Stars to host around 5,000 fans during 2020-21 season

Dallas Stars CEO Brad Alberts says American Airlines Arena plans to host around 5,000 fans per game during the 2020-21 season. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Stars to host around 5,000 fans at home games during 2020-21 season

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 12/20/20

The NHL and NHL Players Association revealed plans on Sunday for a 56-game regular season set to begin on Jan. 13. No health and safety protocols were announced, but it appears teams will be able to allow fans if local governments allow it.

According to Matthew DeFranks of the Dallas Morning News, Dallas Stars CEO Brad Alberts says American Airlines Arena plans to host around 5,000 fans per game during the 2020-21 season.

The Stars will have fans for home games at the American Airlines Center this season, Stars CEO and president Brad Alberts said. Final capacity still to be finalized but could be around 5,000.
— Matthew DeFranks (@MDeFranks) December 20, 2020

It's not surprising that the Stars will be allowed to host fans. The NFL's Dallas Cowboys have been allowed to host spectators throughout the season despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, so it wouldn't be right to deny the Stars the opportunity to get fans in their home rink.

Dallas will likely fill every seat it can after the team made it to the Stanley Cup Final last season. The Stars have a promising year ahead in the new, realigned Central Division.

It's unclear which other teams will host fans during the upcoming season. However, it seems more and more likely that many teams in the West and East divisions won't allow fans due to local COVID-19 restrictions.

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