Empty arenas aren't good for anyone.
The team doesn't make money, the fans can't watch the games, and the players don't get to draw on the energy that the crowd provides.
The Blue Jackets are well aware of this, and they plan to submit a formal request of a variance to Columbus Public Health, the necessary next step to getting fans back in Nationwide Arena.
An updated statement from the Jackets on the potential of hosting fans in Nationwide Arena at future games. The organization is continuing to work on its request for a variance. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/86sfG1vGpX
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) February 1, 2021
According to the statement from the team, a formal request to the state will be the next step in the process after this request is submitted.
As of right now, there are only five teams in the NHL that are allowing fans: Dallas (30% capacity), Nashville (15%), St. Louis (7.6%), Florida (25%), and Arizona (25%). If the Blue Jackets are able to reach an agreement with the city of Columbus and the state of Ohio, it will likely be in a limited capacity.
The timeline of the process is unknown, but it'll be something to keep your eye on over these next couple of weeks.
