With restrictions continuing to loosen as Chicago's Covid positivity rate decreases and vaccinations increase, the city has announced that limited crowds will be able to return to Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field when the 2021 MLB season begins in April. This morning, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that both the Cubs and the White Sox will be able to welcome back fans at 20 percent capacity, with at least six feet between all parties.
The Cubs will celebrate Opening Day on April 1 and will allow 8,274 fans in the stands as the teams faces off against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Masks will be required, all tickets will be digital, all concessions sales will be cashless and the park will institute a new sanitization process during and between games. Cubs season ticket holders will have an opportunity to secure tickets to games before they go on sale to the general public during the week of March 15.
The White Sox will play their home opener on April 8, playing the Kansas City Royals with a crowd of 8,122 fans. Masks will be mandatory, bags will not be allowed, all transactions within the park will be cashless and promotions like $1 hot dog night and post-game fireworks have been postponed until further notice. The White Sox have not announced when tickets will be made available, but fans can register for ticketing availability alerts.
Both Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field will assign dedicated entrances and exits to fans to minimize congregation and increase the number of restrooms available to guests. The 20 percent capacity limit could rise or be eliminated entirely, depending on Chicago's Covid positivity rates and vaccination efforts. In a release announcing the return of fans to ballparks, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady reminded Chicagoans, “As our favorite places in the city reopen, it is important we remain vigilant and continue to follow the public health guidance so we can enjoy everything Chicago has to offer.”
Folks, we've significantly slowed the spread of COVID, getting our positivity rate down to 2.8%. And now, we can begin to safely welcome fans back to our baseball stands on opening day. Although we’re reopening, masking is still of utmost importance. 😷⚾ pic.twitter.com/pkGnMDkSUc
— Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) March 8, 2021
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