CHICAGO – Chicago is lifting some coronavirus restrictions in a timely manner for the opening day of the MLB, allowing fans to participate in sports at the Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate field for the first time in more than a year.
The rules, announced Monday by Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration, take effect on April 1, the start day for the cub. The home opener for the White Sox is April 8th.
“As a fan of my own sport, I am personally excited that Chicago has taken the first precautionary step towards reopening our favorite baseball stadiums safely for fans this season,” Lightfoot said.
Initial capacity will be limited to 20% for each venue with a minimum of 6 feet between the parties. At the National League’s oldest ballpark, Wrigley Field, attendance will be limited to 8,774 fans per game. The Cubs have not recorded any positive COVID-19 tests among their players in the 2020 season.
“The fact that our favorite fans have a friendly limit to each game can’t change the energy and excitement,” said Tom Ricketts, Cubs’ executive chairman. “We are ready and excited for the reunion of our much-anticipated Wrigley area.”
On the guaranteed rate field, a capacity of 8,122 fans will be included.
“We believe this is the moment when Bezab indeed can really serve our fans and our communities again as we all hope to slowly return to normal,” said White Sox president Jerry Rensdorf. Said Ransdorf.
Lightfoot is credited with developing a plan for both teams to work with city public health officials to develop a plan to host fans that will “safely pave the way for growing stadium capacity as we move closer to our Covid-19 recovery.” The city is determined to reopen for a limited number of fans, citing the possibility of testing captured by COVID-19 patients, referring to “low to moderate risk levels” for cases and ICU beds.
The Cubs and White Sox include new measures designed to comply with local orders and will reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmissions, including limiting access to bullock parks, reducing cashless concessions and merchant sales, and once-inside lines. Everyone will need to wear a mask.
With Chicago’s announcement and California’s decision on Friday to allow fans to accept fans at baseball stadiums, other outdoor venues, 25 of the MLB’s 30 teams have announced plans that will allow fans time for the opening day. According to the Wall Street Journal, about 40% of the annual revenue for base teams comes from stadium experience, including ticket sales and discounts.
“On behalf of the Major League Baseball, I thank Mayor Lightfoot for his responsible commitment to resuming fan presence in Chicago, under protocol designed to promote safety,” said Commissioner Rob Munfred. “MLB will urge fans to adhere to the best practices for health and safety in the fight against Covid-19.”
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