The Los Angeles Dodgers and all other MLB teams in California gained clearance to have fans in attendance come Opening Day of the 2021 regular season. The California Department of Public Health approved as much through a tiered system based on county statistics.
At present time, L.A. County has 9.6 new positive coronavirus (COVID-19) cases per 100,000 residents, which amounts to being in the purple tier. If there is improvement for placement in the red tier (four to seven new cases per 100,000), the Dodgers would be permitted to sell concessions and have 20% capacity of Dodger Stadium — 11,200 tickets.
For now, they are on track to face a limit of 100 fans, with those only in the region (within 120 miles) able to attend and Dodger Stadium concessions not permitted to be open.
“I heard there were rumblings about that, so to get a little more clarity, I think that’s fantastic,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of the baseline of having fans cleared to attend games.
“Obviously last year not having fans in the regular season, so any amount of fans is great for all of us and our players as we look at our home opener to get our World Series rings. To have some fans in the stands will be that much more exciting.”
Regardless of how it ultimately takes shape, the Dodgers face a challenge in determining a process to select which fans will gain access to tickets. The team is working on a ticket policy for reduced capacity and hopes to have an announcement in the coming days.
The Dodgers additionally will implement health and safety protocols for fans in attendance.
Changes at Camelback Ranch
The environment at Dodger Stadium figures to mirror what the Dodgers are currently experiencing for Spring Training. Camelback Ranch is operating at 18% of full capacity (2,400 fans) and also with a wide range of health and safety protocols.
They include fans not being permitted to attend workouts, social distancing at all times, and appropriate masks (neck gaiters, bandanas and masks with valves not approved) to be worn at all times unless eating or drinking in ticketed seats.
No bags are permitted except those for medical reasons or manufactured diaper bags that accompany infants and young children. Furthermore, no outside food or drink is allowed, except for one unopened bottle of water per person, sized one liter or smaller. There also is a ban on tailgating this year.
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