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- Alden Gonzalez
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- He joined ESPN in 2016 to take on the Los Angeles Rams.
- Previously defeated Angela for MLB.com.
- Jesse Rogers
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Jesse joined ESPN Chicago in September 2009 and covers MLB for ESPN.com.
As opening day of the 2021 MLB season approaches, fans across the country will soon be returning to their stadiums – in most cases for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
But there will be limitations – especially in terms of opportunities – that are not the same across the league. National and local authorities will have a significant impact on the number of fans who can (potentially) safely attend live sporting events, a number that may change depending on fluctuations in COVID-19 distribution and vaccination coverage.
Last season, all regular season games and most postseason games were played in front of empty seats. During the National League Championship and World Series, which were held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, fans were admitted in limited numbers, about 28% of the stadium’s total capacity.
While all 30 MLB teams have yet to release their schedules, here is an update on each club’s schedules, offers and minutes.
We will update this file as more information becomes available.
Chase Field.
Open it at home: 9. April against the Reds
Are fans allowed on opening day? Yes
How much? Approx. 12,000 (25% of capacity)
What you need to know: The Diamondbacks recently received permission to expand their stadium in Phoenix by 25 percent before the start of the season, with seats two feet apart. The team began offering these seats to season ticket holders in early February in the hopes that they would eventually be approved. President and general manager Derrick Hall Derrick Hall speaks during Sunday’s broadcast of the Cubs’ spring training game in Arizona: Hopefully things will go well, we’ll see the numbers continue to drop, and we’ll be able to offer many more places in the second, third and fourth months if we can.
Truistic Park
Open it at home: 9. April against the Phillies
Are fans allowed on opening day? Probably
How much? TBD
What you need to know: Fans should be able to attend the games, the Braves said, but the team has not yet given details about capacity restrictions. Further details are expected in mid-March.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Open it at home: 8. April against the Red Sox
Are fans allowed on opening day? Yes
How much? Approx. 23,000 (50% of capacity)
What you need to know: On Tuesday, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan said that large facilities, such as the Orioles’ baseball stadium, can run at 50 percent of their capacity. All capacity restrictions on small establishments such as restaurants, bars, gyms and shops have also been lifted. Maryland’s positive daily COVID-19 score was 3.9% on Sunday, up from 5.3% the previous month.
Fenway Park
Open it at home: 1. April against the Orioles
Are fans allowed on opening day? Yes
How much? Approx. 4500 (12% power)
What you need to know: Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced on February 25 that the state will enter the fourth phase of its reopening plan at the end of March, allowing the Red Sox to run at 12 percent of their capacity in early April. By then, Fenway Park will no longer be a mass vaccination site. The team will announce more detailed plans for ticket sales and health and safety protocols at a later date.
Wrigley Field
Open it at home: 1. April against the pirates
Are fans allowed on opening day? Yes
How much? Approx. 8300 (20% power)
What you need to know: The Cubs and White Sox hosted a doubleheader at Chicago and Illinois State, with 30% power to start the season. On Monday, they got a 20% permit. The offerings included contactless payment and mobile ticketing, as well as socially distributed seating.
Guaranteed rate field
Open it at home: 8. April against the Royals
Are fans allowed on opening day? Yes
How much? Approximately 8100 (20% of power)
What you need to know: The Sox and Cubs requested 30% capacity, but only 20% was approved. The Sox will have one to six fans, establish numerous hand sanitizing stations throughout the park and prohibit the use of bags, except small bags, medical bags or diaper bags when young children are present.
The Great American Ball Park
Open it at home: 1. April against the Cardinals
Are fans allowed on opening day? Yes
How much? Approx. 12,700 (30% capacity)
What you need to know: The Reds are letting 30 percent of potential start the season with typical social distancing measures, including fewer venues, contactless payment methods and mask offers unless they are actively eating or drinking. Backpacks are also prohibited.
