Brief: Stadiums allowed to open to limited capacity

Los Angeles County is in the red tier, clearing the way for sports stadiums to open for both fans and players.

Traffic is directed at Dodger Stadium, which has been the largest COVID-19 testing and vaccination site in Los Angeles County. On April 9, thousands of Dodger fans will be permitted to attend home games following Los Angeles County’s red tier status in California’s re-opening guidelines. Tuesday, March 23. Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Stephen Castaneda/The Valley Star)

With the MLB season on the horizon, the Dodgers intend to raise their banner with their fans after being closed for most of the season.

Along with Orange and San Bernardino County, Los Angeles has been approved to move into California’s red tier — the second tier in the four level category coronavirus reopening blueprint from the California State Department of Health. It has been announced that April 1 will be the first day that outdoor venues from amusement parks to stadiums could open up to 20 percent occupancy; an estimate of 11,000 fans, according to the Los Angeles Times, could be in attendance at Dodger Stadium.

“It’s going to be great. We miss them,” said Dodgers Shortstop Corey Seager in a statement to NBCLA. “To be the first time to celebrate with them winning the World Series, it’s going to be pretty special for sure.”

Although the Dodgers will start the season on the road, they will have their home opener on April 9 against the Washington Nationals. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers expect to roll out tickets with season ticket holders granted priority.

Fans who already purchased season tickets were allowed to buy one out of two of the 14-game packages through June 2. They were also offered the opportunity to maintain their previously purchased seats. This opportunity includes the presale for the Opening Day game; however for those who do not have season ticket membership, the Dodgers will offer a limited number of single-game tickets for sale each game.

As the MLB season and coronavirus reopening guidelines progress, more fans would be allowed into Dodger Stadium.

According to NBCLA, Dodger Stadium will be allowed to open to 33 percent capacity under the orange tier, meaning over 18,000 guests could attend. In the yellow tier, Dodger Stadium will be allowed to open to 67 percent capacity, which would equal approximately 37,000 fans.

If this plan goes into full operation with no interruptions, Dodger Stadium could open to its full capacity by the end of the 2021 MLB season.

— Cesar Padilla