PHILADELPHIA — The NHL is exploring numerous options for the pandemic-delayed 2021 season, including a reduced schedule, temporary realignment, and short-term hub cities, according to Gary Bettman, the league's commissioner.
The league is considering playing in hubs for 10 to 12 days, playing in their own arenas, or a hybrid setup, Bettman said Tuesday in a panel discussion with fellow commissioners Adam Silver (NBA) and Rob Manfred (MLB) during the Paley International Council Summit.
If fans are allowed in arenas, the number of spectators will be determined by each city.
Valerie Camillo, president of business operations for the Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center, said there are ongoing conversations with city officials about permitted capacity for Flyers and 76ers home games.
"We have a comprehensive plan called 'Back to Broad' and we are talking to the city to seek their further guidance, thinking, and permissions," she said.
The Wells Fargo Center seats about 20,000 fans. But the coronavirus will reduce that number if the city decides to allow spectators.
Camillo said Pennsylvania casinos have been open at 50% capacity since the summer, "and I'm not aware of any public health problems associated with them."
She said the Wells Fargo Center's plan "has been all about how to reopen safely and get fans back in the building when our games are allowed to begin."
Camillo added that "people will make personal decisions as to how comfortable they are to returning."
If a coronavirus vaccine is approved and distributed widely, it will be a "game-changer for public safety, public health, and also for the industries that have had an economic impact," Camillo said.
The NHL is hoping to start its season Jan. 1, but that might be too optimistic. If the season does start Jan. 1, training camps would open at some point in December.
Because of travel restrictions between the United States and Canada, an all-Canadian division(s) is a possibility. In an effort to reduce travel, all divisions could be altered based on geography.
