World hockey championships to allow fans into games starting June 1

Cardboard cut-outs of fans are pictured during the 2021 IIHF World Championship Group B ice hockey match between Canada and the USA at Arena Riga. (Natalia Fedosenko/TASS)

The IIHF announced Saturday that fans will be able to attend games at the 2021 world hockey championships in Riga, Latvia starting June 1.

"We all have been waiting for this moment. We are very satisfied and grateful to the Latvian government, which despite the complicated situation has given our passionate fans the opportunity to attend the remaining championship games," said Edgars Buncis, head of the tournament's organizing committee, in a press release.

"I am convinced that fans will bring even more glory and joy to this big hockey party. May all of fans experience beautiful and emotional hockey."

Games at Arena Riga will be open to a maximum of 2,660 fans, while the Olympic Sports Centre will have a capacity of 1,058 spectators.

Residents of Latvia will be allowed to attend games with certification confirming they've been vaccinated against COVID-19 and that two weeks have passed since their full vaccination course, or that it's been 22 to 90 days since their first dose of AstraZeneca and immediately after they received their second dose of the vaccine.

People who have recovered from the novel coronavirus will also be eligible to watch the games in person.

All fans will be required to wear masks inside and outside the arenas.

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