Sports

Face coverings, limited capacity among plan to safely bring fans back to Orlando Magic games at Amway Center

ORLANDO, Fla. — Limited capacity, mask requirements and coronavirus testing -- the Orlando Magic is announcing several measurements to bring fans back into the Amway Center.

When the Magic opens their season at home against the Heat next week, they will be one of very few NBA teams playing in front of fans inside their buildings.

In an exclusive one-on-one interview with Channel 9 anchor Greg Warmoth leading up to the regular season, Magic CEO Alex Martins said fan safety will be a priority.

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“So all of these things, they’re going to be important for our fans to feel confident and safe, and to keep everyone safe that is going to be in the building,” Martins said.

Those measurements include limited capacity at the Amway Center to 4,000 fans for regular-season games, mandatory face coverings for everyone in the building except for players on the court, physically distanced seating for fans, and pre-game symptom and exposure surveys for visitors.

There will even be COVID-19 testing for those sitting within 30 feet of the court.

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“For those fans sitting in those seats, we’re going to send them tests,” Martins said. “All they’ll need to do is drop it in the UPS or on weekends it will be picked up at their door by a courier.”

For those who don’t get tested before they head to the arena, Martins said, a location outside will be set up to get tested.

From plexiglass and touchless transactions to extreme sanitation throughout Amway, Martins said the Magic’s goal is to instill a sense of calm.

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“We want to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable coming to the Amway Center, and we believe that we’re going to be able to do that,” he said.

Martins said the plan may change as things unfold with the virus, the vaccine and variations of testing.

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.