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The Washington Capitals are a step closer to having some fans back in the stands. On Monday, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser lifted numerous COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, which include professional sports resuming with a waiver to apply to host fans after March 22, according to The Washington Post‘s Julie Zauzmer. Samantha Pell of The Washington Post is also reporting that Monumental Sports & Entertainment, owner of Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics, has already submitted a request to plan to host fans back at Capital One Arena for Capitals and Wizards games. It is still under review.

Pro sports can resume with a waiver, and can apply to host fans after 3/22.

Bars can serve alcohol until midnight now.

Movie theaters can reopen, capped at 25 people or 25% (whichever is lower).

Some live entertainment waivers will be granted in March.

— Julie Zauzmer (@JulieZauzmer) March 15, 2021

According to News 4’s Mark Segraves, up to 5,000 fans can attend the Nationals’ opening day game against the New York Mets on Thursday, April 1.

DC @mayorbowser says as many as 5,000 fans @Nationals will be allowed on opening day.@nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/BgendqXsDk

— Mark Segraves (@SegravesNBC4) March 15, 2021

MSE has submitted for a waiver, which would allow fans back in Capital One Arena. The Capitals are the only team in the MassMutual East Division to not have any fans return.

Monumental Sports has already submitted a request and plan to host fans back at Capital One Arena for Capitals and Wizards games.

It is still under review. https://t.co/Aben6uleaj

— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) March 15, 2021

Additional lifted restrictions:

High schools can host extracurriculars like band and choir, Nesbitt said, but she recommends 10 feet of distance since singing spreads the virus really far.

— Julie Zauzmer (@JulieZauzmer) March 15, 2021

By Della Young