Here’s Why Americans Are Offering Extra Vaccination Section
The Tri-City Americans have announced beginning Friday May 7, vaccinated section tickets will be available for this game.
The Americans are home Friday, May 7, and Sunday May 9, then finish the season next Tuesday on the road in Portland. This ticket offer will also be good for Sunday May 9th.
The Americans Facebook and Ticketing Page online laid out the criteria:
"The Americans have opened five sections of seating for the Friday, May 7th game against the Seattle Thunderbirds. These seats are available exclusively for fans that have received their full COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccinated people may purchase tickets online through Ticketmaster.
They will enter the Toyota Center through the Main 2 entrance and must show proof of vaccination. There will not be refunds or exchanges if you cannot show proof of vaccination. A face covering must be worn at all times except while actively eating or drinking. Children ages 2-15 may sit in the vaccinated section, but only with proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72-hours of the game."
The stipulations for face coverings and children are straight from the WSDOH and state mandates, they are NOT any team or franchise policy. These same criteria apply to any other venue (from churches to sports parks etc).
The Americans emphasized there are and always will be tickets for non-vaccinated persons available. They are simply taking advantage of an opportunity to put some more fans in the seats.
For much of the season, the team has been able to have 400 people in the Toyota Center for games. Half of those are staff, players, workers, the other half fans.
The vaccinated section does not require social distancing, and could potentially accommodate up to 2,000 persons. Americans officials say it's a chance to potentially get some much-needed revenue-even this late in the season.
Even without the vaccinated section, due to social distancing, the most fans the Toyota Center could fit would be about 700. But then you have to subtract the staff, workers, players, etc.
Unlike the NHL, the WHL isn't exactly made out of money. Most of the regular game day staff, including the PA announcer, music and SFX person, video playback operators and other booth crew were temporarily replaced by volunteers this shortened season.
Virtually all WHL clubs did this in an effort to cut expenses. I know, because I am the PA guy at Toyota Center. I get it. Like all businesses, they have inflexible expenses and will do what they have to to get them paid.
Gov. Inslee and state officials are actually putting businesses in a difficult position with this proposal. It's not a mandate, but by allowing venues to have these 'separate' sections, they WILL generate more potential revenue; but will also cause a lot of dissension between those who believe he's discriminating against non-vaccinated persons and those who are pushing for everyone to get the shot.
In the middle, trying to keep their heads above water, are the businesses. Sad.
KEEP READING: See how sports around the world have been impacted by the coronavirus
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