Canucks owner hopeful capacity limits will lift in time for home opener

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The Vancouver Canucks are preparing to welcome fans back to Rogers Arena later this month, but whether or not it’ll be a full house remains to be seen.

As of now, Rogers Arena is only allowed to be at 50 per cent capacity, as part of provincial COVID-19 measures. While other Canadian NHL team home arenas have lifted capacity limits, B.C. has yet to do the same.

However, Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini says he expects those rules to change in time for the team’s home opener on Oct. 26.

“We’re the only arena in North America to have not full capacity, which is odd, and you know, you can question that. I’d like to see 100 per cent, obviously, (but) I think that, eventually, it’s going to get there because we’re the only team. So, I think by default we’ll have to get there,” he told Sportsnet 650 on Wednesday.

"Things take time. We've reached the point where it's time to see some results."#Canucks Owner @fr_aquilini joined #ThePeoplesShow to talk about the team's expectations, Jim Benning, and more.@SatiarShah | @danriccio_ | @RandipJanda

Full interview: https://t.co/dLrFZWDCy7 pic.twitter.com/H14i3aUfth

— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) October 14, 2021

At the end of the day, Aquilini says the decision remains in the hands of the provincial health officer.

“But, my understanding is that there’s some indication that that will be changed by the time we have our opening game. So, I think that eventually, it’s going to get there,” he said.

Dr. Bonnie Henry said on Tuesday that she is actively looking at the matter and that she hopes to have an update by the end of the week.

“Our intent was always when the full vaccine card came into effect that we would be able to go to 100 per cent capacity and take away some of the other restrictions that we have in some events, like around dancing and remaining seated. So those are things we are looking at,” she said this week.

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Henry noted COVID-19 concerns remain in B.C., adding epidemiology and the pandemic situation across the province are being considered.

“I know that people need to have some time to plan, but we are actively looking at that right now,” she said.

Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory to attend a Canucks game. Staff must also be vaccinated.

The Canucks began their season on Wednesday in Edmonton against the Oilers.