LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Las Vegas sports fans could be just a couple of weeks from getting to cheer on their favorite team or driver in person.
13 Action News has confirmed that the Vegas Golden Knights and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway are submitting proposals to the state to be able to host fans in the stands as early as March 1.
A spokesperson for the Vegas Golden Knights sent 13 Action News a statement that reads, "We are submitting our plan for 20% capacity to all of the various state and local entities for approval. If we have approval, we will provide details regarding ticket sales and entry requirements at that time."
If their plan is approved, the Golden Knights would be able to host about 3,500 fans per home game at T-Mobile Arena.
13 Action News was also wondering if the Golden Knights had a specific date in mind to allow fans back into the fortress or if the organization submitted a plan for the Henderson Silver Knights to be able to host some fans as well, but we're still waiting to hear back on both of those items.
Officials at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway have also submitted a plan to the state calling for 20% capacity, which would be about 15,000 in-person fans.
If the Speedway's plan is approved, officials are eyeing NASCAR weekend from March 5-7 as the first event in four months with fans in attendance. Speedway staff says they would be enforcing strict health and safety protocols for those in attendance.
"You're going to be seated with the group of people basically that you came with, 4 people together. Masks are going to be required unless you're actively eating or drinking. We're looking at the six feet of social distancing in all lines, be them restroom lines or concession stand lines. We'll have dedicated entrances/exits. There will be signage everywhere. And we will be doing thorough, thorough deep cleaning constantly throughout the weekend," said Jeff Motley, V.P. of P.R. for the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The Speedway did host some fans for an N.H.R.A. event in late October/early November, but that was before Governor Sisolak implemented a statewide pause.
The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is already selling tickets for NASCAR weekend, with seat assignments to be determined later, if this plan is approved.
One sports league headquartered in Las Vegas that won't be submitting a proposal to the state to bring back some fans is the U.F.C. After the latest event on Saturday, U.F.C. President, Dana White, was asked during a press conference if he would be submitting a plan for a limited number fans to watch fights in the near future at T-Mobile Arena. He replied, "no," and told the media that he's only interested in selling out events.
