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Capacity restrictions eased at NYC venues as others are finally allowed to reopen

Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center will open up 50% of their seating for vaccinated fans and 50% for unvaccinated fans.

News 12 Staff

May 17, 2021, 9:52 PM

Updated 1,303 days ago

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Knicks owner James Dolan announced Monday what venues will be reopening and what changes are in store for capacity limits.
Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center will open up 50% of their seating for vaccinated fans and 50% for unvaccinated fans.
"For Knicks home playoff games, we're shooting to have more than 13,000 fans at The Garden, the majority of whom will be sitting in vaccinated sections shoulder to shoulder," says Dolan.
Anyone sitting in the unvaccinated section must maintain 6 feet of distance and wear a mask.
Patrons will also need to show proof of vaccination either with their card or the state's Excelsior Pass.
Cuomo also says this year's NYC Marathon will be held at 60% capacity, which is 33,000 runners. All of them must follow health and safety guidelines, including runners wearing masks before and after the race.
The Tribeca Film Festival is also coming back. The closing night will be held at Radio City Music Hall, which is opening to full capacity but only to a fully vaccinated audience.
The governor says reopening these venues isn't just about the city coming back to life, it's also about the state encouraging people to get the shot.
"Yes there are health reasons, but we're opening up and we're opening up with more opportunities to vaccinated people," says Cuomo.
Capacity limits are also easing at businesses like retail stores, hair salons, fitness centers and family entertaiment centers. Houses of worship will also be opening up. All will still have to keep the six feet of social distance.
Indoor gatherings will be allowed to host 250 people and outdoor residential gatherings can have up to 500 people.