As the Toronto Raptors prepare to play home games for the opening of the 2020-21 NBA season at Tampa's Amalie Arena, the team announced plans to host a limited number of fans beginning with its preseason game against the Miami Heat on Friday, Dec. 18. Tickets for the preseason game and the first 11 regular season games will go on sale Thursday morning, Dec. 17.
Fan attendance protocols will involve extensive health and safety measures, including socially distanced seat availability. There will be fewer than 3,200 seats available for the preseason game, and 3,800 seats for regular season games. There will be no floor seats and no seats sold within 30 feet of the court. Additional measures include: all fans two years of age or older being required to wear a mask for the duration of their time within the venue; enhanced surface and air disinfection systems; physical distancing in the stands and while navigating the venue; a healthy survey screening for all guests as they enter the facility; cashless payments in the parking lot and for food and beverage services; and bags are prohibited for all Raptors games at the arena.
"In these unique and challenging times, the Raptors are grateful to be able to work closely with the NBA, the Lightning organization and local public health officials to create a safe opportunity for a limited number of fans to take in games," said Tom McDonald, Vice President of Tickets Sales and Service for MLSE. "As the Raptors call Tampa home for the start of the NBA season, the team looks forward to the opportunity to thank the community for their support while continually emphasizing the important steps required of all of us for a full return of fans when it is safe to do so."
TIckets for Raptors home games will be sold on Ticketmaster.com starting as low as $30 beginning at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday with the sale of the preseason game along with the first 11 regular season games throught he end of January. As an extended health and safety measure, all tickets will be accessible by mobile only.
"AMALIE Arena is thrilled to play host to the Raptors and the NBA and we are proud of our partnerships with local public health agencies that allows a safe return to live events," said Steve Griggs, Chief Executive Officer of the Tampa Bay Lightning and AMALIE Arena. "The safety of our guests and our community is our top priority and these rigorous health and safety protocols have been put in place to ensure that our fans' experience at AMALIE Arena is both safe and enjoyable. We look forward to a safe and successful stay in Tampa for the Raptors.
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