COVID-19 Venue Restrictions Are Loosening Up. Here Is A State By State Breakdown

With vaccines ramping up – federal officials are even optimistic vaccines can reach most Americans by the end of May – venues are starting to open back up.

This is good news for live event fans. Right now, you can attend a live event both in an indoor and outdoor venue but with restrictions. Some will have harder restrictions like a negative COVID test within 72 hours of the show and a photo ID matching that test. All events will require a mask and some level of social distancing. Expect limitations on merchandise or food concessions. But in general, fans are slowly coming back for now.

Here is a breakdown of seating capacities and other requirements for the major venues in the New York and Philadelphia media markets:

New York State:

Indoor venues can host 25 percent capacity. Outdoor venues can host 33 percent capacity.

Barclays Center: The Brooklyn Nets have allowed 10 percent capacity starting on February 23 but the state is allowing up to 25 percent for indoor venues. That capacity will likely creep up for their next homestand this month. Attendees will require a negative COVID19 result within 72 hours of the game, a valid photo ID matching the test, mask wearing and social distancing.

Madison Square Garden: For New York Knicks and New York Rangers teams, 10 percent capacity was allowed as of late February. With the state allowing indoor venues up to 25 percent, expect both teams to allow more fans for March games. Attendees will require a negative COVID19 result within 72 hours of the game, a valid photo ID matching the test, mask wearing and social distancing.

Comedy clubs, which were already doing virtual shows and outdoor events throughout the pandemic, are taking advantage of the 25 percent capacity rules as well. Expect concert venues to host events soon and definitely in the summer, especially outdoor concert venues which can host up to 33 percent and possibly more as vaccines spread through most of the population.

Broadway will remain closed at least through May.

New Jersey:

Indoor venues can host 10 percent capacity. Outdoor venues can host 15 percent capacity.

Prudential Center: The New Jersey Devils hosted the New York Islanders on Tuesday night with 10 percent capacity. Fans to enter had to take part in a health screening like a temperature check before entering for the the game. Expect the capacity to increasing as vaccines become more available.

Venues like NJPAC in Newark, N.J. and casino concert halls like at Hard Rock Atlantic City and PNC Arts Center in Holmdel have events scheduled to take place starting in the summer months. Capacity allowances cannot be predicted for sure but if vaccines reach most people by Memorial Day Weekend, then those events might be able to entertain at full capacity, pending safety protocols or some masking or social distancing requirements.

Pennsylvania:

Indoor venues can host 15 percent capacity. Outdoor venues can host 20 percent capacity.

Wells Fargo Center: Both the Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Flyers will host 15 percent capacity for their upcoming home games – which total about 2,900-3,100 fans per game. All guests must fill out a health assessment form before ticket scanning and entering the arena.

Many concert venues have scheduled live events in the summer and like in other states, maintain a wait-and-see stance for their upcoming shows still scheduled.

The Philadelphia Phillies announced Citizens Bank Park will host up to 8,800 fans during the regular season.

Connecticut:

Indoor and outdoor venues can host up to 50 percent capacity with no limits as long as attendees can be socially distanced six feet from each other.

Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun venues, which follow more loose reservation guidelines, have been hosting socially distanced events and have comedy shows on sale right now. All those who enter are administered a temperature check. These venues also have tentatively schedule shows for the late spring and summer.

XL Center: GK U.S. Classic gymnastics event featuring Simone Biles remains scheduled for late May in hopes of that event taking place at some capacity.

Delaware:

Indoor and outdoor venues can host up to 50 percent capacity.