Flyers could see fans back in Wells Fargo Center in March

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 30: A view of the ice before the game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Islanders at Wells Fargo Center on January 30, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.Due to covid-19 restrictions, NHL games are played without fans. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 30: A view of the ice before the game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Islanders at Wells Fargo Center on January 30, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.Due to covid-19 restrictions, NHL games are played without fans. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

It seems as if things are finally moving in the right direction. On Friday, the Philadelphia Flyers, the 76ers, and Wells Fargo Center officials formally submitted a proposal to the City of Philadelphia to try to get fans in the arena, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The proposal that was submitted by the Wells Fargo Center seeks the City to allow up to 5,000 fans in attendance by sometime in March 2021. Recently, Wells Fargo Center had announced they made some changes to the HVAC system in the arena to improve the air-flow and air quality.

Since the pandemic began in 2020, the City of Philadelphia has banned all large gatherings, including sporting events. The Philadelphia Eagles were initially allowed to host some fans to begin their season, but the City came down on them saying it wasn’t allowed.

It’s unclear if Philadelphia will accept the proposal, but it’s certainly a good step in the right direction.

Fans who enter the arena to attend sporting games will likely be subject to health screening at the gate, including but not limited to, temperature checks and completing a health questionnaire similar to the one media members have filled out when they attend games this season. Face coverings will most definitely be required.

While it would be nice to have fans back at the arena, everyone involved in return to having fans back at the arena will have to make significant changes to ensure that when everyone goes they will be safe. While contracting the disease is inevitable, certain precautions in place will help.

Back in October, the Wells Fargo Center had promoted and sold tickets to a movie screening event inside the center but it was later canceled because the City of Philadelphia did not recommend it.