The Phoenix Suns had gone 336 days without fans in the stands, but that all changed on Sunday. Not only were there fans in the stands, however, the team used the return as an opportunity to celebrate local healthcare workers.
The team offered free tickets to local healthcare workers to show their appreciation for their hard work during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Suns President and CEO Jason Rowley told AZ Family, "For us, being able to recognize and honor our healthcare heroes was something that was important to our managing partner Robert Sarver. As a matter of fact, it was his idea."
Small forward Cam Johnson's mother is a nurse in Pennsylvania, so he said that this is much more than an act of kindness. "They've sacrificed so much, and they've really done a lot to save and heal our country. We need them. They need to know they're appreciated."
One healthcare worker Eric Johnson, who works at The Healing Phoenix, expressed his excitement. "I am ecstatic. I just hope I don't spend too much money on everything here. The team shop is twice the size I hear," he said.
Alexander Amaya, another healthcare worker who works at St. Joseph's Hospital, said, "It's amazing. It's amazing the community is coming together you know for the better. For the greater good, for the general population, it's a blessing."
The Suns play again on Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where the public will be allowed to attend.
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