WWE And AEW Getting Closer To Having Fans At Events In The State Of Florida

WWE and AEW could be one step closer to having fans during their events in the state of Florida, where they are based for the most part. AEW has been running from Daily's Place in Jacksonville, FL, while WWE shows have been taping at the Performance Center in Orlando.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at a press conference today that bars, movie theaters and other entertainment venues are re-opening in 64 counties beginning this Friday. This comes as the state moves into Phase Two of DeSantis' three-step plan to re-start the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to The Ledger.

The changes do not apply to the three-hardest hit counties in the Sunshine State – Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. The new Executive Order from DeSantis will allow businesses such as movie theaters, bowling alleys and concert halls to run at 50% capacity, with social distancing restrictions. It also allows bars to open at 50% capacity indoors, and at full capacity outside with proper social distancing of 6 feet between tables. Restaurants and retail spaces, which are currently operating at 50% capacity, could go to full capacity as long as they have the space to practice social distancing.

While the order does not specify that sporting events will allowed to resume with fans, the fact that they're re-opening venues such as concert halls is a good sign that they are moving in that direction.

Despite the re-openings, DeSantis warned that COVID-19 is still a threat.

"The virus isn't gone," he said.

The "Re-Open Florida Task Force" launched on May 1 and it was speculated then that WWE and AEW could be allowed to have fans at their live events in Florida as early as the second week of Florida, but things have not moved that fast. WWE has been filming from the closed-set Performance Center since early March. AEW has been taping at empty arenas since around the same time.

Stay tuned for updates.