Speaking Monday on the WFAN sports radio
station, the governor said state venues with an indoor seating capacity of
5,000 or more, such as the Prudential Center in Newark, will
be allowed to have 10% of those seats occupied by fans starting March 1.
For outdoor
venues over 5,000 seats, the number will be 15% of capacity.
Murphy said he
decided to allow the limited in-person attendance after reviewing a vast array
of coronavirus-related statistics and determining that small crowds can
be permitted safely. Mask wearing and distancing are still
in effect. Some fans say they feel comfortable
returning.
“If they keep everybody socially distanced,
I don’t see a problem with it,” says Christopher Abney, of West Orange.
The Prudential Center can hold more than 19,000 people, so just
shy of 2,000 people can soon take part in the action.
Seton Hall officials say,
“We are currently working with Prudential Center to review the ability to host
spectators at our March 3 men’s basketball game versus the University of
Connecticut, and we will communicate further details when they become
available.”
Rutgers men's basketball has three games left. Capacity at the Rutgers
Athletic Center is 8,000, which means they can have 800 fans cheer them
on.
Major League Soccer kicks
off in April. Red Bull Arena can hold 25,000 fans, so 3,750 fans can
attend.
“I think we’re ready,” says
Justin Cordero, of Bloomfield. “People are drooling to get back, so I’m excited
for it and as soon as I get a chance to go, I will go myself.”
The Somerset Patriots are the Yankees' new AA affiliate.
They play at TD Bank Ballpark, which can hold 6,100. It's outside, so that
means 915 fans can watch.
AP wire
services helped contribute to this report.