Ticket plan set to allow 8,800 fans at park in 2021
The Phillies announced Tuesday a plan to allow 8,800 fans per game in 2021 at Citizens Bank Park.
But there’s a catch. Only season ticket holders will be permitted for the first 19 home games, beginning with the season opener April 1 against the defending National League East champion Atlanta Braves.
The first contest fans can purchase a single-game ticket is for the May 18 game against the Miami Marlins.
This “soft opening” of Phillies baseball is in collaboration with the city and state as well as the continuation of declining COVID-19 cases in the region.
The organization also announced extensive health and safety protocols for all Phillies home games, with operational specifics to be announced prior to Opening Day. Among the protocols:
To allow for socially distant seating, fans will be seated in pods of two, three or four people, with limited pods available for five to six people.
All attendees aged 2 and older must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth at all times on ballpark property, other than when actively eating or drinking at their ticketed seats.
All areas of the ballpark accessed by fans will be cleaned and disinfected before, during and after each game by a newly created “Clean Team” utilizing processes and products approved by the CDC and EPA specifically for use against COVID-19. Hand sanitizing stations will also be widely available.
“We have been diligently
working with our city and state officials to finalize health and safety protocols at Citizens Bank Park,” Phillies executive vice president David Buck said in a news release. “With these important measures now in place, we are excited to safely welcome a limited number of our fans back to the ballpark experience.
“The unmatched energy our fans bring to the game has undoubtedly been missed, and we can’t wait to hear their cheers once again come Opening Day.”
Tickets for the remaining 62 regular-season home games will go on sale in early April. The amount of tickets sold for these games may increase or decrease as health conditions evolve.
The Phillies will continue to consult with and take direction from local and state officials throughout the season.
Fans are encouraged to visit Phillies.com or follow @phillies on social media for news and updates, including ticket availability for future games.
The Phillies began their spring training schedule Monday in Clearwater, Florida, at their newly named home, BayCare Ballpark.
Second-year manager Joe Girardi’s club is coming off a 28-32 season in which its bullpen was historically bad.
The Phillies have shaken up their roster, including the bullpen and bench.