Progressive field
Open it at home: 5. April against the Royals
Are fans allowed on opening day? Yes
How much? Approx. 10,500 (30% capacity)
What you need to know: The Indians allow 30% occupancy at the beginning of the season and will work month after month to increase maximum occupancy. Season ticket holders have priority access to ducats in two to four gondolas. In addition to non-cash payments, the usual social distancing measures are implemented. Gates open one hour before the first pitch.
Field courses
Open it at home: 1. April against the Dodgers
Are fans allowed on opening day? Yes
How much? 21,363 (42.6% return)
What you need to know: The Colorado Department of Health and Environment initially approved 25 percent capacity (12,500 fans) at Coors Field on opening day, but that number was increased to 42.6 percent on Tuesday. The Rockies have announced that tickets for April home games will go on sale Thursday.
We couldn’t be happier to invite Rockies fans back to Coors Field, said Greg Feasel, Rockies Director of Operations. We thank the State of Colorado, the City and County of Denver and their health departments, and MLB for working with us to ensure that our comprehensive and detailed plan meets all health and safety measures.
The team has created an information page on its website describing the security protocols that will be installed at Coors Field, including reversible ATMs for cashless transactions and a strict foreclosure policy. MLB rules prohibit players from handing out autographs or throwing baseballs into the stands.
Comerica Park
2 Connected
Open it at home: 1. April against the Indians
Are fans allowed on opening day? Yes
How much? 1,000
What you need to know: The Tigers may now admit more fans – 2,000 – at their spring training facility in Florida than in Detroit (1,000). State guidelines don’t allow them to have more, but the ever-changing landscape could increase their numbers before opening day. With so few fans in Comerica Park, it shouldn’t be hard to get a social distribution of seats.
Minute Maid Park
Open it at home: 8. April against.
Are fans allowed on opening day? Probably
How much? TBD
What you need to know: Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order on March 2. issued an executive order lifting the mask requirement and allowing all businesses and establishments to open 100%. This gives the Astros a chance to welcome the full fan base to start the season. However, the team is still reviewing its plans and hopes to finalize them by the end of the week.
Kaufman Stadium
Open it at home: 1. April vs. Rangers
Are fans allowed on opening day? Yes
How much? Approx. 10,000 (30% capacity)
What you need to know: The Royals begin the season at 30% capacity, with plans to increase attendance monthly. Starting this week, season ticket holders will be given priority in ticket sales, while the general public will be given priority in ticket sales during the first month of the season, starting March 24. Kaufman Stadium has been redesigned to include tiered seating.
Angel Stadium in Anaheim
Open it at home: 1. April against the White Sox
Are fans allowed on opening day? Probably
How much? Approx. 8,650 (20% capacity)
What you need to know: Orange County is expected to change from purple to red soon, allowing MLB stadiums to run at 20 percent of their capacity starting in early April, according to a recent brief from California’s Gavin Newsom. The orange stage increases the flow rate to 33% and the yellow stage to 67%. The Angels have not yet announced any concrete plans regarding security protocols or ticket distribution.
Dodger Stadium
NL MVP Freddie Freeman and his family are living a nightmare in COVID-19. Buster Olney (ESPN+)
Open it at home: 9. April against the Nationals
Are fans allowed on opening day? Probably
How much? Approx. 11,200 (20% capacity)
What you need to know: The Dodgers said Friday that they will release details about ticket policies and health and safety protocols in the coming days. California has already announced that Red Tier counties will be able to fill 20 percent of MLB stadiums starting in April, confirming the optimism Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten expressed a few weeks earlier. Los Angeles County is expected to move from the more restrictive purple to red soon.
Marlins Park
Open it at home: 1. April versus Race
Are fans allowed on opening day? Yes
How much? Approx. 9,200 (25% capacity)
What you need to know: The Marlins are allowing a 25% start to the season, with access only via digital tickets. A free parking system will be set up, allowing for contactless payments. Ticket holders will be given a time and a door to enter the park, and the usual rules of social distancing will be observed. Mobile food, pre-ordered from the kiosks, will be allowed to reduce queues in the venue.
