Columbus Blue Jackets fans will soon be allowed in Nationwide Arena for games, the team announced Thursday.
The Blue Jackets say they have been approved by Columbus Public Health to allow 10 per cent of their arena's capacity, which works out to 1,953 fans. The team is still awaiting final approval from the state.
"We have spent a great deal of time and effort to provide a framework for fans to safely return to Nationwide Arena this season and appreciate the work of our local health officials throughout this process to date," the team said in a statement. "We are excited about the possibility of welcoming The 5th Line back to Nationwide Arena and look forward to hearing from state officials in the near future."
The team says Columbus Public Health will be sharing its recommendations and submit a variance request to the Ohio Department of Health for final approval. If the approval is granted, the team says it would take at least one week to finish final preparations to welcome back fans.
The Blue Jackets would join teams like the Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, and Arizona Coyotes who are allowing fans in the stands. No Canadian teams are currently allowed to have fans in attendance in accordance with provincial and federal COVID-19 guidelines.
