Ontario government to allow full capacity at sports venues

The Ontario government has announced its decision to loosen capacity limits in certain indoor and outdoor settings where proof of vaccination is required, allowing professional sports teams in the province to hold 100% capacity at their home games this season.

The policy kicks in on Oct. 9 at 12:01 a.m.

These new measures are certainly good news for fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Argonauts, Ottawa Senators, Ottawa Redblacks, and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, to name a few.

Before the change, indoor sports venues were only able to operate at 50% capacity up to a limit of 10,000, while the province set the capacity for outdoor sporting events at 75% with a maximum of 30,000 fans.

"As we continue to see more Ontarians roll up their sleeves with over 22 million doses administered, our government is cautiously lifting capacity limits in select settings where we know proof of vaccination requirements are providing an added layer of protection to Ontarians," Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott said in a statement.

The Leafs will open their season on Oct. 13 when they host the Montreal Canadiens, while the Raptors will kick things off at the Scotiabank Arena against the Washington Wizards on Oct. 20.

"Throughout the process of re-opening our venues to fans ... health and safety has been our shared top priority and we are overjoyed to see this day arrive when we are able to welcome a full venue to cheer on the Maple Leafs and Raptors," Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment president and CEO Michael Friisdahl wrote in a statement. "We look forward to a safe and enjoyable season."

The Senators' campaign begins on Oct. 14 at the Canadian Tire Centre versus the Maple Leafs.

The Vancouver Canucks are now the only NHL team in Canada not welcoming a full house. British Columbia is currently allowing 50% capacity at Canucks games.