Covid Restrictions removed; Full-capacity at Citizen’s Bank Park
Full-Capacity will happen sooner than later at Citzen’s Bank Park. Covid Restrictions seem to have been more lax compared to the recommendations in the beginning of the season. These changes will take place in sometime in June. Which, in turn, may provide a surge to ticket sales, ballpark sales, and attentance numbers as people are simply looking for something to do.
Who knows? It may help out our struggling Phillies gain momentum and a better performance now that they will have a full park accountabilitly. Either way, this is promising as it appears we are heading toward normalcy before Covid-19. But, are we ready? Is this rushed? And what measures will be taken to ensure safety as the amount of people interacting increases?
When Exactly Will These Changes Occur?
The city’s current social-distancing guidelines are being reduced from six to three feet. That will allow for more expansion. Therefore, the Phillies will increase its current fan attendence from 11,000 fans to 16,000 spectators starting May 21 against the Boston Red Sox, slowly working towards full capacity.
Citizens Bank Park will reopen to full capacity crowds beginning June 12 when the Phillies host the New York Yankees. Tailgating will be permitted in parking lots surrounding the ballpark. Full capacity will look like 43,647 fans.
What Safety Measures Will Be Implimented?
A limited number of sections that enforce social distancing will remain available for fans who want more space. Face coverings will still be required at all times when not eating or drinking. There doesn’t seem to be any measures to determine vaccination, at this time.
Lack of thought out procedures in place regarding vaccination and loosening restrictions
There is no need to show proof of vaccination. Neither, does it appear to be a practice in place to determine safetey regarding vaccinated fans and unvaccinated fans. There’s a new mandate in relaxing standards for vaccinated individuals stating that they do not have to wear a mask.
However, there’s currently no way to know for sure if they are abiding by the new ruling correctly. Without reviewing their vaccination card, (and at this time, some could be falsifying the documents) there is simply no way to determine who is vaccinated and who is lying. That simply provides a major problem moving forward especially since there are still some that fall under the age limit of vaccination that could be put in risk.
“This is a very exciting time in the City of Philadelphia as we begin to return to some sense of normalcy,” said Phillies Executive Vice President David Buck. “There is nothing better than the energy and enthusiasm that Phillies fans bring to Citizens Bank Park. We look forward to welcoming even more fans back to enjoy the ballpark experience.”
Citizens Bank- Full Capacity but Wells Fargo Center at 50%
Consequently, The Sixers will increase occupancy to 50% at Wells Fargo Center starting May 21 as the team begins the first round of the NBA playoffs. The team will reopen to full capacity crowds for games on June 11 if the 76ers are still alive in the playoffs. It is worth noting, that the Sixers haven’t played in front of a full arena since March 2020.
“Our fans have created the most passionate and intense atmosphere in the NBA and it gives us the type of home court advantage our players can feed off in the postseason,” Sixers president of business operations Chris Heck said. “We hope this is only the beginning and look forward to welcoming back even more fans throughout the playoffs.”
