PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — With COVID-19 case numbers dropping in Philadelphia, and Health Commissioner Dr. Tom Farley's announcement Tuesday that capacity limits at indoor and outdoor gatherings and events will increase on May 7 to match state standards, Wells Fargo Center is poised to open their doors to more fans.
Two sources have confirmed a plan to increase the operating capacity for Sixers and Flyers games from 20% to 25% starting May 7. This means about 1,000 more fans will be allowed at games.
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One of the sources emphasized that the total number of fans allowed at games must also factor in social distancing of 6 feet between groups.
The city plans to increase the size of outdoor gatherings and events to 50% of maximum operating capacity, effective May 7. The Phillies currently operate at 25% of the ballpark’s capacity. It is yet unclear as of Wednesday morning how much Citizens Bank Park will increase the capacity limit, given the new guidelines.
Sixers home games have been selling out at attendances of 4,094. By May 7, they will have four more scheduled regular season home games:
• Friday, May 7, vs. New Orleans
• Saturday, May 8, vs. Detroit
• Friday, May 14, vs. Orlando
• Sunday, May 16, vs. Orlando
After that, it’s the playoffs — where home court advantage is going to be crucial to how far they go in the postseason. Heading into Wednesday night’s action, the Sixers have one of the best home records in the NBA at 23-7.
The Flyers, who are expected to miss the playoffs, have only one scheduled regular season home game with the expanded capacity — May 10 vs. New Jersey, the last game of the season.
Stay with KYW Newsradio for more on this developing story.