The Coyotes had attendance capped at 2,600 fans for their first two games at Gila River ArenaGETTY IMAGES
Coyotes President & CEO Xavier Gutierrez said that the biggest factor in the team's decision to allow limited fans at Gila River Arena this season was "to be able to reconnect with Coyotes fans and the community," according to Jose Romero of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. Gutierrez said, "Anything that we can do to mitigate the economic impact is certainly welcomed and appreciated, but what was more top of mind to us was to ensure that we can stay connected to our fan base." The Coyotes, who have had attendance capped at 2,600 fans for their first two games Jan. 14 and 16 despite initial plans to allow 25% (up to 3,450 fans), will "return home for games Friday and Sunday" against the Golden Knights, with fans again allowed. The "mandating of masks, numerous hand sanitizer stations and social distancing measures are some of the visible signs of safety precautions at Gila River Arena." Gutierrez said that fan feedback was "generally positive" to the precautions. Romero notes while there was a "co-branded mask giveaway for fans at the season opener, there might not be any more such promotions this season because of the complicated process of doing so" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 1/22).
PREDS OPEN TO FANS NOW, TOO: The Predators announced that a limited number of tickets "will be available to season-ticket holders for Tuesday and Wednesday's games against the Blackhawks." In Nashville, Paul Skrbina notes the Predators opted "not to allow fans into Bridgestone for early season games," even after the Metro Public Health Department "approved 15% capacity." The team did "not specify how many tickets would be sold for the two games next week but said it plans to 'gradually increase attendance at our games'" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 1/22).
