CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers announced on Friday that they will allow as many as 300 fans to attend games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse this season.
The news comes from a release sent by the team, which mentions, "there will be a number of procedures, protocols, and technologies in place designed to keep the very limited number of fans in attendance healthy, safe, and comfortable to enjoy their gameday experience at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse."
On Friday afternoon, the Cavs also announced its game schedule for the first half of the 2020-21 NBA season, which tips off at home on December 23 against the Charlotte Hornets. The team says that while they are excited to begin the season, the health and safety of the players and fans is of the utmost priority.
"Over the past several months, the Cavaliers in collaboration with the NBA have worked closely with the Cleveland Clinic, the City of Cleveland, the State of Ohio, as well as industry-leading venue consultants and partners to devise a comprehensive return-to-venue plan that prioritizes health and safety," the Cavs said in a press release.
The team will not be allowing access for the preseason home games played at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 14 and 16.
Tickets for games during the first half of the season will be offered to family and friends of players and coaches, and members of the team's Wine & Gold United first.
“We are thrilled to have Cavaliers basketball back inside Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and look forward to treating any fans and guests in attendance to an exceptional home game experience in a safe, healthy and comfortable environment,” said Cavaliers and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse CEO Len Komoroski. “We have the utmost confidence in our deep level of preparation and the health and safety measures in place, which have been reviewed by local health authorities, certified by leading venue consultants, and endorsed by the Cleveland Clinic. While this remains a journey, it is an important starting point for us with very limited fan access. At the same time, we hope access can grow over the course of the season as the associated health and safety landscape evolves and improves.”
COVID-19 protocols have been put in place, as well, to keep fans and players safe this season. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse has installed the latest HVAC air circulation technology, contactless and cashless ticket and payment options, pre-arrival self-screening, pod seating arrangements, and advanced social distance and cleaning procedures.
Face masks must be worn at all times unless actively eating or drinking in a designated area.