What’s the status of Battle 4 Atlantis with Covid concerns on rise?

Syracuse University forward Michael Gbinije (0) is congratulated by teammates after winning the MVP trophy in the championship game in the 2015 Battle 4 Atlantis. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com
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Syracuse, N.Y. ― The Syracuse men’s and women’s basketball teams are both slated to participate in this year’s Battle 4 Atlantis tournaments in the Bahamas.

However, rising concerns over the coronavirus, especially the Delta variant, have fans wondering about the status of the tournaments as well as any potential travel restrictions.

On Wednesday, Erika Lavigne, a spokesperson for the Battle 4 Atlantis, tried to assuage those concerns, saying that preparations for the tournaments were “full-steam ahead.’'

The women’s tournament begins on Nov. 20 when Syracuse plays South Florida at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas.

The men’s event takes place over Thanksgiving from Nov. 24-26. Syracuse will open against Virginia Commonwealth. The rest of the field includes Baylor, Auburn, Michigan State, Loyola, Arizona State and Connecticut.

Last year, the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Maui Invitational moved its 2020 event to Asheville, N.C.

Amid recent reports that Maui Invitational officials were looking at alternate venues again this year, Lavigne, the Battle 4 Atlantis spokesperson, said the tournament in the Bahamas was still going on as scheduled.

“The Battle 4 Atlantis is happening,’' Lavigne said. “There are no plans to cancel or pull out and move to another location.’'

Currently, United States citizens entering the Bahamas need to show proof of an antigen test if vaccinated (as well as proof of their vaccination status) or a recent negative PCR test if unvaccinated.

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