No cash, no tailgating and masks required when fans return to watch the Canes

By Jodi Leese Glusco, WRAL director of digital content

The Carolina Hurricanes said Wednesday that they expected to welcome fans to PNC Arena as soon as next week, a little less than a year after sporting events shut down with the rest of the world as the coronavirus pandemic spread.

“The Caniacs are the backbone of our franchise, and we are thrilled to welcome them back to PNC Arena,” said Hurricanes President and General Manager Don Waddell.

The latest executive order from Gov. Roy Cooper, which goes into effect on Friday, would allow the Canes and others to fill up to 15% of the capacity of their arena.

The team is on the road Monday and Tuesday, but has a home game scheduled Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings.

“Our staff has worked extremely hard to put protocols in place to protect the health and safety of our fans, as well as our players and staff," Waddell said. That includes frequent sanitizing of high-touch surfaces, and contactless ticketing, concessions and merchandise sales.

Everyone who enters PNC Arena will be required to wear a two-ply cloth mask or face covering that covers both the mouth and nose. Gaiters, bandanas, and masks with valves or vents will not be permitted. Fans may not bring a bag into the arena, with the exception of medical bags, diaper bags and clutches no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”.

Tailgating outside the arena will be banned, and fans will be seated in pods inside, separated by a minimum distance of six feet.

In Charlotte, owners of the Hornets are making plans for fans' return as well. While the team did not announce a set date, they issued a statement that said: “We look forward to working with Governor Cooper, Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio and our state and county health officials to reopen Spectrum Center to fans soon.”

The team is on the road through the coming week, and they resume play after the All-Star break on Thursday, March 11, when they host the Detroit Pistons.