Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier on Tuesday, the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, who have temporarily relocated to Tampa, Florida for the start of the 2020-21 NBA season, announced plans to allow up to 3,800 fans to attend their home games in Tampa this season. The ruling is significant with regards to the return of NHL fans to arenas.
The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta is reporting that sources tell him the NHL will allow fans to attend games in markets where state/local/provincial regulations allow it attendance meets all of the associated/applicable protocols.
Let me reiterate: An NHL source confirmed to me the League will allow fans to attend games in markets that allow it. The NHL will follow local/state/provincial regulations with respect to having fans in arenas and all the associated/applicable protocols. https://t.co/RSiMO1CHx8
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) December 15, 2020
The NHL has not officially commented on the subject of fans attending games this coming season, but it is expected that details will be included in the overall protocols established for the ‘Return To Play’.
The NHL and NHLPA is currently negotiating those protocols, with ratification expected within the next few days.
By Jon Sorensen
