Cubs, White Sox will allow fans in stands on Opening Day originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Baseball is officially back in Chicago. In a video posted to Twitter featuring Tim Anderson, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that fans will be able to attend games at Guaranteed Rate Field and Wrigley Field on Opening Day.
Both stadiums will be limited to 20% capacity, so 8,122 fans on the South Side and 8,274 fans on the North Side. Those capacity limits will allow groups of fans to sit at least six feet apart from one another. In addition, both ballparks will feature limited contact entries, cashless concessions, reconfigured concourses and additional bathrooms. As mentioned in the tweet, as well, “masking is still of the utmost importance.”
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“As a diehard sports fan myself, I’m personally excited to have Chicago take its first, cautious steps toward safely reopening our beloved baseball stadiums to fans this season,” said Mayor Lightfoot in a statement. “We're able to do that thanks to the commitment of our city’s two great baseball franchises who continue to work in close partnership with Chicago’s public health officials to find solutions that are not only safe, but offer a path forward toward safely increasing stadium capacity as we move closer into our COVID-19 recovery.”
“We are proud of the important and historic role baseball plays in our country, offering respite during some of the most difficult times or in providing fans with a sense of comfort when circumstances seemed uncertain,” said Jerry Reinsdorf, chairman of the White Sox, in a statement. “We believe this is a moment when baseball can indeed serve our fans and our communities again as we all hope for a gradual return to normal. It’s why we applaud Mayor Lightfoot, the leadership role she and Governor Pritzker have played for our city and state, and the decision today — guided by an unwavering commitment to public health and safety — to allow fans to return to Guaranteed Rate Field for Opening Day.”
“We appreciate Mayor Lightfoot’s leadership and share the City of Chicago’s commitment to safely welcoming fans back to baseball,” said Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts in a statement. “The return of fans is incredibly meaningful to our players, our City and the game we all love. Nothing can replace the energy and enthusiasm our beloved fans bring to the Friendly Confines each and every game. We’re ready and excited for our much-anticipated Wrigley Field reunion.”
The Cubs will host Opening Day at Wrigley Field on April 1. The White Sox start on the road and will have their home opener on April 8.
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