Canadiens could become first team north of the border to allow fans

Most American based teams are allowing fans back in the building at a reduced capacity. The only teams south of the border who haven't are Chicago, Washington, Anaheim, Los Angeles, and San Jose. In Canada, no team has been allowed to have spectators return as of yet, but that may be changing in the not so distant future.

According to Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports, the Montreal Canadiens have submitted a plan to Quebec Public Health that would allow for the safe return of fans to the Bell Centre. The plan includes allowing anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 spectators at every home game, and the Canadiens are hoping to allow fans back within a month.

"The Montreal Canadiens and the Quebec Public Health are in talks to bring back fans in the stands at Bell Center. A plan was sent by the team earlier this week. Part of the plan is to have between 2000 and 4000 fans every game. Obviously the Québec Government has the last say in this," Lavoie said in a tweet on Saturday evening.

"It is obviously Public Health which will have the last word, in knowing when the Bell Center will be able to welcome spectators and also the number of people who will be able to watch a game on site," said the Canadiens Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, France Margaret-Bélanger.

"We have a great collaboration with the provincial government," said Margaret-Bélanger.

In the United States, several major sports leagues, and college leagues have been holding games with fans since early September 2020, while in Canada, the only spectators that have been allowed into venues have been for teams in the Maritimes division of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

The National Hockey League was hoping for the safe return of fans into Canadian arenas as soon as April 3rd, but know they will have to wait until they are given the green light from Public Health Officials.

The @CanadiensMTL and the Quebec Public Health are in talks to bring back fans in the stands at Bell Center. A plan was sent by the team earlier this week. Part of the plan is to have between 2000 and 4000 fans every game. Obviously the Québec Government has the last say in this.— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) March 21, 2021

Source: Renaud Lavoie - TVA Sports

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