For the first time since October 30th, 2019, MLB will have fans in a non-exhibition game. They announced that limited fans will be in attendance for the NLCS and World Series at Globe Life Field. According to MLB, 11,500 tickets will be sold for each game. 950 of them will be in suites, and 10,550 of them will be fans seated around the stadium. As of now, fans will only be present at the NLCS and World Series, both played in Arlington, TX. They will not be present at the ALCS, played at Petco Park in San Diego, CA.
MLB just announced fans will be in the seats for the NLCS and World Series in Arlington.
Approximately 11,500 tickets will be available for each game, with 10,550 fans spread throughout the ballpark and 950 in suites.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) September 30, 2020
MLB joins the NFL
Without fans since Spring Training, MLB has joined the NFL in allowing fans at games. However, the NFL has left this up to the respective teams. Meanwhile, the NBA and NHL have been in bubbles with only limited numbers of family members in attendance in the later rounds. This has had a hiccup in the NFL as a fan tested positive for the coronavirus at a Kansas City Chiefs game. Globe Life Field has a capacity of 40,300, so there will only be at 28.3% maximum capacity at the each game, plus the essential baseball personnel. There will most likely be stringent safety measures at each game.
Relief for Lost Revenue
Although fans will only be present for the NLCS and World Series, it should be chip into the revenue losses accrued this season. Other the Spring Training, which was suspended on March 12th, MLB has had significant revenue loss due to the lack of fans. MLB is much more reliant on fans as a proportion of total revenue compared to leagues such as the NFL as the Cubs were estimated to lose about $200 million in May. If nothing else, this trial could be a structure for fans at the ballpark heading into 2021.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
