Penguins want to open vaccinated, non-vaccinated seating sections

The Pittsburgh Penguins are second in the NHL East Division standings and on track to return to the playoffs. As Pittsburgh and other postseason hopefuls face continued challenges linked with the COVID-19 pandemic, Penguins president David Morehouse explained in an email sent to season-ticket holders that the club has asked the Pennsylvania Department of Health about the possibility of opening separate sections of PPG Paints Arena to fans fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and also to those who haven't received shots. 

"We are encouraged by the number of people in and around the region that have been vaccinated and feel that this would be a safe and effective way to allow more fans access to attend games," Morehouse wrote, according to Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Under current health and safety restrictions, the Penguins are allowed to fill the arena to roughly 25% of the venue's hockey-game capacity. It's unclear how many more fans would be permitted for vaccinated-only sections, and the Penguins added that patrons would have to continue wearing masks inside the arena even if they are fully vaccinated. 

"They originally wanted to have games with just people who are vaccinated. Now they want to separate them," Gov. Tom Wolf responded when asked about the proposal, per Pittsburgh's WTAE-TV. Wolf added: "We're trying to figure it out." 

As of now, the Penguins are not limiting attendance only to those who have been vaccinated. Earlier this month, the Buffalo Sabres and NFL's Buffalo Bills announced plans to require that fans be vaccinated to attend future home games.