In the leadup to the 2020 presidential election, Pew Research Center found that over two-thirds of Americans expect the election will be disrupted by the novel coronavirus. To attempt to alleviate some worries, the National Basketball Association has expressed its dedication to providing both their private and public arenas for voting.

This year especially, the league has become much more active politically. More than 80 percent of the players are people of color, and, this year particularly, many of these players felt especially passionate about the issue, thus triggering the NBA’s involvement in the election. Former President Barack Obama and many influential members of the NBA discussed the impact opening stadiums could have on the people’s choice to vote, and now more than 13 NBA centers have declared themselves committed voting centers, and another nine will be used as voting precincts, polling or registration centers. 

NBA centers becoming available for voting has been able to pique many people’s voting interests in different ways. For those involved in the basketball community, the idea of casting ballots in these stadiums is intriguing and gives incentive for many fans to vote. 

“The atmosphere in the arenas sparks excitement among the local community and allows people to have the experience of voting in these arenas,” said Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections Director Richard Barron, according to Fast Company. With the players’ large followings and many fans of the game itself, these stadiums have increased publicity for what Barron claims as a “creative and effective way” to vote. Furthermore, the convenience of these additional locations provides a safe way for people to vote. For people who are not voting due to safety limitations, those who live in the proximity of a stadium can now vote without worrying about the virus. 

Phil Canosa, a Hill varsity boys basketball coach, talked about his thoughts on the now utilized stadiums. “It is helpful to people who are worried about COVID and sitting in long lines and being exposed,” he said. “These stadiums are big open spaces and people can go more safely.”

At the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, an organizing team worked with the stadium to successfully place 100 voting booths and machines on the court floor and provide an extensive plan on how to safely conduct in-person votes, such as clear one-way flow and fixed social distancing.

These arenas have been able to appeal to the public through their unique locations and large space for safe voting conduct. State Farm Arena has already provided the largest voting precinct in its history. The effectiveness of NBA election centers has already begun to show in the increase in participants and success of the already open locations. As voting progresses, the impact these stadiums will have on the presidential election is expected to grow.