Atlanta Urges 'Continue To Respect' Pandemic As Bars Plan All-Star Parties

NBA All-Star weekend is slated for March 7 in Atlanta, and despite the city’s warnings, bars and clubs appear to be planning parties.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms spoke out against parties and other events in celebration of All-Star weekend as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, 11 Alive reported this week.

“Bringing in crowds, a lot of people drinking and partying – I know the NBA is not supportive of it and we’re just asking people to please continue to respect where we are in this pandemic and not travel to our city for this game,” Bottoms said on MSNBC.

Among the plans, Cafe Circa apparently aims to host a rooftop party, OAK Atlanta and Revel Atlanta are reportedly plugging celebrity appearances, and others, according to 11 Alive. The station reported, however, that after being reached by reporters, some businesses stated they were not affiliated with events posted online and another took its event posting down.

The All-Star Game was originally slated to take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, but officials opted to call it off because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, the Pacers were scheduled to host the 2024 All-Star Game, CBS Sports pointed out.

The NBA and the National Basketball Player’s Association reportedly reached an agreement to hold the All-Star game in Atlanta earlier this month.

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