American Family Zone
Open it at home: 1. April versus Twins
Are fans allowed on opening day? Yes
How much? Approx. 10,475 (25% of capacity)
What you need to know: The brewery is at 25% of its capacity on opening day. According to Rich Schlesinger, president of operations at Brewers, they hope to increase their production capacity if health indicators continue to improve. The usual techniques of social distancing are used, including a walk down the hall. Visitors may only watch the match from the seats allocated to them. It is forbidden to gather at the first two rows of the field.
Target Field
Open it at home: 8. April against the Mariners
Are fans allowed on opening day? Maybe.
How much? The current target is about 10,000 (25% of capacity).
What you need to know: Negotiations continue after the Twins made an initial offer to state officials.
Citi Field
Open it at home: 8. April against the Marlins
Are fans allowed on opening day? Yes
How much? Approx. 4,200 (10% power)
What you need to know: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced it on the 10th. In February, it was announced that stadiums that can seat at least 10,000 fans can be opened with a 10% occupancy rate. This gives the Mets and Yankees the green light to welcome fans at the start of the 2021 regular season. In accordance with state guidelines, employees and spectators must test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to the event in order to participate. The teams are still working on the details of the protocols that will be used.
Yankee Stadium
Open it at home: 1. April vs. Blue Jays
Are fans allowed on opening day? Yes
How much? Approx. 5400 (10% power)
What you need to know: See Mets above. (For their part, the Yankees called the governor’s statement an encouraging first step in the bid.)
Oakland Coliseum
Open it at home: 1. April vs. Astros
Are fans allowed on opening day? Probably
How much? Approx. 9400 (20% power)
What you need to know: Anticipating that Alameda County will soon move into California’s red zone, the A’s have announced certain rules and protocols that will apply to fans when they return to the Oakland Coliseum from 20% capacity, including: Seating in groups of two to four; ticket sales limited to California residents; face masks required at all times except for food and drink; mobile ticket sales and cashless transactions only; discounted items can only be ordered via smartphone; and no tailgating.
Citizen’s Bank Park
Open it at home: 1. April versus Brave
Are fans allowed on opening day? Yes
How much? Approx. 8,600 (20% power)
What you need to know: The 20% seating capacity is for two, three or four people, with a limited number of capsules available for five or six people. Initially, only tickets for the first 19 games will be available until early May. Tickets for the rest of the home schedule go on sale in early April, hopefully with more visitors by then. All parts of the stadium accessible to the fans are cleaned and disinfected by a new cleaning crew before, during and after each match. It uses processes and products specifically approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency for use against COVID-19. Hand disinfection stations will also be widely available.
PNC Park
Open it at home: 8. April against the Cubs
Are fans allowed on opening day? Yes
How much? Maximum 7600 (about 20% of the power)
What you need to know: PNC Park will have 20% capacity, but that includes everyone in the stadium, including the staff. The Pirates have not yet announced how many fans will be part of that 20%. The usual protocols of social distancing and sitting in pods will be part of the policy when it is announced.
Petko Park
Open it at home: 1. April against the Diamondbacks
Are fans allowed on opening day? Probably
How much? Approx. 8,000 (20% power)
What you need to know: San Diego County gets the green light for 20% occupancy at Petco Park, assuming the park goes from California Purple to Red by the end of March, and current trends favor that possibility. As part of the statement, Padres CEO Eric Greipner wrote: We hope Padres fans can support our team in person on opening day. Season ticket holders will be given priority for games announced by the Padres, as each team likely will.
