NEW YORK – New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday that large sports facilities across the state – with a capacity of 10,000 or more – could reopen at 10% capacity.
The Brooklyn Nets have been approved to allow fans to return to the Barclays Center starting February 23 against the Sacramento Kings, pending NBA approval.
Cuomo said that, according to the New York State Department of Health, anyone planning to attend should return a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the game. In games, facial coverage will be required, along with temperature checks. It is also mandatory that socially distant seats be allocated.
The New York Islanders issued a statement saying the announcement was “exciting” and that they hope to have fans back at the Nassau Coliseum “as soon as possible”.
Other sports venues affected by the announcement include Yankee Stadium, Citi Field (New York Mets), Madison Square Garden (New York Knicks, New York Rangers), Carrier Dome in Syracuse, Belmont Park, KeyBank Center in Buffalo (Buffalo Sabers), and Saratoga Race Course.
Cuomo said that Buffalo Bills’ “unparalleled success”, having 7,000 fans in games during the NFL playoffs, led to the decision to reopen.
The Nets would be the 12th NBA team to allow fans to participate in arenas along with Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz .
Cuomo said that any other sports organization that wants to have fans at games – including baseball, hockey, soccer and football – must first have its plans approved by the state. These stadiums and arenas can also be used as venues for shows or concerts, depending on the state’s approval.
Cuomo tweeted that the total number of hospitalizations for COVID-19 in New York was 7,593 and that of the 176,750 tests reported on Tuesday, 7,101 were positive (4.02%).