Rogers Arena staff down almost 90% on Canucks game nights due to COVID-19

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The Canucks play at home Thursday, but over a thousand people still can’t return to work at Rogers Arena for the game.

Security and housekeeping staff, as well as hosts are among those sitting out because of the pandemic.

“It’s crazy. This has affected a lot of people, and it’s sad,” said Phil Figueiredo, who worked as a bartender at Rogers Arena before he was laid off in March.

“It’s a great job to have while you’re in school because it’s usually later starts. So, a lot of people would go to school and then head to the arena afterwards,” he explained.

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      The team says 175 people work game nights right now. Before the pandemic, more than 1,300 people worked at Rogers Arena when the Canucks hosted games.

      Related: Punjabi sports host makes English debut bringing diversity to hockey broadcasting

      Figueiredo says he misses working there.

      “It’s actually kind of funny how many people aren’t hockey fans that work there. They just love working there because it’s a good opportunity,” he said, adding he’s thankful he has since found another job.

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