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Oklahoma City fans will be able to watch basketball in person in 2021.
The Thunder announced Tuesday that some fans will be allowed at Chesapeake Energy Arena next season.
The number of fans was not specified, but the press release said there will be “reduced seating capacity.”
There will be new health and safety guidelines for fans and employees at the arena to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Face masks will be mandatory and are to be worn at all times unless eating or drinking. Groups will be seated six feet apart from each other. The stadium has implemented new cleaning protocols, installed plexiglass at concession stands and upgraded the HVAC filter.
The coronavirus has also forced Chesapeake Energy Arena to step into the future with its technology use of touchless ticket scanning and concession payment in the stadium.
Contactless mobile ticketing will be used with self-serve ticket scanners at entrances in an attempt to limit contact with staff.
These contactless scanners have also been placed at concession stands and team shops to allow credits card usage without handing the card to the cashier.
Apple Pay and Google Wallet will be allowed.
Oklahoma City has also implemented a new mobile ordering system for food and beverages on the Thunder App. This program will allow fans to order and pay on their phone and then retrieve the order at a pickup location. The stadium and organization hopes this will limit lines.
The NBA season is scheduled to begin Dec. 22 with training camps set to start on Dec. 1.
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