Will there be fans in attendance at Petco Park this season? It is too early to say with certainty and that is a good thing: it reflects an acknowledgment of influential factors that change every day. As time proceeds our science gets smarter, the coronavirus variants adopt, and our community case count fluctuates.
Note: Yes fans are allowed at spring training games.
Limited Capacity
At this time, the rumored hope for the 2021 baseball season at Petco Park is to achieve is a limited capacity of approximately 10,000 fans, roughly 25% of the ballpark’s capacity. This is in line with California COVID restrictions and guidelines for sports venues, should we reach the least-restrictive tier. That approximate number is a goal, not a starting point. Opening Day 2021 will likely house much fewer fans in attendance, if any at all.In early March, California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed ‘confidence’ that California baseball teams would host fans in their stadiums. The roster of teams in the state includes the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants and the Padres.
Social Distancing at Petco Park
The experience at Petco Park in 2021 will certainly require changes and cooperation from those fans who do get to attend. This will include wearing a mask, spaced pods of seating and perhaps even temperature checks at the gate. On the Padres side, the stadium would intensify their cleaning regimen and sanitation stations (never a bad thing at a baseball park), and rely on contactless entry / digital tickets / mobile concessions.MLB has said it will not require testing or proof of vaccination for fans in attendance. But added that these league guidelines could change pending any major advancement in technology. Specifics will then fall to the individual teams and their ballparks, who will outline their own protocols for letting
Public Or Just Season Ticket Holders
Padres Season Ticket Members have first rights to their seats. No announcement has been made to open up tickets to the rest of the fan base. Tickets always seem to pop up on secondary markets awaiting the highest bidder, as well as in the hands of your brother-in-law, the dentist, who you will never let you forget the favor. It is estimated that approximately 11,000 Padres season ticket holders.As the COVID vaccine becomes more available and accessible in San Diego and our community continues to adhere to spread-reduction behaviors, the expectation is that MLB capacities will increase throughout the season.
Its surely a glass half-full/half-empty situation so view it as you like. At least the games are being played!
Petco Park Insider is your guide to enjoying games in San Diego at the Padres baseball stadium. Please join the conversation on Twitter @PetcoParkSD or contact us at Petco Park Insider.
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