Teams could see 30% capacity in April

Ohio sports fans might soon have the chance to root, root, root for the home team in person on a larger scale.

When the Major League Baseball, minor league baseball and Major League Soccer seasons begin in April, Ohio teams could have up to 30% capacity at home games, Gov. Mike Dewine said Monday.

That means the Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds and six Ohio minor league baseball teams could all have spectators at the start of their 2021 seasons.

Dewine said he spoke to the Indians and Reds last week and will be speaking this week to all minor-league teams in the state to go over the plan. But Dewine cautioned that all teams must come up with plans that have mask mandates and proper social distancing protocols before approved to allow fans.

The full announcement is expected Thursday, Dewine said.

With masks and the events taking place outdoors, “we think that 30% is a logical place to start, provided they can also have the distancing that is required,” he said. “What we have told them is we want to see your plan and we’ll review the plan. Their local health department, county health department will review the plan as well.” jmyers@dispatch.com @_jcmyers