ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves have announced they will welcome fans back to Truist Park in April for the first time since October of 2019.
The park will open at 33% capacity starting on April 9, when the Braves meet the Philadelphia Phillies. Officials will revisit capacity limits for each homestand.
“After a long and difficult year, we are excited to welcome Braves fans back to Truist Park beginning on April 9.” said Derek Schiller, President and CEO of the Braves. “Baseball has had a healing affect over the course of our history, and we look forward to be a place where our fans can come, have fun and enjoy cheering on their favorite team in a welcoming environment.”
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The stadium will offer modified seating for around 14,000 people in socially-distanced pods around the ballpark that generally hold two or four fans each. Fans will have to mask up when not eating or drinking. Ticketing and ordering will be made mobile.
Channel 2′s Berndt Petersen was at the park, where fans couldn’t believe it’s been 17 months since anyone had seen a ballgame.
Marty Edelman and his friends said 2020 was bad on so many levels, and they never had a chance to get away from it all.
“I miss going to games,” Edelman said. “I miss seeing other people in the stands.”
Keith Mosley liked the compromise.
“I think 335, that’s a good start,” Mosley said. “That’s good enough to get us going and get people comfortable.”
Edelman pointed out that the Texas Rangers will allow a packed stadium for their opening day, but says he will take what he can get.
“It’s a good start,” Edelman said. “I’d love for us to get back 100%, but we’ve got to be smart and do it slowly, so we don’t end up back with nobody in the stands.”
Edelman said he hopes that each time officials reevaluate the situation, more fans will be allowed inside the stadium.
Braves A-list members and people who have already bought single-game tickets received communication from the team Friday about their options.
After the presale for A-List Members and single-game ticket holders who had previously purchased April tickets, a general sale will be available to the public starting on March 30 at 10 a.m. at www.braves.com/tickets
The Braves have been working with Emory Healthcare’s infectious disease experts who have assisted and reviewed the team’s COVID-19 protocols and have guided their safety plan.
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