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UPDATED: Feb. 10, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

Large sports arenas, including the Carrier Dome, will be allowed to host a limited number of fans starting Feb. 23, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday.

Stadiums can reopen at 10% capacity, and fans must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event to enter, Cuomo said at a press conference. Fans must wear masks, participate in temperature checks and sit in mandatory assigned seating.

The Carrier Dome has a basketball capacity of 34,616 seats, meaning the stadium could hold about 3,500 fans for upcoming basketball games. Teams must have their safety protocols and regulations approved by the state prior to reopening to fans, Cuomo said.

“We’ve got a great plan, and we could execute that plan on relatively short notice,” SU Director of Athletics John Wildhack said Feb. 2.

The Dome will first open to a small group of students and will later host the broader community depending on the area’s public health situation, said Sarah Scalese, senior associate vice president for communications, in a statement Wednesday.

“At the heart of our reopening plan is safeguarding the health, well-being and safety of the campus and surrounding communities,” Scalese said. “We appreciate the guidance we have received from New York State Department of Health and the Onondaga County Health Department and look forward to eventually welcoming spectators into the stadium for athletic competitions.”

SU has also been in contact with the Buffalo Bills, who hosted 6,700 fans in January for multiple playoff games and other events with spectators.

Syracuse men’s basketball has one home game scheduled after Feb. 23, a March 1 matchup with North Carolina. Syracuse women’s basketball will host Boston College on Feb. 25 and North Carolina State on Feb. 28. Syracuse men’s lacrosse’s first home game with fans could be Feb. 27 against Virginia.

This post will be updated with additional reporting.

Published on February 10, 2021 at 1:03 pm

Contact Anthony: amdabbun@syr.edu | @AnthonyDabbundo