CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As of April 5, when the Indians are scheduled to open their home season against Kansas City, fans can fill Progressive Field to 30% capacity. That’s an estimated crowd of 10,500.
The Indians announced the plan on Thursday. Health and safety protocols formulated in conjunction with Cleveland Clinic, MLB and state and local public health officials will have to be followed to make it possible. Last year MLB played a 60-game season without fans because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Going from zero (attendance) to anything is going to be really fun, especially for the players,” said manager Terry Francona via Zoom call from spring training in Goodyear, Arizona. “Thirty percent, I think that’s pretty awesome. I hope they’re able to pull it off safely and that people warm up to the idea. I know we’ll really be thrilled if that’s the case.”
Ticket availability will be determined on a monthly basis until Progressive Field can operate at full capacity. Season ticket holders will receive priority access to available tickets and seating locations. Fans holding tickets for April games will be contacted by the team via email in the next two weeks with ticket options.
Fans attending games must wear facemasks recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) at the ballpark at all time unless they are eating or drinking in their seats. Neck gaiters, bandanas and masks with valves will not be allowed. Fans arriving at the ballpark without an approved face covering will be provided with a disposable face mask for the game.
Here are the other health & safety protocols that will be enforced at Progressive Field:
- All gates will open one hour before first pitch;
- Social distancing will be required throughout all queuing locations;
- No bags allowed so entry to the ballpark will be as quick as possible – exceptions for medical bags, diaper bags and clutch purses;
- Mobile entry – ticketless entry via Ballpark App, My Indians Tickets and the StubHub app;
- Food and beverage consumption will be confined to ticketed seating or ticketed designated standing spaces;
- Cashless transactions encouraged at all food and retail locations;
- Increased hand sanitizer stations around the ballpark;
- Frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces;
- Outdoor air circulation pumped in to all indoor areas; and
- Cleveland Clinic’s S-A-F-E branding and signage throughout the ballpark to remind fans of ballpark health guidelines.
“When the lower bowl is crowded, regardless of what the announced crowd is, it sounds good,” said Francona. “I mean it feels good.”
New Indians face masks for sale: Here’s where you can buy Cleveland Indians-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection, including a single mask ($14.99) and a 3-pack ($24.99). All MLB proceeds donated to charity.
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