Panthers to limit fans to about 5,000

FLORIDA: The Florida Panthers will begin selling tickets for the 2020-21 season today, announcing a capacity of about 5,000 fans at the BB&T Center in Sunrise — despite the continued threat of Covid-19 in the state.

BB&T Center seats about 19,200 for hockey.

The arena became the first NHL venue to receive the International WELL Building Institute’s WELL HealthSafety Rating, recognising its protocols to combat Covid-19, the team said.

“I’m incredibly proud of our exceptional staff’s tireless work and dedication to ensuring the safest possible environment for Panthers fans and the South Florida community, who are an integral part of our team,” said Matt Caldwell, team president and CEO.

“Through our rigorous collective efforts, we have achieved the highest of health and safety standards for BB&T Center, and couldn’t be more excited or prepared to safely welcome back our fans at a limited, socially-distant capacity, and begin this next chapter of Panthers hockey with health and safety as our guiding priority.”

In a news release, the Panthers said they will be prepared to alter plans.

Fans will be required to wear masks, answer health and safety questions before entering the arena and follow social distancing guidelines. Ticketing will be contactless and no cash will be accepted for concessions.

The Panthers open the regular season with a four-game homestand against the Dallas Stars (Jan 14-15) and the Chicago Blackhawks (Jan 17, 19).

GIRGENSONS OUT 6 MONTHS

Buffalo Sabres forward Zemgus Girgensons is expected to be out approximately six months following surgery on his hamstring on Wednesday.

Girgensons, who turned 27 on Tuesday, sustained the injury in Monday’s scrimmage.

The recovery timeline likely means he will miss the Sabres’ entire regular season, which begins with back-to-back home games against the Washington Capitals on Jan 14-15.