On Wednesday, Quebec public health authorities denied the Montreal Canadiens' request for increased attendance at the Bell Centre for Games 3 and 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.
The Canadiens requested the Quebec government to allow them to increase the number of fans in the stands from 3,500 to 10,500, executive vice-president and chief commercial officer France Margaret Bélanger said on Tuesday. Negotiations had been ongoing since last Friday.
The Canadiens were allowed a maximum of 3,500 people at Bell Centre for their semifinal series against the Vegas Golden Knights — the first time in 15 months a United States-based NHL team was allowed to play in Montreal due to COVID-19. Montreal beat the Golden Knights in six games, clinching their spot in the Stanley Cup Final with an OT goal in front of their fans.
The Canadiens were also allowed 2,500 fans in the stands for their second-round series against the Winnipeg Jets.
Games 3 and 4 of the Cup Final are scheduled to be played in Montreal. Game 6, if necessary, will also be played at the Bell Centre. The Habs trail the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-0 in the series.
(Photo: Casey Brooke Lawson / NHLI / Getty Images)
Quebec public health authorities deny request:
Canadiens announce Quebec public health authorities have denied their request to have more fans at the Bell Centre for Games 3 and 4.
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) July 1, 2021