Toronto Raptors to reduce seating capacity by half as part of anti-COVID measures

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - The Toronto Raptors – the only Canada-based NBA franchise – said that they will reduce home-game seating capacity by 50% as part of the anti-coronavirus measures.

"Capacities at Scotiabank Arena (Raptors' home court) will be reduced to fifty per cent effective Saturday," the Raptors said on Twitter on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, the Ontario province, whose capital city is Toronto, announced new public health measures to curb the spread of the virus. The measures included a 50% capacity limit for all entertainment venues, including sports facilities.

The Raptors will host the Western Conference leaders Golden State Warriors on Saturday at Scotiabank Arena.

Ontario's new measures will also force both NHL clubs; the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators, to do the same for home games in the ice hockey league.

Scotiabank Arena is home to both the Raptors and Maple Leafs.

The arena has a 19,800-seating capacity for basketball games and it is normally able to host 18,800 spectators for ice hockey games.

Canada has taken strict health measures, barring unvaccinated players from entering the country for the Raptors games starting Jan. 15.