CHICAGO – Chicago is lifting some restrictions on coronavirus in time for MLB’s 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 on Monday by Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration, take effect on April 1, Opening Day for the Cubs. The home debut for the White Sox is April 8.
“As a sports fanatic,” said Lightfoot, “I am personally excited to see Chicago take its first cautious steps to safely reopen our beloved baseball stadiums for fans this season.”
Capacity will initially be limited to 20% for each location with at least 6 feet between parts. At Wrigley Field, the oldest stadium in the National League, participation will be limited to 8,274 fans per game. The Cubs did not report any positive COVID-19 tests among their players in the 2020 season.
“Nothing can replace the energy and enthusiasm that our beloved fans bring to Friendly Confines in every game,” said Cubs executive president Tom Ricketts. “We are ready and excited for our long-awaited Wrigley Field meeting.”
In the guaranteed rate field, capacity will be limited to 8,122 fans.
“We believe that this is a time when baseball can really serve our fans and our communities again, as we all hope for a gradual return to normal,” said Jerry Reinsdorf, president of White Sox.
Lightfoot gave credit to both teams for working closely with the city’s public health authorities to develop a plan to safely host fans that will also “offer a way to safely increase the stadium’s capacity as we approach our COVID-19 recovery “. The city determined that it was appropriate to reopen for a limited number of ventilators, citing “low to moderate risk levels” for positivity of the test, cases and ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 patients.
The Cubs and White Sox will include new measures aimed at fulfilling local mandates and decreasing the risk of COVID-19 transmission, including limiting entry to stadiums, cashless concessions and sales of goods and reduced queues once inside. Everyone will be required to wear a mask.
With the Chicago announcement and California’s decision on Friday to allow baseball stadiums, among other outdoor venues, to admit fans, at least 25 of the MLB’s 30 teams have announced plans that will allow fans to the stands in time for Opening Day. According to The Wall Street Journal, about 40% of baseball teams’ annual revenue is derived from stadium experience, including ticket sales and concessions.
“On behalf of the Major League Baseball, I thank Mayor Lightfoot for her shared commitment to the responsible resumption of fan participation in Chicago, in accordance with protocols designed to promote safety,” said Commissioner Rob Manfred. “MLB will continue to urge fans to follow best health and safety practices in the fight against COVID-19.”