Any Large Arena or Stadium In NYS Can Reopen Starting February 23rd

Governor Andrew Cuomo held a briefing on Wednesday in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic and made a pretty big announcement as well.

According to Christy Kern of WIVB, Governor Cuomo announced that any large arena in New York State can reopen starting February 23rd. That also includes stadiums as well.

This would mean sporting events and perhaps even concerts could return. However, there are strict guidelines when it comes to attending any event in a large arena or stadium, such as the Key Bank Center.

• There must be 10 percent capacity, with the total people attending cutoff at 10,000.
• You must have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the event you're attending.
• Face coverings, social distancing, and temperature checks must be used.
• Assigned seating with parties socially distant from one another.

It's not clear whether or not any arenas in Western New York would reopen starting February 23rd, but this at least allows them the option to do so heading into the spring.

Any stadium or arena looking to open, however, needs to have a plan approved by the New York State Department of Health first.

The guidelines are strict but it's at least nice to get the ball rolling on something like this and hopefully, this means we are truly on the path to get back to somewhat normalcy.