Ontario slightly accelerates lifting restrictions on sporting event attendance

TORONTO — Ontario limits on attendance at indoor sports events during the pandemic changed again Monday with Premier Doug Ford slightly accelerating previously announced plans.

Monday's announcement allows 50 per cent of the usual seating capacity at sports arenas in Ontario, as of Thursday with capacity limits being removed March 1 "if public health and health system indicators continue to improve."

Under the previous plan, 50 per cent capacity was slated for Feb. 21 and full capacity March 14.

The Toronto Maple Leafs host Pittsburgh and St. Louis on Thursday and Saturday, respectively. The Ottawa Senators' first home game under the new attendance rules is Saturday against Boston.

The Toronto Raptors, currently on a five-game road trip, don't play at home again until March 1 when the Brooklyn Nets visit.

“Following the announcement this morning by the Ontario government, MLSE is very pleased to begin working towards the next phase of reopening this week and welcoming fans back to our venues," Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Leafs and Raptors, said in a statement.

"As an organization that hosts more than four million fans per year, and hundreds of events in multiple venues, MLSE is proud to serve as a central gathering place in Toronto and is fully supportive of the public health measures that have helped protect our community throughout the pandemic. MLSE is also grateful for the tireless work by the provincial government and public health officials that will allow us to return to full operations in a safe manner for our employees, fans and the community at large on March 1.

Ford's announcement came one day after a crowd of 70,048 watched the Los Angeles Rams defeat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in