Senators expect capacity crowds to be allowed to start NHL season
The Ottawa Senators say they expect to be able to host capacity crowds when the NHL regular season starts next month.
Fans will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and wear masks when they return to the Canadian Tire Centre, the team said in a news release Friday afternoon.
Ontario’s current rules limit indoor spectator sporting events to 50 per cent of the usual seating capacity or 1,000 people, whichever is less. That would cap the number of fans at the CTC at 1,000.
But the Senators said Friday they expect to be allowed to fill the building for the team’s home opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs a month from now. The building’s capacity is 19,153.
“It is the organization’s expectation, based upon its full compliance with provincial requirements, that Canadian Tire Centre will have the ability to welcome full capacity for opening night on Oct. 14,” the release said.
The team is set to welcome fans back in the building for the first time in 18 months next Saturday, Sept. 18, for a rookie game against the Montreal Canadiens.
The team’s mandatory vaccination policy will take effect that day. Fans will require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination and must bring photo ID.
The Senators also announced Friday that single-game tickets will be available starting Wednesday at 10 a.m.—earlier for season ticket holders and Sens insiders.
The provincial vaccination certificates start Sept. 22, but the Senators are joining other sports teams across Canada in requiring proof before then.
The Senators are the last Canadian NHL team to release a vaccination policy. The team says it will continue to provide updates on venue capacity, entry requirements and ‘facility enhancements’ at the Canadian Tire Centre.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.