Gov. Cuomo relaxes more restrictions; arena capacity to expand before NBA playoffs

On May 19, Gov. Cuomo says capacity at large indoor arenas can increase to 25%, just in time for the NBA playoffs. The NHL playoffs begin on May 11.

News 12 Staff

Apr 19, 2021, 4:47 PM

Updated 1,262 days ago

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo is relaxing more restrictions across New York state in response to positive trends in the COVID-19 numbers.
He says capacity at museums and zoos can increase to 50% beginning on Monday, April 26. Capacity at movie theaters can increase to 33% on the same day.
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On May 19, Gov. Cuomo says capacity at large indoor arenas can increase to 25%, just in time for the NBA playoffs. The NHL playoffs begin on May 11.
The Cradle of Aviation in Garden City will soon be able to allow up to 1,500 people inside. Museum President Andrew Parton says the more than 150,000 square-foot museum will benefit in two ways from the increase.
"Getting more people in the door, but the other is it brings that sense of normalcy that we've been trying to work towards," says Parton.
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran released a statement saying in part that the increased capacity for indoor venues is good news for the economy.
"The governor's announcement today expanding capacity for indoor venues is good news for our economy, for our playoff-bound Islanders, and for Isles fans eager to Rock the Barn one last time before our move to Belmont."
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone is calling on the state to increase capacity at Fairfield Properties Ballpark where the Ducks play. Bellone wants it to be increased from 20 to 50% capacity.
"That is simply unworkable. The small, smaller, independent teams, minor league teams, these smaller ball parks, they cannot be compared to major league ballparks," says Bellone.
On May 19, Gov. Cuomo says capacity at large indoor arenas can increase to 25%, just in time for the NBA playoffs. The NHL playoffs begin on May 11.