Nassau County Executive Laura Curran has requested that New York State expand permitted capacity at the Nassau Coliseum to 50% by May 7, 2021. In a letter sent to the Governor’s Office, County Executive Curran writes “While we continue to battle COVID-19, we must also continue reopening our economy and society in a common-sense manner. That is why I am requesting that New York State expand permitted capacity at the Nassau Coliseum to 50% by May 7, 2021.”
Nassau Coliseum reopened March 11 for 1,000 Northwell Health frontline staff and Islanders season ticket members on March on 18th, as permitted by state guidelines. Attendance is currently limited to 10% of capacity.
The letter begins by noting the significant vaccination progress in Nassau County. “Since the announcement permitting large arenas to reopen at 10% capacity in early February, New York has made outstanding progress in its vaccination drive. This is especially true in Nassau County, where 46% of our total population has already received at least one dose of the vaccine,” Curran writes. “While we continue to battle COVID-19, we must also continue reopening our economy and society in a common-sense manner. That is why I am requesting that New York State expand permitted capacity at the Nassau Coliseum to 50% by May 7, 2021.”
Curran continues, “The increased capacity would not change the protocols which are in place at Nassau Coliseum for the 2021 season, including wearing a mask, and contactless experience with mobile ticketing and ordering. I’m hopeful that the State’s Excelsior Pass can also help us safely expand capacity as more and more residents get vaccinated.”
In closing, Curran writes “As you know, the Islanders are engrained in the fabric of Long Island. With this being the last season at the Coliseum before the big move to Belmont, my hope is that by increasing capacity to 50%, we can give more Isles fans the opportunity to safely “Rock the Barn” one last time.”