On Friday, Los Angeles County received official permission to move into the red-colored tier of COVID-19 guidelines. This leads the way for Dodger Stadium to be able to allow 20 percent capacity in stadium. Dodger Stadium, a ballpark with 56,000 seats, will allow up to 11,000 fans to return on opening day. This is equivalent to 20 percent capacity, given the announcement Friday. This announcement with less than a month left until the Dodgers home opener against the Washington Nationals on April 9.  

Expectations for Dodger and Angel Stadium Reopening

With COVID-19 cases lowering and more vaccines being given, it allowed for the move into the red tier. The red tier will mean fans going to the home opener will get the chance to buy items from concessions. 

At this very moment, Dodgers ticket prices are sitting for slightly over $2,000 at the cheapest for Opening Day. These prices are only present via Stubhub at the moment though. The Dodgers still have not announced official ticket prices yet, and remain to announce more on stadium guidelines. 

As for the Angels, they are also allowing 20 percent capacity as well, but this estimates to about 9,000 people based on their stadium capacity. They will also release further information on tickets and stadium guidelines. 

Texas Rangers make a bold move, surprise many

Across the MLB, we saw many other Major League teams announce their reopening plans as well. The surprise amongst the reopenings occurred with Texas Ranger’s now second-year ballpark, Globe Life Field. With the recent reopening of the state of Texas, the Rangers announced that they will allow 100 percent of fans to return to their ballpark. 

Although the second-year ballpark will have full capacity, they have made it mandatory to wear a mask to the ballpark. The mask must be worn throughout the game’s entirety except when eating or drinking. The announcement has caused excitement for their fans, being able to attend their new stadium after not being able to go to ballgames in its inaugural year. 

However, the announcement has also brought much concern to fans of the team as well as the players and those in the organization. Rangers pitcher Kyle Gibson stated in an interview with Dallas News, “Playing in front of fans is going to be awesome. But I also think that the natural concern I have is where our families are going to sit and how we’re going to keep them out of harm’s way.” 

Reopening Plans across Major League Baseball

As for other Major league teams, most have announced their reopening plans as well (see here). Most teams are allowing around 20 to 30 percent capacity. The only team not given the green light to reopen was the Washington Nationals and their stadium, Nationals Park. Other teams such as the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays have not given specific details but are expected to reopen.