Sport, Music Arenas To Reopen At 10-Percent Capacity, Cuomo Says

NEW YORK, NY — The show must go on, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The governor announced Wednesday that the state will take the next step toward safely reopening its economy by allowing sport and event venues with capacity for more than 100,000 people to welcome back spectators at 10 percent capacity this month.

"We have to...get this economy open intelligently and in a balanced way," Cuomo said. "This hits the balance of safe reopening."

The announcement comes after what Cuomo called "unparalleled success" in a pilot program that let 7,000 fans attend Buffalo Bills games during the playoffs.

The event required a negative coronavirus test prior to the game. It's the only football stadium to open with testing precautions, Cuomo said.

The next venue to take advantage of the reopening model will be the Barclays Center, which will reopen to fans for its Feb. 23 Brooklyn Nets game, Cuomo said. All other venues can apply to reopen starting on that day.

The Barclays is also set to become the next mass distribution site for coronavirus vaccinations, though it's unclear how hours will be impacted by the games. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the plans for the vaccination sites on Wednesday.

In order for sports, music or event venues to take the state up on the new reopening plan, they will need to provide a safety plan to the state's health department.

Plans will require a 10-percent capacity limit, assigned seating for social distancing, temperature checks, negative PCR tests within 72 hours of the event and face coverings, Cuomo said.

"Anyone else interested should let us know," Cuomo said.