Welcome to the bubble, we got fun and games…
Yes, the season may have started on Wednesday, but today officially, WE. ARE. BACK! George Mason basketball returns to EagleBank Arena TODAY BABY as the Patriots welcome in the Navy Midshipmen. For me personally, this will be my first game in 270 days. It’s been even longer since I last covered a Mason Women’s game in person: all the way back on February 29.
It’s Senior Day in Fairfax, as @MasonWBB closes out the regular season against La Salle coming up at 2:00. #GetPatriotic pic.twitter.com/2AV8fuCyTk
— Daniel Frank (@n1a2v3y4) February 29, 2020
That is a feat I hope to never replicate again. And it’s also going to be the single-best moment of my life since…well, this…
Breaking: The NCAA has announced that the Division I men’s and women’s 2020 basketball tournaments have been canceled because of the coronavirus and its evolving threat to public health. pic.twitter.com/vRYThsP6yz
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 12, 2020
Let’s hope we can put that in the rear view mirror, floor the car, and never look back again. I’m honestly so giddy with excitement I don’t even know what to write. I’m not sure I even care if Mason loses by 100 today. College basketball is back at EBA. And I get to be there to bring it to you.
It’s very much worth adding that up to 250 fans are allowed to attend today’s game, which if you feel up to it, is an awesome thing. Now normally I spend these articles hyping up the game, and begging and pleading to #FillEBA and get every person possible to attend games. I understand that isn’t possible this year. For many people, the right decision is to stay home and watch the game on ESPN+, and I would never fault anyone for making a decision they feel is in the best interest in their health and those around them. Which is why I will endeavor to bring as much of the gameday experience as I can to you.
For those coming to EBA today, however, here’s what you can expect:
‼️ Covid Health & Safety Policies for a safe return to EagleBank Arena ‼️
Watch video to learn more: pic.twitter.com/lDWsmUvtSp
— EagleBank Arena (@eaglebankarena) November 25, 2020
From the Athletic Department:
TICKETING INFORMATION/SAFETY PROTOCOLS
The capacity at EagleBank Arena for the upcoming Patriots’ basketball games is currently set at 250 spectators following the current COVID-19 safety guidance from the Commonwealth of Virginia. In the event that the State issues new guidance in the future, Mason Athletics will adjust accordingly.A limited number of tickets will be made available to George Mason students and guests of student-athletes. Approximately 150 seats will be reserved for season ticket holders. Tickets will be sold on a single-game basis. The opportunity to purchase tickets will be based on Patriot Club priority points.
Face coverings that meet CDC guidelines will be required at all times in EagleBank Arena. The limited number of fans, including students, allow for proper social distance markers throughout the arena, assign seating in pods, and delegated entrances to minimize traffic upon entry.
Ticketing for the basketball games will be strictly digital. The transition exclusively to mobile ticketing adds convenience for season ticket holders, while also allowing for contact-less entry to EagleBank Arena.
The main thing is that we all stay safe.
Now, how COVID protocol will affect how I cover games:
- Media tables have been moved across the arena so we are no longer behind team benches. My personal table will be across from the Mason bench.
- Media members will not have access to the arena floor this year, meaning photo and video must be done from my personal media table.
- Press conferences will be done over Zoom, not in-person.
- Masks must be worn at all times, obviously.
All of that said, I will do my absolute best to provide you with the best content I can, and give you at home the best gameday experience possible. This is going to be a learning curve for all of us. But the most important this is that we all stay safe and healthy so we can play as many games as possible.
Now, onto the basketball!
Today will not only be Navy’s season opener, it will be their very first game under their new coach, Tim Taylor. Prior to this season, he served as an assistant coach at North Carolina. This Mids are a very young team, with just one senior on their roster. Junior guard Jennifer Coleman led the team in scoring a year ago with 9.7 points per game, and a 38% shooting percentage from three. Navy team captain Sophie Gatzounas also returns for the Midshipmen after averaging 7.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game a year ago. Overall, Navy posted a 7-23 record, going 2-16 in Patriot League play.
Mason on the other hand is coming off a 72-57 loss at Pitt on opening day. Transfer Daijah Jefferson led the Patriots with a career-high 17 points. It’s hard to get a good read on how good this George Mason team is going to be, especially after just one game – which was a road game at an ACC opponent at that. There are a LOT of new pieces for Mason, and it’s going to take a while to get everyone adjusted. Today will go a long way to seeing how this team is going to really look this year.
But in the meantime, I’m just unbelievably grateful that basketball is back.
Tipoff is set for 2:00 from EBA and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+. HERE. WE. GO!
