Bucks' Fiserv Forum 50% capacity approved
MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Bucks announced Tuesday, May 11 they will increase fan capacity at Fiserv Forum for Bucks games to 50%, or approximately 9,000 fans, beginning for the NBA Playoffs, which start May 22.
Previously, the Milwaukee Health Department had approved Fiserv Forum to host fans at 18% capacity, approximately 3,300 fans.
The increased capacity could provide more of a home-court advantage once the playoffs arrive – and means the team is looking to bring in more staff. Fans said it's a welcome change.
"I'm just so excited to be here. Whether it's a full crowd or not, I'm just excited to watch them play," said Bucks fan Erica Covurn.
Fan Elliott Hamilton said a few more fans might just help the Bucks chase a title this year.
"I think it's gonna be a really beneficial thing. Last year, I think it sucked that they had to go into the bubble and lost the momentum for not playing in that short period of time that they went without," Hamilton said.
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In response to the capacity increase, Fiserv Forum General Manager Dennis Williams said he is reactivating around 300 employees to serve the added fans.
"More items, more places opening up, more food and beverage opening up to make sure to accommodate for that increase in capacity," Williams said.
Williams added social distancing will be harder, but constant cleaning will keep happening – the capacity expansion a sign the team's safety plan is working as designed.
"We wanted to make sure that we weren't creating that big super-spreader event," said Williams.
Tickets and arena protocol
Limited single-game tickets for Bucks playoff games will go on sale to the public this Friday, May 14 at 12 p.m. on Bucks.com and in the Bucks mobile app. Bucks season ticket members will be contacted by their representative with playoff ticket information.
To ensure that the health and safety of everyone attending games at Fiserv Forum remains prioritized, the following protocols will continue to include:
- Fans will be required to wear face coverings at all times when inside Fiserv Forum, except when actively eating or drinking
- Tickets will continue to be sold in pods
- Fans are not permitted to bring in bags. Items larger than 4"x6"x1" will not be permitted
"It’s important to stress that health and safety continue to be our priority and wearing masks and following other safety protocols remain mandatory. Our lives are certainly not back to normal, but this is a positive step forward for the Bucks, the City and our fans," said Bucks and Fiserv Forum President Peter Feigin. "We thank Bucks fans for their unwavering support throughout this unusual season and look forward to welcoming back more of Bucks Nation to Fiserv Forum in a few weeks."
The Bucks will announce updated protocols for attending games prior to the start of the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
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