This was unexpected, but a small bit of good news on a Monday afternoon.

The City of Philadelphia is increasing the occupancy limits on the Wells Fargo and Citizens Bank Park.

From Rob Tornoe at the Inquirer:

After allowing about 8,500 fans into the stands for the first two games of the Phillies’ season-opening series against the Atlanta Braves, the team received permission from the city to increase capacity from 20% to 25%, about 11,000 fans, according to a city spokesperson.

….

The Wells Fargo Center will also be allowed to increase capacity to 20%, up from 15%.

That would cap Sixers and Flyers games at about 3,900 total people in the building. It’s not a huge increase, but it’s an increase nonetheless.

In March, you’ll recall that Governor Tom Wolf announced expansion of the the outdoor event limit to 50%, and indoor event limit to 25%, beginning on April 4th. Citing increased COVID cases in Philadelphia, Health Commissioner Thomas Farley said that the city would not be matching the new state guidelines, and would instead eye April 30th as a possible date for loosening restrictions.

This is a positive move in the right direction, and opens the door to further relaxation before May.