The 9,500-seat arena at Mohegan Sun casino and resort in Uncasville, Conn. has hosted college basketball events in the past. This December, it could be the site of a high-profile “bubble event” for teams looking to get non-conference games against opponents under uniform COVID-19 testing protocols.
USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey has obtained a proposed outline for the event, which is being run by the Princeton-based Gazelle Group in conjunction with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Here are some noteworthy details — all tentative and subject to change:
--The playing window for games would be either Dec. 10-20 or Dec. 8-22, with participating teams required to book a minimum of two games up to a maximum of six games. Teams would be required to arrive at Mohegan Sun two days prior to their first game. (This period could conflict with final exams at many schools).
Participation for each school would cost either $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 per game, depending on the conference “tier” of the teams involved (this fee would include COVID-19 protocol).
--Plus a hotel/food/beverage package of either $6,000 per day/night (for 15 rooms) or a build-your-own package of $200 per room/per night and $150 per person/per day for three meals.
Prior to arrival, everyone in the team travel party must produce a negative COVID-19 test result rendered within 72 hours of event arrival.
--Upon arrival at Mohegan Sun, they are required to take the COVID-19 Anterior Nares Detection Swab and will then quarantine in their hotel room until the results come back (within a day). After that, SalivaDirect tests will be administered every other day for the duration of the stay (expected turnaround time for results is 3-4 hours).
--Designated hotel floors, team meeting spaces and practice facility will be off limits to the public. Teams will take a private, back-of-the-house entrance into the game arena.
--According to the document circulated to prospective participants, “at this point, there will either be no fans admitted or a very limited capacity, using the upper level of the Arena. The property is open every day to guests so friends and family may attend Mohegan Sun and any interaction between friends and family are subject to review by each school.”
--A “national television partner” is expected to broadcast the event.