumstances, we would be extremely grateful for the opportunity to host the NBA All-Star game, but this is not a typical year," Bottoms stated.
"I have shared my concerns related to public health and safety with the NBA and Atlanta Hawks. We are in agreement that this is a made-for-TV event only, and people should not travel to Atlanta to party."
In defense of these events, no promoter has appeared to encourage fans to travel in to the city for these events. However, it is expected that fans will travel into the city for the festivities in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the number of COVID-19 deaths per day has certainly declined in recent weeks, thousands still test positive for the virus each and every day. On March 2, more than 3,000 Fulton County residents tested positive for the virus and more than 2,00 were hospitalized.
While some of the most well-known entertainers are set to travel to the city this weekend, the best basketball players in the world will be under strict supervision. NBA All-Star Weekend participants will arrive on March 6 and leave shortly after the game on March 7. During their time in Atlanta, players will be tested frequently and travel only in league sanctioned vehicles. Most importantly, players and coaches will be forbidden from attending social gatherings with more than 15 people.
The 2021 NBA All-Star Game will take place on March 7 at Phillips Arena. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Kyrie Irving and several other stars are set to play.
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