The Brooklyn Nets return to the playoffs isn’t just important in the franchise’s hopes of becoming a juggernaut in the NBA — it’ll be just as important for the fans.
The Nets announced on Tuesday afternoon that in partnership with the New York City Mayor’s Office and DocGo, an area adjacent to Barclays Center will serve as a vaccination site for qualified individuals ages 12 and older. It will begin with the Nets’ first home game of the 2021 NBA Playoffs, scheduled for Saturday, May 22.
Vaccines will be available to eligible New Yorkers and ticketed fans.
“Providing Nets fans and our community with quick and convenient access to vaccines is crucial in continuing to open both our arena and local businesses safely. We appreciate the Mayor’s office and DocGo for making this important initiative possible,” said Mandy Gutmann, SVP of Community Relations and Communications, BSE Global. “Additionally, after the incredibly challenging year that many have experienced, we are looking forward to teaming up with the Task Force on Racial Inclusion and Equity to distribute Nets playoff tickets to fully vaccinated individuals. It is our hope that this effort will not only build excitement around the NBA Playoffs, but promote the benefits of becoming vaccinated.”
Vaccination sites will be located across the street from Barclays Center at 140 Flatbush Ave. Appointments are available the day before and the day of every Nets home playoff game for as long as they are in the postseason.
Appointments will be available once game times are set and can be booked in advance by visiting NYC COVID-19 Vaccine Finder and selecting “Barclays Center: Modell’s” as the site. Walk-in appointments will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Nets are waiting for their opponent and schedule as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference while the bottom four squads compete in the play-in tournament.
The Nets will also work with the Mayor’s Office to provide complimentary home playoff game tickets to 100 fully vaccinated Nets fans who live in the 33 neighborhoods identified by the Task Force on Racial Inclusion and Equity.
This story first appeared on AMNY.com.