About 3,100 fans are allowed back in the Wells Fargo Center, starting with a Flyers game Sunday
The last time fans attended a game at the arena was for a Sixers contest on March 14, 2020.
For the first time in nearly a year, fans will be permitted to attend Flyers and 76ers games at the Wells Fargo Center.
The city of Philadelphia aligned itself with the state Tuesday and announced it had lifted restrictions and that 15% of the building could have fans in it. The Flyers will be the first of the teams to play a home game with fans when they face the Washington Capitals on Sunday night. It will be their first home game with fans since March 10, 2020.
The 76ers will have their first home game with fans March 14 against San Antonio.
A year ago, the Flyers (25-6-4) and Sixers (29-2) had the best home records in their respective leagues.
Factoring in state and local regulations, NHL and NBA guidance, and the arena’s own strict health and safety protocols, the Wells Fargo Center will initially be able to host about 3,100 fans for Flyers and 76ers games. The normal capacity for games is 20,600.
Tuesday’s announcement came after months of coordination with state and city health officials, science-backed research into similar arena reopenings, and input from leading medical experts, Wells Fargo Center officials said.
» READ MORE: City will allow about 8,000 Phillies fans into Citizens Bank Park on opening day
To attend games, fans will be required to wear a mask at all times, complete a health assessment questionnaire, and follow social-distancing rules.
“We’ve been working around the clock to ensure that we can safely welcome Flyers and 76ers fans back to Wells Fargo Center, and we’re thrilled to open our doors to Philly sports fans once again,” Valerie Camillo, president of business operations for the Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center, said in a statement. “This is a big deal for our building and our teams, but it’s also an important step for our local economy. Every time the Flyers and 76ers play at home, we’ll have hundreds of part-time employees back on the job and dozens of local businesses will benefit, too, so this is a win for our entire city.”
Camillo said she was “incredibly proud of the extensive health and safety measures we’ve put in place to make this possible, and in the weeks and months ahead, we’re committed to always putting safety first.”
“We are thrilled to finally welcome home the best fans in the world. Our team feeds off of our fans’ incredible energy, so it’s no coincidence the 76ers have been the best home team in the NBA over the last several years,” Chris Heck, the 76ers’ president of business operations, said in a statement. “Over the past 12 months, we’ve learned many new ways to stay connected with our fans, but there’s no replacing their physical presence. We are all looking forward to the return of 76ers fans to the building as we continue our quest toward an NBA title.”
» READ MORE: The Sixers have been lights-out at home even without fans, but are excited to get them back
In Pittsburgh, the Flyers were preparing to play before a maximum of 2,800 fans Tuesday, the first time in about a year they had spectators in PPG Paints Arena.
“I think everyone has been waiting for this moment for quite some time here,” Flyers coach Alain Vigneault said before his team’s 5-2 loss to the Penguins. “Even though we’re on the road, having fans and feeding off their energy is a positive thing. We’re starting with a smaller percentage [of fans], but it’s good to have them back and I think everybody appreciates it.”
At the moment, only season-ticket holders can purchase tickets for Flyers games. Click here for more information from the Flyers’ website.
All other fans can sign up at the above link to be placed on a priority waiting list.
Season-ticket holders will get priority access to Sixers tickets; others wanting tickets should click here for more information from the team’s website.