The Washington DC government has approved a waiver allowing the Washington Wizards and Capitals to allow fans up to 10% capacity at Capital One Arena, the home of both franchises.
Last month, Mayor Muriel Bowser approved a limit of 5,000 fans for home games for the Washington Nationals for the start of their season. Meanwhile, the Wizards and Capitals were encouraged to apply for the waiver at the same time as the Nationals. Yet, neither had received an approval through the first week and a half of April.
Officials with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, who owns both the Wizards and Capitals, feared they were not going to have fans in attendance for their respective 2021 seasons. Majority owner Ted Leonsis had previously voiced his disappointment of not being approved.
With the 10% cap, the Wizards and Capitals can permit about 2,100 fans into Capital One, according to the Washington Post. Additionally, the Washington Mystics of the WNBA will be allowed to allow roughly 450 fans into the Entertainment and Sports Arena when their season starts later this year.
The Capitals next home game will be on Apr. 13 against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Wizards, who are on a west coast road trip, return to Capital One Arena on Apr. 16 against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Wizards have 10 home games remaining on their schedule. Meanwhile, the Capitals have eight left.
