CHICAGO – Chicago is lifting some coronavirus restrictions for MLB opening day, allowing fans to watch games at Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field for the first time in more than a year.
The rules, announced Monday by the administration of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, go into effect April 1, the opening day for the Cubs. The home opener for the White Sox is April 8.
“I am a seasoned sports fan myself,” said Lightfoot, “I am personally delighted that Chicago is taking its first, tentative steps towards safely reopening our beloved baseball stadiums to fans this season.”
The capacity is initially limited to 20% for each location with a minimum of 1.8 meters between the parties. At Wrigley Field, the oldest baseball field in the National League, attendance is limited to 8,274 fans per game. The Cubs did not report positive COVID-19 tests among their players in the 2020 season.
“Nothing can replace the energy and enthusiasm that our beloved fans bring to the Friendly Confines at every game,” said Tom Ricketts, Cubs executive chairman. “We are ready and excited for our highly anticipated Wrigley Field reunion.”
In the guaranteed rate field, the capacity is capped at 8,122 fans.
“We believe this is a time when baseball can indeed serve our fans and our communities again, as we all hope for a gradual return to normal,” said Jerry Reinsdorf, president of the White Sox.
Lightfoot gave both teams the credit of working closely with the city’s public health officials to develop a plan to receive fans safely that also “provides a path forward to safely increasing stadium capacity as we get closer to our COVID- 19-recovery come “. The city decided it was appropriate to reopen to a limited number of fans, citing “low to moderate risk levels” for test positivity, cases, and ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 patients.
The Cubs and White Sox will include new measures designed to comply with local mandates and reduce the risk of COVID-19 broadcasts, including limiting access to the baseball fields, cashless concessions and merchandise sales, and reduced rows once inside. Everyone will have to wear a mask.
With Chicago’s announcement and California’s decision Friday to allow baseball stadiums, in addition to other outdoor venues, to admit fans, at least 25 of MLB’s 30 teams have announced plans to get fans in the stands in time for opening day. will allow. According to The Wall Street Journal, about 40% of the annual revenue for baseball teams comes from the stadium experience, including ticket sales and concessions.
“On behalf of Major League Baseball, I thank Mayor Lightfoot for her shared commitment to a responsible resumption of fan numbers in Chicago, following protocols designed to promote safety,” said Commissioner Rob Manfred. “MLB will continue to urge fans to follow health and safety best practices in the fight against COVID-19.”