Raptors to host limited fans for home games in Tampa Bay

It may not be like the beloved Jurassic Park, but when the Toronto Raptors hit the court at their makeshift home in Tampa Bay’s Amali Arena this season, they will play in front of fans for the first time since March.

The team announced on Tuesday that it would allow a limited number of fans to take part in the club’s home games for the first 11 games of the 2020-21 season, including the pre – season match-up against the Miami Heat on December 18. Regular season, which ends on December 23 with a match against the New Orleans Pelicans.

“We are very pleased to host the Amalie Arena Raptors and NBAs and are proud of our partnership with local public health organizations that allow us to return safely to live events,” Tampa Bay Lightning and Amalie Arena CEO Steve Griggs said in a statement. “The safety of our guests and our community is our priority and these strict health and safety protocols are in place to ensure the safe and enjoyable experience of our fans at the AMALIE Arena. We look forward to being safe and successful at Tampa for Raptors.”

The following security protocols apply to all Raptors games at the Amali Arena, home to the Stanley Cup-winning Tampa Bay Lightning:

• Socially available remote seats, less than 3,200 seats available for pre-season play and 3,800 seats available for regular-season match-ups.
Floor No floor seats, no seats available within 30 feet of the court.
Fans All fans must wear a mask while on stage (excluding those under the age of two).
Surface Improved surface and air disinfection systems are in place.
In addition to the physical distance in the stands, fans must also distance themselves from all areas of the stage.
Health survey examinations will be conducted for all guests after entering the guest facility.
Payments All payments (parking space, venue food and drinks) are cashless.
Bags are prohibited inside the stage inside.

“During these unique and challenging times, the Raptors are grateful to work with the NBA, the Lightning Agency and local public health officials to provide a safe opportunity for a limited number of fans to take part in the Games,” Tom McDonald, MLSE Ticket Sales and Service Vice President Raptors said in a press release. “When the Raptors call Tampa home for the start of the NBA season, the team looks forward to the opportunity to thank the community for their support, while at the same time constantly emphasizing the important steps we all need to take to return when all the fans are safe.”

Tickets for the pre-season game, as well as regular season games until the end of January, will go on sale from this Thursday.