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The NBA Playoffs are back at the American Airlines Center. For the first time since the 2015-16 season, the Dallas Mavericks will host at least two playoff games on their home court. Their opponent? The Los Angeles Clippers. And, if owner Mark Cuban has anything to say about it, the atmosphere will be rowdy, proud, and loud.
Near full capacity is expected at the arena, according to a press release sent out Friday afternoon. It didn’t give a specific number, however. Yet, we do know approximately how many people will be let in the door.
In a recent radio interview, Cuban said that he’s pushing the league to allow the AAC to host more fans at Game 3 and 4 of the series, The Dallas Morning News reports. Right now, the number is hovering between 12,000 to 15,000.
“We started hoping to get to [9,000],” Cuban said Wednesday on KRLD-FM (105.3) The Fan. “Now we know we’ll be at at least [12,000], and we’re pushing if we can get some modifications done to the arena in time to get to [15,000].”
Even though the arena will see its largest crowds of the season, there are still some safety measures in place. Fans are still required to wear masks inside at all times unless they are eating or drinking.
“We are so excited about welcoming more fans into AAC to help cheer on our Mavs,” Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall said in a statement. “We have been slowly inviting more fans to our games since February 8, in accordance with public health protocol. Our fans have proven their ability to keep the environment safe and fun.”
Not only will the Mavericks be welcoming more fans, they’ll also hold a vaccination clinic in partnership with the City of Dallas on Victory Plaza before and during Game 3 and 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Texas Military Department Mobile Vaccination Team will administer the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. No appointment is required and walk-ups are welcome, even for those not attending the games.
Fans hoping to buy tickets to see some playoff action live will have the opportunity to do so as early as Saturday, May 22. Single game tickets go on sale that day at noon CST on Mavs.com.