/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68920187/usa_today_14209566.0.jpg)
There will be fans at Dodger Stadium on Opening Day this season. The only question is, how many will there be?
Los Angeles Dodgers President & CEO Stan Kasten today released the following statement:
“On behalf of the Dodger organization and its fans, we want to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Governor Newsom, his staff and the many others who have worked tirelessly on these revised guidelines which provide a blueprint for California outdoor sports venues to re-open to fans. Like the Governor, we’re optimistic that California will continue to make progress in the fight against COVID-19 and that we can safely host fans to start the season. Safety is paramount, and the Dodgers continue to work with local officials and Major League Baseball to finalize protocols to protect players, fans and staff.”
In addition, the Dodgers hope to announce health and safety protocols for fans as well as a ticket policy for reduced capacity in the coming days. The Dodgers and local officials will continue to monitor conditions, with the hope of safely adding greater capacity as the season progresses.
“That’s fantastic,” manager Dave Roberts said to the media when hearing the news. “I heard rumblings about it. Any amount of fans is great for all of us. To have some fans in the stands will be that much more exciting.
“Be safe. Where a mask. Be smart about things. It benefits everyone.”
Per the LA Times, the Dodgers will only be able to host 100 fans at this current point, as they are still in the purple tier. In addition, they’d be unable to sell concessions and cannot admit fans that live outside the region.
Once a county gets to the red tier, they’d be able to allow 20 percent of fans, meaning Dodger Stadium would be able to host 11,200 fans. Per the article, once a county reaches the orange tier, teams can fill 1⁄3 of the stadium. In the yellow tier, teams can fill 2⁄3 of the stadium.
The Dodgers’ first home game of the season is Friday, April 9.