CHICAGO – Chicago lifts some coronavirus restrictions in time for MLB Opening Day, allowing fans to attend 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, will take effect on April 1, the day the puppies open. The home opening for the White Sox is April 8th.
“As a sports fan myself,” Lightfoot said, “I’m personally excited to have Chicago take the first prudent steps to safely reopen our beloved baseball stadiums to fans this season.”
Capacity will initially be limited to 20% for each room with a minimum of 6 feet between parts. At Wrigley Field, the oldest ski in the National League, attendance will be limited to 8,274 fans per game. The Cubs did not report positive testing of COVID-19 among their players in the 2020 season.
“Nothing can replace the energy and enthusiasm that our dear fans bring to Friendly Confines games,” said Tom Ricketts, chief executive of Cubs. “We are prepared and excited for our long-awaited Wrigley Field meeting.”
In the guaranteed fare field, capacity will be limited to 8,122 fans.
“We believe this is a time when baseball can serve our fans and our communities again, as we all expect a normal gradual return,” said Jerry Reinsdorf, president of the White Sox.
Lightfoot credited the two teams for working closely with city public health officials to develop a plan to safely accommodate fans that will also “provide a path to a secure increase in the stadium’s capacity to as we approach the recovery of COVID-19 “. The city determined that it was appropriate to reopen to a limited number of fans, citing “low to moderate risk levels” for the positivity of the test, 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 transmission, including limiting entry to stands, cashless concessions, and the sale of goods and reduced lines once inside. Everyone will need to wear a mask.
With the announcement in Chicago and California’s decision Friday to allow baseball stadiums, including other outdoor venues, to admit fans, at least 25 of the 30 MLB teams have announced plans to allow fans to bleachers in time for the opening day. According to the Wall Street Journal, approximately 40% of baseball teams ’annual revenue comes from experience at the stadium, including ticket sales and concessions.
“On behalf of Major League Baseball, I thank Mayor Lightfoot for her shared commitment to the responsible resumption of fan attendance in Chicago, under protocols designed to promote safety,” said Commissioner Rob Manfred. “MLB will continue to urge fans to follow best practices for health and safety in the fight against COVID-19.”