NY Sports Arenas Can Open to Fans Starting Feb. 23, Cuomo Says

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday that arenas can re-open on Feb. 23, providing an avenue for sporting events to start having fans in attendance for the first time in nearly a year.

Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, home of the Islanders, as well as Madison Square Garden — home of the Rangers and Knicks — and Barclays Center — home of the Nets — will only be permitted to fill 10% of its capacity and all those attending must have received a negative PCR COVID test within 72 hours of the event.

“It is exciting that Governor Cuomo has announced that New York State will allow a limited number of fans to attend games starting Feb. 23,” the Islanders released in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming the best fans in hockey back to the Coliseum as soon as possible and to UBS Arena at Belmont Park next season.”

The Nets already have been approved to have fans in attendance for a Feb. 23 game at Barclays Center against the Sacramento Kings. New York’s Department of Health must give approval for each of the venues and events to have spectators in attendance.

The 10% capacity rule will provide the necessary parameters to fulfill the state’s mandatory assigned and socially-distanced seating plan. Face coverings and temperature checks will also be required at each venue.

Cuomo’s ruling bodes well for both of New York’s baseball teams, the Mets and Yankees, too.

With Opening Day slated for Apr. 1, each of the outdoor stadiums should see fans on hand to take in ballgames for the 2021 season.

The NFL’s Buffalo Bills provided a trial run of such a plan last month when they hosted two playoff games with approximately 6,700 fans in attendance, which was just over 9% of the 72,000-seat venue. Each fan had to have proof of a negative COVID test to enter Bills Stadium.

The story first appeared on amNY.com.

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