This morning the Seattle Storm announced that a limited number of fans will be allowed inside Angel of the Winds Arena in downtown Everett, Washington to see home games. Here’s what the team put out.
The home opener is Saturday May 15th at Angel of the Winds Arena.
Based on new Washington state guidance for indoor arenas, fans will have the chance to watch the Seattle Storm defend its WNBA title in person this season the team announced Wednesday.
The Storm will be permitted to increase capacity to a maximum of 2,000 fans at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett with the addition of vaccinated sections, per Washington state guidelines, beginning with the home opener against the Las Vegas Aces on May 15. In addition to Washington state guidelines, the Storm are subject to WNBA league guidelines to safely return to play and bring fans back to indoor arenas.
“It has been over a year and a half since our loyal fans have had the chance to cheer on their team. We could not be more to excited to welcome fans back to Angel of the Winds Arena,” said Alisha Valavanis, Storm President and CEO. “We are grateful for the partnership with Washington state officials and the WNBA league office, both organizations have been working with us to re-open with the health and safety of everyone in the arena as the top priority. This is a special 2021 WNBA season as we come back together for live sports, defend our championship and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the league.”
The latest Washington state guidelines allow indoor venues to add vaccinated sections until total capacity is 50% of the maximum, or a maximum of 2,000 people, whichever is lower, inclusive of both vaccinated and unvaccinated sections. Indoor unvaccinated sections cannot exceed 600 people during Phase 3 of the state’s Roadmap to Recovery Plan. The bulk of the seating for games will be in vaccinated sections, whereby the Storm will issue pods of fans with three feet of socially-distanced space between them. A small number of tickets will be available in unvaccinated sections where there will be pods of fans with six feet of socially-distanced space between them.
Face masks are required at all times while inside the arena and on the arena plaza awaiting entry, except when actively eating or drinking in designated areas where such activities may be permitted.
Initially, the Storm will make tickets available for the first four games (May 15, May 18, May 25, May 28) and due to guidance and restrictions—those tickets will be exclusively available to Storm 360 Members based on priority level and availability. Fans who are not currently Storm 360 Members can call 206-217-WNBA (9622) or email Tickets@Stormbasketball.com for more information on membership.
Detailed information on health and safety protocols at Angel of The Winds Arena can be found at https://storm.wnba.com/safety-protocols/.
Here are some of the highlights of the safety measures in place at Storm games:
- PRE-GAME ATTESTATION: Prior to entering the arena, fans, vendors, and staff will be asked to complete a short, online questionnaire confirming they are not exhibiting symptoms and have not been recently exposed to COVID-19.
- SIGNAGE: Signage has been installed throughout Angels of the Winds Arena addressing COVID-19 protocols and CDC prevention tips.
- FACE MASKS: Everyone entering Angel of the Winds Arena over the age of two is required to wear a face mask that completely covers their nose and mouth. Permissible face masks include surgical masks, medical-grade masks, or multi-layer cloth masks. Single layer cloth masks, neck gaiters, bandanas, and masks with valves or vents are not permitted. Face masks are required at all times while inside the arena and on the arena plaza awaiting entry, except when actively eating or drinking in designated areas where such activities may be permitted.
- VACCINATED SECTIONS PHYSICAL DISTANCING: Proof of vaccination is required to sit in vaccinated sections. Except for patrons in the same seating “pod”, anyone inside these sections must maintain at least three feet of distance from each other. Children between the ages of 2 and 15 who can provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of admission (per the WNBA guidelines) are also allowed in the vaccinated section. Children under the age of 2 do not need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test to be admitted to the vaccinated section when accompanied by a vaccinated adult.
- UNVACCINATED SECTONS PHYSICAL DISTANCING: Except for patrons in the same seating “pod”, anyone inside these sections must maintain at least six feet of distance from each other. Per Washington state guidance, children are permitted in the unvaccinated sections.
- BAG POLICY: No bags will be allowed inside Angel of the Winds Arena during COVID-19 restrictions to speed up entry to the arena and minimize staff-to-fan cross-contamination. (Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items and single compartment diaper bags (child must be present) smaller than 14”x14”x6”, or clutch-sized purses that do not exceed 4.5” x 6.5″.)
May 5, 2021
Everett Sports