Here's how many fans will be allowed at Minnesota sporting events
Governor Tim Walz dialing back COVID-19 restrictions on Friday means thousands more fans will be able to attend sporting events, though the capacity limits vary by venue.
Here is a list of how many fans will be allowed at sport-specific events beginning April 1. These numbers are based on strict guidelines that allow up to 10,000 fans at seated outdoor venues and up to 3,000 fans at seated indoor arenas (based on 25% capacity).
- Twins games - 10,000 fans at Target Field starting April 8
- St. Paul Saints - 2,100 fans at CHS Field starting May 11
- Wild games - 3,000 fans at Xcel Energy Center starting April 5
- Timberwolves/Lynx games - 3,000 fans at Target Center starting April 5
- United FC games - TBD (season starts April 24)
WCCO's Jason DeRusha reports that the United FC games should allow for between 4,000 and 5,000 fans.
The return of fans in the stands doesn't immediately impact the Vikings, who are in their offseason. As for training camp in July-August, the Vikings are hopeful that fans will be allowed.
"We certainly hope that fans will be there this year. We’ll provide final plans for training camp at a later date," the Vikings tweeted.
In the nearer term are the Minnesota State High School League tournaments, which will also be allowed to welcome fans beginning April 1. Most winter tournaments will have been completed by then, but it does appear that fans will be allowed at the state semifinals and championships of the MSHSL's hockey and basketball tournaments.
"As plans are adjusted and new protocols created, the priority will be to increase access for those spectators closest to the participants and schools participating in the tournament," the MSHSL said in a release. "The League and its venue partners are engaged in discussions to adjust plans and protocols that would allow for additional spectators. The League will provide additional information related to spectator attendance as plans are finalized."