So it seems fitting in a way that this week will be a welcome one, with fans set to return to Nationwide Arena for tomorrow night's game vs. Detroit. The state has approved 10 percent of capacity, or 1,953 fans, which will be a nice boost for the adrenaline when the team steps on the ice to take on the Red Wings.
For those who are going to Nationwide, what should you expect? I'm glad you asked. Last week, I was able to get a quick tour of the facility with arena general manager Mike Gatto, associate GM Derek Smith as well as The Arena Guy, Gary O'Brien.
In an informal chat with Smith, I can confirm someone who probably thought he'd seen just about everything in arena management has had quite a year. The pandemic has led to plenty of changes for everyone, and the arena has had to flexible while observing Covid protocols for everything it hosts, and tomorrow night will be no difference.
Suffice it to say Smith -- who is also serving as the arena's facility compliance officer -- never thought he'd have to worry about adding plexiglass dividers at concession stands around the arena or installing a UV light that disinfects the escalator handrails in the arena.
The good news for Smith and his crew is that the Blue Jackets won't be the first team with fans in the arena, as Florida, Dallas and Arizona have done since the start of the year and Nashville recently joined, with fans in Bridgestone Arena for this weekend's series against Columbus. So Columbus arena management has some peers across the league they can consult with as far as what to expect.
Much of what I learned from Smith already has been posted in places like
BlueJackets.com/WelcomeBack
as well as
on Nationwide Arena's website
. But it was still nice to see it in person, so here's a few things that stood out.
First of all, if you're attending a game, you MUST visit
BlueJacketsCheckIn.com
before arriving and fill out a COVID questionnaire for yourself and your group. This is a prerequisite for entering, and you probably don't want to have to stand outside in the chilly weather getting this done on your smartphone before entering the arena.
Secondly, a lot of the things you've gotten used to over the past year will be the rules to live by inside the arena. Six feet of social distancing, whether in line for food or in your seat -- tickets have been sold in socially distanced pods -- is required with those outside your party. Wearing a mask, unless actively eating or drinking (i.e., moving the food or drink to your mouth), will be strictly enforced.
One of the biggest chokepoints when it comes to fans is at the entrance to the arena, as anyone who has waited in a long line to enter any sports facility would know. With that in mind, fans will have a recommended entrance on their ticket, which is designed to keep fans from overwhelming any specific entrance to get into the game. Social distancing stickers have been placed six feet apart at the entrances of the arena to help out, and security checks will be contactless.
Inside the arena, a number of changes have been made to encourage social distancing as well. For example, in restrooms, every other urinal and sink has been turned off and covered. Seats that are not open to fans have been roped off, and social distancing stickers have been placed at concession lines and at elevators to keep people the appropriate distance apart. Some restrooms will have designated entrances and exits, too, and the steps between sections are now each one-way, with arrows provided to direct fans.
When it comes to ordering food and drink, as I mentioned previously, plexiglass dividers have been placed between concessions staff and customers. All food will be packaged ahead of time, and no draft beer or soda will be served -- everything will be in cans or bottles. Condiments have been removed from their stations but instead will be available by request. For fans who are uncomfortable eating in their seats, there are socially distanced dining areas available on each level of the arena.
A few other notes
And one last reminder: If you have any further questions, start at
BlueJackets.com/WelcomeBack
or the
Nationwide Arena website
. Odds are, you'll find your answer there.
