Capacity limits are expanding, mask mandates have been lifted for those fully vaccinated and now concession stands at the Nassau Coliseum are reopening in a move towards normalcy.
Islanders fans ready to rock the 'Old Barn' for the playoff game against the Penguins Thursday will be happy to know that one of the changes is that the concession stands are back open.
Even though Gov. Andrew Cuomo lifted the mask mandates for fully vaccinated New Yorkers, fans will still have to wear masks at the coliseum.
Not all teams are adhering to the same rules. The Long Island Ducks are going with a different game plan.
Ducks General Manager Michael Pfaff says masks will not be required if you're vaccinated. The vaccinated sections will be at 100% capacity and the unvaccinated sections will be at 33% capacity. Anyone in the unvaccinated section is asked to wear a mask.
"We're cognizant of keeping it safe and making sure all fans can enjoy the ballgame," says Pfaff.
Fans at CitiField no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, but masks are required for everyone.
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran is urging fans to be respectful of the fast-changing guidelines.
Curran also says the Islanders should consider adding more vaccinated sections in the future. Right now the coliseum is split 50-50.
"You should have room for the non-vaccinated, but the more vaccinated people you have the bigger capacity you get, the louder the crowd is, the better the team will do," says Curran.
The Islanders declined to comment on whether the team would add more seating for vaccinated fans. However, in New York City Knicks owner James Dolan says he plans to give priority to vaccinated fans during the team's upcoming playoff run.