A Penguins season that began with the awkward buzz of artificial crowd noise will soon feature a playoff arena half-full of fans.
Governor Tom Wolf announced on Tuesday that attendance for indoor events will increase sharply from the current 25% capacity to 50% capacity beginning on Monday. The decision was made due to the increased number of vaccinated adults and evolving guidance from the CDC.
The amended regulations are just in time for playoff hockey — well, almost.
The NHL has not yet announced dates or times for the Penguins playoff games. However, the Penguins are likely to start their seven-game series with the New York Islanders at PPG Paints Arena over the weekend, before the rules change. Capacity should be increased by the time the puck drops for Game 2, at the latest, and any games that follow.
“This is a passionate fan base,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “They love their Penguins.
“Any time we can put more fans in the building, we think that creates the environment and the energy that our players feed off of. That’s exciting news from our standpoint. We’re looking forward to the day when we can put full capacity in the building.”
Rules and regulations pertaining to attendance at NHL games have been determined locally this year, in most cases by state lawmakers. The overwhelming majority of NHL teams, including the Penguins, began this season playing inside of empty arenas.
That changed on March 2 when new regulations allowed the Penguins to welcome 15% capacity (2,800 fans) for a matchup against the rival Philadelphia Flyers. Then, in early April, those regulations were revised to allow 25% capacity at PPG Paints Arena, which is just shy of 4,800 fans.
Almost from the minute the NHL paused the 2019-20 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Penguins have been working to implement a number of enhanced safety and cleaning measures to make the fan experience as safe as possible.
New initiatives at PPG Paints Arena include drone disinfecting technology in the arena bowl, autonomous UV floor scrubbers, touchless faucets and flush valves in all rest rooms and 200-plus hand sanitizer stations.
The Penguins also have upgraded the hands-free experience with additions to the Penguins app. Features include mobile ticketing, mobile ordering experience with express pick-up for food, beverage and merchandise inside PPG Paints Arena.
Fans are still required to wear masks at all times inside the arena, unless actively eating or drinking. Social distancing and other best-practices are also observed.
“This is very exciting news for our region and our fans,” David Morehouse, president and CEO of the Penguins, said in a statement. “We want to thank Governor Wolf, Secretary Alison Beam, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Mayor William Peduto for their tireless efforts in safely opening venues as we work our way out of the pandemic. Thank you also to our partners at UPMC, who have been working with us every step of the way.”
The Penguins’ ticketing department will be in contact directly with season ticket holders who have already purchased tickets to playoff games.
Mike DeFabo: mdefabo@post-gazette.com and Twitter @MikeDeFabo
First Published: May 11, 2021, 8:43 p.m.
