Name: Cavaliers presented innovative coronavirus plan to the state, are asking to have more than 4,000 fans at home games
Brand: cleveland.com
SKU: cleveland-com-265
Availability: OnlineOnly

critic

Cavaliers presented innovative coronavirus plan to the state, are asking to have more than 4,000 fans at home games

preview

Facebook ShareTwitter ShareBy CLEVELAND, Ohio -- On Nov. 4, nearly two months before their regular-season opener at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the Cavaliers submitted a variance request in response to the order that limits the number of fans allowed at indoor sports venues.In the letter written by Cavs CEO Len Komoroski to the Interim Director and Deputy Director of the Ohio Department of Health, Komoroski asked for an allowance of 4,596 people -- 23.65% of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse’s typical 19,432-person maximum.The Cavs estimate approximately 385 staff members to execute events safely under the plan.The letter was accompanied by a detailed 86-page presentation -- The Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Activation Plan: COVID-19 Fan Re-Engagement Strategy and Protocol Execution -- backed by both Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and the Cleveland Department of Public Health.The Cavs have spent months working with the Cleveland Clinic, the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, NBA, as well as several other partners to devise the plan that prioritizes health and safety, maintains proper social distancing and, they believe, sets Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse apart. The proposal features increased cleanliness, extensive space and technological elements lacking at most other sports and entertainment venues.Under an order given by Gov. Mike DeWine on Aug. 25, the current maximum allowance for indoor sports and entertainment venues, regardless of size, stature or safety features is 300, or 15% of fixed, seated capacity -- whichever is less.For the Cavs at the FieldHouse, 300 fans calculates to a tiny 1.54%.To get that lifted, a variance request needs to be submitted and approved, which has not yet happened.“We remain respectful of working through the variance process with the State, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor,” Komoroski said. “At the same time, we have confidence that the FieldHouse is one of the safest places to be in the state of Ohio.”In early December, despite an increase in COVID-19 cases statewide, a variance was issued allowing the Covelli Centre in Youngstown to host Phantom hockey games on Friday and Saturday nights with up to 1,620 fans. The total number of seats at the Covelli Centre is 6,109 and 15% capacity is 916 people.The Ohio Department of Health approved the extra number of fans based on the size of the Covelli Centre and the safety protocols put in place -- the same argument the Cavs have made. That variance request was submitted a short time before the one from Komoroski, who was waiting for more clarity on the Cavs’ schedule.The Youngstown Phantoms are a Tier 1 junior hockey team that plays in the United States Hockey League. They opened the season on Dec. 4.“We can create an environment that can confidently and safely host fans at a much higher level,” Komoroski said. “Our variance request reflects a deep, continuing commitment to operate responsibly and protect the health and safety of everyone at the games or events. We’re also hopeful to get our part-time event staff back to work too, as these jobs make an impact in our community as well.”The Cavs believe their Activation Plan meets and exceeds regulations that have been developed by national and local medical experts in accordance with Centers for Disease Control standards to combat COVID-19.The Cavs’ plan has been certified and approved by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) and the WELL Building Institute.Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is Ohio’s first sports venue, and one of the first in the nation, to achieve certifications from these two organizations, joining the Staples Center, Chase Center, Hard Rock Stadium, Arrowhead Stadium and AT&amp;T Stadium.Along with that, the Cavaliers have invested in the latest HVAC technology, including a bipolar ionization process that cleans the air. Komoroski contends the unique setup allows the venue to deliver cleaner indoor air quality than the systems of other general indoor facilities.In Komoroski’s letter, he recognized -- and applauded -- DeWine’s daily efforts during a complicated and unprecedented time.However, the Cavs feel their push is warranted and they shouldn’t be held to the same strict rules of other lesser-equipped places. The belief is they should be able to continue business, especially given the arena’s deep economic impact -- the largest driver of economic activity in Cuyahoga County that resulted in $164 million in direct spending last year, a number outlined in the lengthy document.The extensive protocols put in place have been clear during the first few home games:The Cavs have played two home games and have another scheduled for Tuesday night against the New York Knicks before beginning a six-game road trip. They return to the FieldHouse on Jan. 11 -- in front of what they hope will be a fuller arena.Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our , , and (each updated 1/1/20).© 2020 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.

Facebook ShareTwitter ShareBy CLEVELAND, Ohio -- On Nov. 4, nearly two months before their regular-season opener at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the Cavaliers submitted a variance request in response to the order that limits the number of fans allowed at indoor sports venues.In the letter written by Cavs CEO Len Komoroski to the Interim Director and Deputy Director of the Ohio Department of Health, Komoroski asked for an allowance of 4,596 people -- 23.65% of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse’s typical 19,432-person maximum.The Cavs estimate approximately 385 staff members to execute events safely...

Cavaliers presented innovative coronavirus plan to the state, are asking to have more than 4,000 fans at home games

No article scores yet.

CRITIC REVIEWS

PUBLIC REVIEWS