The Houston Rockets announced that they plan to host fans at the Toyota Center with reduced capacity and health safety protocols in place.
“There will be a reduced capacity of spectators at Toyota Center of approximately 16-20 percent (3,000 to 3,660) for Rockets games and other events, beginning with the Rockets regular-season season opener next Wednesday. Thursday’s preseason game against the Spurs is to be played with staff, friends and family in attendance as a final test of the health and safety requirements and sanitation steps planned.”
Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle
The Rockets have developed the following protocols and guidelines:
- Reduced capacity will be enforced for Rockets games and all other arena events to allow for proper distancing between sets of guests.
- Ticketed fans will be required to answer a series of health questions before entering the arena. Fans seated in close proximity to the court will require additional league mandated testing protocols.
- Proper face masks will be required for ages 2 and up and must be worn at all times inside the arena, unless actively eating or drinking.
- No bags are permitted, however lockers will be available for rent.
- All tickets will be digital. Guests will manage and scan their touchless tickets through the Houston Rockets mobile app.
- To promote social distancing and sanitization, floor markers and signs promoting social distancing and hand sanitization stations will be placed around the arena.
- Frequent sanitization of all high touch surface areas during games and events such as seats, handrails, door knob, restrooms, countertops, etc.
- All staff will receive additional health and safety training. In addition, staff will also have their temperature checked and will wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
- All point of sales at Toyota Center will be cashless. Plexiglas barriers will be installed at all concession and retail stands to reduce direct contact between guests and staff. A touchless food and beverage ordering system option will allow fans to receive their orders at their designated seat to maximize social distancing and the overall fan experience.
The Rockets are one of five NBA teams that plan to have fans for the upcoming season along with the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans and most recently, the Orlando Magic who will host 4,000 fans.
