BUFFALO (WBEN) - Earlier this week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo made several major announcements regarding capacity at various venues, noting that Broadway started selling tickets expecting 100% capacity for shows opening in September.
Cuomo and Budget Director Robert Mujica were asked if vaccinations will be required for these Broadway Shows, and they explained that there's no firm guidance at this point in time.
"It's not finalized yet," Mujica began. "We're going to keep looking at the numbers, keep looking at how many people are getting vaccinated, and between now and then, we'll be doing pilots for indoor programs and slowly increasing the amount of capacity there..."
However, as of now, Cuomo likes the idea of 100% capacity if vaccinations are mandated.
"I will tell you today the simplest formula is 100% vaccinated - you want to come to a theater - 100% vaccinated," Cuomo began. "Now, the theaters are going to have to make those decisions, and they'll make those decisions in September - we'll have a different vaccination rate, a different reality, etc., but what I'm saying now to places is if you want to open with 100% vaccinated, God bless."
Locally, Mayor Byron Brown expects that what happens with Broadway in terms of testing and capacity will be the guide in term's of Buffalo's own Theater District.
"I think the plan that Governor Cuomo laid out for Broadway will probably will probably be very closely followed with the Theater District here in Buffalo," said Brown.
Brown added that he'll defer to the state and county regarding protocols for attending various venues, as Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz has already expressed his support for requiring vaccinations for those who plan on attending Bills and Sabres games come the fall.
"With the lineup of games - the Yankees, the Red Sox, the Phillies - there are a lot of people in the city, in the region, and beyond that are going to want to be at games here, so we could see a stadium filled to capacity if state and county make that kind of ruling," said Brown. "But again, I don't think those decisions have been made yet. Right now, it's looking like the (capacity for Sahlen Field) is about 4,000, and we'll se what happens as we move closer."
