Cavaliers initially asked for a 4,596 allowance, but the variance approved 1,944 spectators totalNBAE/Getty Images
The Cavaliers' request for more fans at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse was approved by Ohio Department of Health Dir Stephanie McCloud, who works for Gov. Mike DeWine's administration and informed the team in a letter that they will be "granted a variance, allowing 1,944 spectators total, which is 10% of the arena's capacity," according to Chris Fedor of the Cleveland PLAIN DEALER. On Nov. 4, the Cavs submitted an "innovative 86-page coronavirus plan, along with an official variance request." Their "original ask was for an allowance of 4,596 people -- 23.65% of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse's typical 19,432-person maximum." In the approval letter, the Cavs were "informed that the number of spectators seated in a group cannot exceed six individuals" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 12/30). In Akron, Marla Ridenour notes the Cavs' original plan had the "backing of the Cleveland Department of Health." The first two home games were "played in front of 300 spectators" (AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 12/30).
