According to a memo that was released this week, the NHL expects 30 out of 32 teams’ arenas to be operating at full capacity. Those outliers include the NHL teams based in Canada, who are set to operate according to a stricter set of COVID-19 health guidelines.
The Montreal Canadiens are expected to play their opening game in front of a 33% attendance capacity, the equivalent of approximately 7,500 fans. The Vancouver Canucks will also play in front of a less-than-full capacity crowd and while no final figure has been confirmed, the NHL estimates that the arena will operate at 50% capacity.
While the Toronto Maple Leafs are only permitted to fill their stadium to 50% due to COVID-19 restrictions, the NHL projects that the team will be able to fill its arena at some point during the season.
In addition to these expected attendance figures, the memo also outlined the COVID-19 testing and vaccination mandates for fans wishing to attend NHL games within the arenas. Currently, 10 of the 32 NHL teams require fans to be vaccinated before entering the stadium.
Eight teams will require either a vaccination certificate or a negative COVID-19 test upon entry.
