Milwaukee Bucks fans excited to be back in Fiserv Forum to watch the game

MILWAUKEE (CBS58)--For nearly 11 months, the seats in Fiserv Forum have sat empty. “It’s a relief after almost a year since I was here," Jeffrey Ping said.

This week only player families and invited guests were allowed. On Tuesday, February 16, there were 250 fans in the arena, 500 on Thursday night and 750 fans on Friday. However, Sunday night, Feb.21, was a whole new ball game. Eighteen-hundred fans step foot in the arena.

“Excited for the fans, excited for the team to have fans in the building and excited for our employees, this is something that’s been in the works," Dennis Williams said. He is the operations and general manager of Fiserv Forum.

“Just to get back in here and watch some basketball, it’s pretty exciting," Nathan Spaeth said. He was attending the game with his son.

While fans are happy to finally watch the game in person, they are required to follow the arena’s safety protocols.

All people must wear masks and keep distance from others who are not part of the same group.

“So far it seems like their doing a good job talking to us and things seem to be moving smoothly," Spaeth 

“We’re going with a pod system so it’s twos and fours in the seating bowl," Williams said.

To protect everyone, congregating or hanging out on the concourses is not allowed.

“You have the ability to visit retail, pick up concession order," Williams said.

Fans say watching the game safely is all that matters.

William says he is working closely with the health department. They are hoping to increase capacity in the near future to 25 percent.