■ Las Vegas college basketball tournaments will play to empty seats.
T-mobile can take in 2,600; colleges opt for empty seats
The Golden Knights have been approved by the state to host limited capacity crowds at T-mobile Arena starting March 1, but at a lesser capacity than originally requested.
The Knights will be allowed to host 15 percent capacity crowds, or 2,600 fans, at games beginning with next week’s series versus the Minnesota Wild, according to Teri Williams, state Department of Business and Industry spokeswoman.
Williams confirmed the approval and said the Southern Nevada Health District imposed the 15 percent capacity cap.
“I have no further details on what factored into their determination,” Williams said of the decision.
Golden Knights spokesman Eric Tosi declined direct comment on the state’s decision but expected to “have more information out later this week” on ticket availability. “We will be prepared for all scenarios,” he said.
Health district spokeswoman Stephanie Bethel said the recommendation to begin with crowds at 15 percent could be modified as conditions change.
“We review large-gathering plans to ensure that local public health standards are met, that the event will not pose a burden to the local public health infrastructure, and then make recommendations,” she said. “The plans are reviewed and approved by the appropriate state agency.”
The Knights announced last week their plan to host up to 20 percent capacity at the 17,500-seat arena — the maximum capacity allowed per Gov. Steve Sisolak’s
latest COVID-19 directive — which would have allowed for up to 3,500 fans.
No fans at conference tournaments
The Mountain West and Big West announced Monday that they have decided not to allow fans at their basketball tournaments in Las Vegas.
The Mountain West will play its men’s and women’s tournaments at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 7-13.
The Big West will be at Michelob Ultra Arena in Mandalay Bay on March 9-13.
“The health and well-being of our student-athletes and coaches are of vital importance,” Mountain West Commissioner Craig Thompson said in a statement. “We are best able to provide a clean and controlled environment by only permitting those directly involved with the tournament’s conduct into the facility. It is also essential to protect the opportunity for those teams who are successful in advancing to compete in the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball championships according to the protocols established for those events.”
Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly also cited the “health and safety of the teams” in a text message as the reason for the decision.
The Big West usually plays its tournaments in Anaheim, but relocated this year because of California’s strict COVID-19 restrictions.