New York state will begin reopening some of its larger stadiums and arenas beginning on Feb. 23, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday.
This includes large arenas for hockey, basketball, football, soccer, baseball and musical performances. All stadiums must submit reopening plans to the New York state Health Department for approval.
According to the Governor’s Office, arenas and stadiums that normally hold over 10,000 people will be limited to 10% capacity. Visitors will also be required to submit a negative coronavirus polymerase chain reaction test (PCR) within 72 hours of the event.
There will also be mandatory assigned, socially distanced seating with masks and temperature checks required. Barclays Center will be the first of the larger venues to reopen, as they’ve already been approved to do so by the state on Feb. 23 when the Nets face the Sacramento Kings.
The Knicks also just announced via Twitter that they will be reopening MSG on Feb. 23 for their game against the Golden State Warriors.
“This hits the balance of safe reopening,” Cuomo said at a briefing. “And a PCR test is as safe as you can get.”
“The success of this, and similar events in approved venues over the coming weeks will help inform the re-opening process for smaller venues in the future,” Cuomo said.
Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news and updates on when fans can return to MSG.
Something better than nothing.