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Following an announcement by Governor Mike DeWine that Ohio sporting events may allow 30% capacity for outdoor events, the Cleveland Baseball Team confirmed they will be allowing fans into the stands of Progressive Field beginning in April.
Tickets will be sold with “pod-style” groups to maintain social distancing guidelines between groups. All fans will be required to wear face masks while in the ballpark unless eating or drinking at their seats. In addition to their masking policy, there will be sanitization stations placed throughout Progressive Field to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Further health and safety protocols being implemented include:
- All gates will open one hour before first pitch
- Social distancing will be required throughout all queuing locations
- No bags allowed to speed up ballpark entry – exceptions for medical bags, diaper bags and clutch purses
- Mobile entry – ticketless entry via MLB Ballpark app, My Indians Tickets and the StubHub app
- Food and beverage consumption will be confined to ticketed seating or ticketed designated standing spaces
- Cashless transactions encouraged at all food and retail locations
- Increased hand sanitizer stations around the ballpark
- Frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces
- Outdoor air circulation pumped in to all indoor areas
- Cleveland Clinic’s S-A-F-E branding and signage throughout the ballpark to remind fans of ballpark health guidelines
As expected there will be no player autograph availability, and some in-park activities (such as the Kids Clubhouse and the Family Deck) will not be open to the public. Heritage Plaza will remain open for viewing, and the Corner Bar will be available for grab-and-go orders only.
Cleveland opens the 2021 season on the road in Detroit. Their home opener will be on April 5 against the Royals.