Bruins to put fans in the stands
The Bruins tonight (Thursday, 7pm) will take on the New York Rangers, and then again on Saturday at 1pm, to begin a 20-day schedule in which they will play 11 games. During that stretch, they will play two back-to-back games, and have only one two-day break. The compressed schedule is due to COVID-19, and following the New York series, the locals will face a back-to-back matchup with the Pittsburgh Penguins, including games on Monday (15th) and Tuesday (16th), both with a puck drop of 7pm. The Bs will finish out the week with a two-game set versus the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday (18th) at 7pm, and again via a Saturday (20th) matinee beginning at 1pm.
More good news, Bruins hockey fans can stop holding their breath, as the ticket information for the reopening of TD Garden to put fans in the stands, has been released. Fan attendance will begin Tuesday, March 23rd, the Bruins opponents for the first two games on Tuesday (23rd) and Thursday (25th), will be the New York Islanders.
With the strict 12% capacity limit imposed by Governor Baker, that will likely amount to around 2,000 tickets allowed for each game. Priority to purchase tickets based on availability will be given to Bruins Season Ticket Holders, Game Plan Holders and Boston Garden Society Members. There is a ‘wait list’ fans can join for 2021-22 season tickets at: https://www.nhl.com/bruins/tickets/season-ticket-waiting-list
The following TD Garden Policies will be in place: BAG POLICY – To uphold health and safety protocols, minimize contact and ensure a swifter entry process, TD Garden has a ‘no bag policy.’ If a bag is necessary for medical reasons or childcare, bags may not exceed 14”x14”x6”. All bags (including clear bags and ProShop powered by ‘47 bags) are subject to x-ray screening and inspection. Patrons with prohibited items will not be permitted entry to the arena. TD Garden does not provide on-site storage. Guests are asked to plan accordingly and allow for extra time when arriving to TD Garden.
MASK POLICY – In addition to TD Garden associates, all guests are always required to wear masks at TD Garden except while actively eating or drinking in your seat as permitted. Masks must completely and tightly cover the wearer’s nose and mouth. Neck gaiters, bandanas, masks with valves or vents, and any covering with only a single layer of cloth are not permitted. Face shields may not be worn in place of a facemask, though may be worn in addition to a facemask. A two-strike policy will be strictly enforced for all guests who attend events at TD Garden in relation to mask wearing. Guests failing to adhere to this policy will be subject to disciplinary measures including ejection.
In accordance with CDC guidelines, children under 2 are exempt from the mandatory mask policy. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a facemask, you can notify TD Garden customer service (617-624-1331) at least 2 business days prior to your ticketed event to make accommodations. Entry will be denied if advance notice is not provided. Day of event exemptions will not be permitted. Fans who are unable to wear a facemask will be required to wear a face shield. MAINTAIN PHYSICAL DISTANCE – Guests are required to practice physical distancing inside and outside of TD Garden, including parking garage, North Station, entry gates and seating. Physical distancing (6 feet apart) messaging will be present in all high traffic areas. There will be six feet of social distancing between seating pods. Please remain six feet apart from other parties while in lines at entry, concessions and restrooms. The arena has been divided into two neighborhoods, East and West, to minimize contact and crossover with other guests. Guests will be given a specific entry gate and asked to enter the arena only through assigned entrances based on seating location. ‘Know Before You Go’ emails will be distributed to guests prior to each event to advise on the most efficient path of travel to their respective gate. These designated gates will help minimize contact and crossover with other guests. Guests are asked to stay within their designated neighborhood throughout the event. TOUCH FREE AMENITIES – Allows using the TD Garden Hub app to pre-order food and drink for pickup at one of the many mobile pickup concession stands on the concourse. All food and beverage will be pre-packaged with individual condiments. New mobile concession amenity is available to all fans. Guests can skip the lines and order food and beverage online and through the TD Garden Hub app and pick it up at a designated concession stand. PHYSICALLY DISTANCED EXIT – At the end of the event, TD Garden staff and arena digital signage will assist in executing physically distanced exit strategy, similar to airline exit strategy, to ensure spacing between guests.