Ontario government expands capacity limits at sports venues

The Ontario government will allow more fans to attend sporting events beginning Saturday, according to the province's chief medical officer, Dr. Kieran Moore.

Indoor sports venues will be allowed 50% capacity to a maximum of 10,000 fans, affecting attendance for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and Ottawa Senators.

Capacity at outdoor sporting events will be increased to 75%, with a maximum of 30,000 fans. This is good news for fans of the CFL's Toronto Argonauts, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Ottawa Redblacks, as well as Toronto FC of MLS.

Friday's announcement allows the Toronto Blue Jays, who host their games in the domed Rogers Centre, to have more people in attendance during their final two homestands against the New York Yankees (Sept. 28-30) and Baltimore Orioles (Oct. 1-3), as well as for the postseason if they qualify.

Moore added that the Rogers Centre will maintain its 30,000-person capacity even if the roof is closed because the building's ventilation makes it an outdoor venue, according to Colin D'Mello of CTV News.

The Blue Jays anticipated the government's approval for increased capacities and made additional tickets available for the final two home series on Thursday.

Outdoor sports events were limited to 15,000 spectators or 75% of pre-COVID-19 capacity - whichever was fewer - before Friday's announcement.

Indoor venues, meanwhile, were capped at 1,000 people or 50% of pre-COVID-19 capacity - whichever was lower.