By Doug Barrett
Although attendance will be limited to around 3,000 fans for the NCHC Frozen Faceoff in Grand Forks local leaders are hopeful the event provides a little boost to the hard hit hospitality industry.
The Ralph Engelstad Arena will serve as the host venue for the entire NCHC postseason tournament.
R-E-A General Manager Jody Hodgson says the economic impact won’t be the same in a non-pandemic year – but it will still bring people to town.
For fans attending the game face coverings will be required despite the lifting of the mask mandate earlier this week by the Grand Forks County Health Officer. Hodgson says when the NCHC accepted the REA bid it was with the understanding that the policy would be in place for the duration of the tournament.
This week, Pembina, Walsh and Nelson counties issued orders, effective Friday, Jan. 21, that face coverings are required in businesses and outdoor and public settings when social distancing is not possible. Meanwhile, Traill and Nelson counties announced mask mandates that had been earlier put in place will remain in effect.