With new state policy assigning at least 50% of seating for vaccinated fans, arenas can fill up a lot more for the NBA playoffs; but what about concerts?

Well, the capacity at the Barclays Center (and other arenas) for the NBA playoffs won't be 25% or 30%--it looks to be well more than 50%, after Gov. Andrew Cuomo's announcement yesterday regarding revamped rules in the wake of new federal guidance on COVID-19.

"I'm going to root for NY," Cuomo says of NBA playoffs.

There will be a vaccinated and unvaccinated section at the Garden and Barclays Center.

50% capacity for vaccinated sections pic.twitter.com/uGuQvW3b2z

— Joseph Spector (@GannettAlbany) May 17, 2021

As Newsday reported:

Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan estimated the Knicks would be able to bring approximately 13,000 fans into the arena...

BSE Global CEO John Abbamondi said, "We are thrilled that more Nets fans will be able to experience NBA playoffs in person."

So that's well more than half for the Garden, and probably for Barclays. 

"You can go to 100-percent vaccinated," Cuomo said, according to Patch. After all, when the arenas set aside seats for unvaccinated fans, they have to assign a separate section, apply a six-foot social distancing rule, and require face masks.

This raises a question about concerts, which attract fans who sing and shout. A 60% or even 75% full arena doesn't necessarily make concerts financially viable--but, who knows, maybe arenas can sell tickets only to those vaccinated.

For the Nets, at least, it looks like the adjustment is possible.     

Nets have a special entrance for the fully vaccinated. There on Saturday. Very efficient. I was asked twice for my CDC vaccination card before I was asked for my ticket. So ⁦Barclays should be able to ramp up following ⁦@NYGovCuomo⁩ announcement today. pic.twitter.com/EETaJlOnHU

— NetsDaily (@NetsDaily) May 17, 2021