How New York sports teams are handling the return of fans
Fans will be able to return to New York sporting venues at a 10% capacity beginning on Feb. 23. Credit: Getty Images/Bruce Bennett
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced earlier this month that as of Feb. 23, fans will be allowed to return to arenas and venues for sporting events in New York. Attendance is limited to 10% of capacity for those venues that seat more than 10,000 people.
Here is what we know so far about how each team is handling tickets, testing and other protocols.
KNICKS
Tickets: Season-ticket holders get first priority, then the general public. Fans can purchase up to four tickets, ranging from $50 to $380 at nyknicks.com. Private suites also are available. Only digital tickets will be accepted and must be displayed via the MSG Venue app.
Capacity: Approximately 2,000.
Where are the seats?: Seating will be located in various sections throughout the upper and lower bowls of Madison Square Garden.
Testing: Fans must provide a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of game day. Fans also must pass a health survey, which will be available on the MSG Venue App 12 hours before the game and should be completed before arrival.
Entry: Doors open 90 minutes before the game, with specific entrances based on seat location (see ticket). There will be temperature checks.
Inside the arena: Masks must be worn at all times, except when eating or drinking. Cashless in-venue food purchases are allowed, but you must eat at your seat only.
Available games so far:
Tuesday, Feb. 23 vs. Golden State
Thursday, Feb. 25 vs. Sacramento
Saturday, Feb. 27 vs. Indiana
Thursday, March 4 vs. Detroit
NETS
Tickets: Season-ticket holders will get first priority, then the general public. Visit nets.com to fill out their form requesting more ticket information.
Capacity: Approximately 1,900, but the Nets are allowing only 300 fans inside Barclays Center for Tuesday's game against the Kings.
Testing: All fans and employees are subject to "rigorous health, safety, and COVID-19 testing protocols prior to, and during, games at Barclays Center." Fans must provide a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of game day. Fans also must complete a health questionnaire. There will be temperature checks.
Inside the arena: Masks must be worn at all times, except when eating or drinking. All food and beverages will be delivered to fans and individually wrapped.
ISLANDERS
Tickets: Season-ticket holders will be able to return on March 18 vs. the Flyers, but how ticket distribution will work is not yet known.
Capacity: Just under 1,400
RANGERS
Tickets: Season-ticket holders get first priority, then the general public. Fans can purchase up to four tickets, ranging from $50 to $380 at nyrangers.com. Private suites also are available. Only digital tickets will be accepted and must be displayed via the MSG Venue app.
Capacity: Approximately 2,000.
Where are the seats?: Seating will be located in various sections throughout the upper and lower bowls of Madison Square Garden.
Testing: Fans must provide a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of game day. Fans also must pass a health survey, which will be available on the MSG Venue App 12 hours before the game and should be completed before arrival.
Entry: Doors open 90 minutes before the game, with specific entrances based on seat location (see ticket). There will be temperature checks.
Inside the arena: Masks must be worn at all times, except when eating or drinking. Cashless in-venue food purchases are allowed, but you must eat at your seat only.
Available games so far:
• Friday, Feb. 26 vs. Boston
• Sunday, Feb. 28 vs. Boston
• Tuesday, March 2 vs. Buffalo
YANKEES
Tickets: Tickets are on sale at yankees.com
Capacity: If the 10% rule remains in effect for the start of the season in April, that would be around 4,800 fans.
Protocols: TBA
METS
Tickets: Tickets are on sale at mets.com.
Capacity: If the 10% rule remains in effect for the start of the season in April, that would be around 4,200 fans.
Protocols: TBA
JETS
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Monday, Feb. 22, that beginning in a week, outdoor venues can hold events at 15% capacity. The Jets don't return to MetLife Stadium until August, if the NFL plays preseason games.
GIANTS
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Monday, Feb. 22, that beginning in a week, outdoor venues can hold events at 15% capacity. The Giants don't return to MetLife Stadium until August, if the NFL plays preseason games.
LIBERTY
TBA
NYCFC
TBA
RED BULLS
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Monday, Feb. 22, that beginning in a week, outdoor venues can hold events at 15% capacity, which would equate to around 3,750 fans at Red Bull Arena.
