According to Gov. Phil Murphy, fans will be returning to sporting events in New Jersey from March 1. It marks the first time since COVID-19 closed much of the country last March that fans will participate in professional and major collegiate games taking place in the state.
The governor announced during an interview on WFAN on Monday that sports venues with a capacity of more than 5,000 allow a small percentage of fans to attend events. Indoor facilities such as the Prudential Center, home of the New Jersey Devils, will get 10% of their capacity. Outdoor facilities like the MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants and Jets, can have 15% at events.
In a joint statement, the Giants and Jets expressed hope that COVID-19 numbers will continue to improve throughout the spring and summer and that the number of people allowed to enter MetLife Stadium “will steadily increase”. They even hope to have more than the 12,375 spectators currently allowed at 15% of the seating capacity.
The NFL season doesn’t start until September.
Governor Murphy announces plans for Giants fans to return to MetLife Stadium pic.twitter.com/3DrGjhUuF5
– New York Giants (@Giants) February 22, 2021
The Devils plan to open their doors to fans on March 2 when they host the New York Islanders at the Prudential Center. Ten percent of their capacity for a hockey game would hold about 1,650 spectators.
“This is a day that all of our staff have been planning, working and looking forward to for the past 11 months,” Devils president Jake Reynolds said in a statement. “Those entering the building will be assured that our process and protocols are geared towards putting their safety first, which includes maximizing social distance, minimizing contact, and using products and technology to to ensure the well-being, safety and enjoyment of our customers.Fans and attendees.The fan’s journey is designed to instill confidence in consumers from street to seat, and we can’t wait to feel their energies welcome them is called at the Prudential Center to personally cheer and celebrate Devils’ victories. “
Seton Hall basketball is also aiming to get fans back for the March 3 game against the University of Connecticut at the Prudential Center.