Heat-Bulls postponed because of condensation on United Center court during humid, rainy winter night in Chicago
In a rare occurrence, Thursday night's NBA game between the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat was postponed after a nearly two-hour delay due to unplayable court conditions caused by condensation at the United Center. The league announced the postponement, stating the game would be rescheduled at a later date.
The issue stemmed from an unseasonably warm and humid January day in Chicago, with temperatures in the mid-50s and nearly 90% humidity outside. The high humidity infiltrated the arena, which also houses the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks. Reports indicated that the ice layer beneath the basketball floor was melting at the edges, causing moisture to seep onto the hardwood. The humidity inside the arena reached approximately 60%, double the typical level for a basketball game.
Player Safety Deemed Paramount
Player safety was the decisive factor. Crew chief Sean Wright stated in a pool report that players from both teams alerted officials to slippery spots with 9:13 remaining on the pre-game warmup clock. Despite efforts by the United Center maintenance staff to mop the surface, the conditions did not improve. "We just couldn’t guarantee a safe on-court experience," Wright said.
Both coaches agreed with the assessment. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra noted that while condensation issues at his team's Miami practice facility usually resolve quickly, the scale of the United Center made a swift fix unlikely. "Players were complaining about it on both sides... we thought it wasn’t playable," Spoelstra said.
A Waiting Game and Logistical Challenges
During the extended delay, players attempted to pass the time casually, shooting around and even engaging in games of HORSE. The mascot, Benny the Bull, entertained the crowd with a backward half-court shot. However, after multiple trips to and from the locker rooms and continued evaluations, the decision to postpone was made shortly before 10 p.m. ET.
The postponement creates a scheduling puzzle. The United Center is booked for a Chicago Blackhawks game on Friday night against the Washington Capitals, meaning the makeup date for the Bulls and Heat will likely be set further into the future. The Bulls announced that tickets for Thursday's game will be valid for the rescheduled contest.
