The start of the Miami Heat’s matchup against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night at United Center is delayed due to 50-degree temperatures and rain outside the arena, and the ice below the basketball court combining to create condensation on the playing surface.
Due to slippery court conditions, the game did not get underway at the scheduled start time of around 8:10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
At 9:30 p.m. EST, the game was still delayed and a new start time had not yet been announced. With the Bulls sharing the United Center with the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, the humidity inside the arena paired with the ice under the basketball court led to moisture on the playing surface. United Center officials are trying to lower the temperature in the arena to combat the condensation.
After pregame warmups concluded, Heat and Bulls coaches and players waited around the court for about 50 minutes as officials discussed the plan to get rid of the moisture on the playing surface and workers tried to dry the court with towels and brooms.
At around 8:50 EST, both the Heat and Bulls retreated to their locker rooms as the court continued to be worked on.
This breaking news story will be updated.