Oracle Park
Reliever Adam Ottavino photographed one of the most surreal seasons in MLB history. He shared some of his favorite images – and the stories they tell. Jun Lee
Open it at home: 9. April against the Rockies
Are fans allowed on opening day? Yes
How much? Approx. 8,250 (20% power)
What you need to know: San Francisco is currently in California’s Red Tier, which allows the Giants to host fans at 20 percent capacity, due to the governor’s new requirements. In the coming days, the team said Friday, the Giants will submit their operational plans to local health officials for review and approval, and we hope to bring fans safely back to Oracle Park.
T-Mobile Park
Open it at home: 1. April against the Giants
Are fans allowed on opening day? TBD
How much? TBD
What you need to know: The Mariners have been in contact with the local health department and still hope to accommodate fans for the season opener. Data from the New York Times recently showed that King County, which includes Seattle, has the second highest COVID-19 score of the 100 most populous counties in the United States.
Busch Stadium
Open it at home: 8. April against the Brewers
Are fans allowed on opening day? Yes
How much? Approx. 14,600 (32% of capacity)
What you need to know: The Cardinals are allowing 32% power this early in the season. There are spacing rules, with a maximum of four fans allowed under the pods. Those who want that will have to make cashless transactions and issue notes on their mobile phones. There are six entrances and exits that are prohibited. Only medical or diaper bags are allowed in the ballpark. Season ticket holders will have the first chance to get tickets for the first two houses.
Tropicana Field
Open it at home: 9. April against the Yankees
Are fans allowed on opening day? Probably
How much? Probably 7000 (16% power)
What you need to know: The Rays said earlier this year that they hoped to host 7,000 fans per game, and nothing has been said since then about whether that number has changed. The Rays also eliminated season tickets for socially distant seats, announcing instead a model that allows fans to choose from six membership levels per season, with prices ranging from $500 to $20,000.
The life field of the globe
Open it at home: 5. April vs. Blue Jays
Are fans allowed on opening day? Probably
How much? TBD
What you need to know: The Rangers welcomed fans to Globe Life Field for two rounds of the postseason in October, with a limited capacity of about 11,000 fans (less than 30% of capacity). In a statement last week, Neil Leibman, Director of Ranger Operations, said he welcomed the Texas State Government’s decree to lift the state’s foreclosure mandate and run operations at 100% capacity. He added that the team will work on the operational logistics needed to implement the necessary protocols and health measures.
TD Ballpark (Dunedin, Florida)
Open it at home: 8. April versus the Angels
Are fans allowed on opening day? Yes
How much? Approx. 1,275 (15% of capacity)
What you need to know: The Jays will play their first two households at spring training due to restrictions imposed by the Canadian government during the coronavirus pandemic. The capacity of the renovated building, which can normally accommodate 8,500 people, will be reduced to 15%. Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro said on Feb. 18 that the team might return to Saline Field in Buffalo, N.Y. (where the Jays played most of their home games last season) around June to avoid the Florida heat and humidity. The Blue Jays will hopefully return to the Rogers Centre in Toronto for the second half of the season.
National Park
Open it at home: 1. April against the Mets
Are fans allowed on opening day? No, no, no, no. for now.
What you need to know: Although the Nats have received permission from the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency to open their home court this season, no fans will be allowed. However, the speed at which the virus is spreading and vaccination coverage may change this situation. Information on ticket sales to fans is expected in mid-March.
frequently asked questions
Will fans have access to MLB games in 2021?
One by one, the teams review the plans for 2021. … Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred informed teams before the start of spring training that fans can attend regular-season games as long as local and state health regulations allow.
Can fans attend spring training in 2021?
Fans were not allowed to attend the previous regular season, but can return this spring, but in limited numbers. The Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox, for example, limit their attendance to 2,400.
Will Major League Baseball allow fans in the stands?
Major League Baseball announced on 1. February announced that the season will start on time and that a limited number of fans will be allowed in the stands at games starting in spring training. … That means the Royals and other teams will have a full 162-game season and will again follow the same rules as before the pandemic.
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