Will MLB fans be allowed at home games? A team-by-team look at 2021 plans

With Opening Day approaching, major league teams are preparing for the return of fans to the ballpark – at limited capacity.

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred informed teams before spring training began that fans will be permitted to attend regular season games, provided that state and local health guidelines allow it.

In a memo to teams, he outlined the minimum health and safety requirements for social distancing that include wearing a mask and selling tickets in small groups of pods at least six feet apart, among others.

No fans attended games last season until the National League Championship Series and World Series at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. Fans have been attending spring training games in Arizona and Florida.

While none of the team’s plans are set in stone – and could change by April 1's season openers – most have announced their intentions. Teams are still working with state and local health authorities to set policies and protocols to ensure the health and safety of fans, employees, and players amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The biggest state in flux is California, which is the home to five major league clubs, including the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said earlier this week that he is working “very closely” with ML on a plan that would allow fans to attend outdoor stadiums this season.

“We are stabilizing, we’re moving into the red tier,” Newsom said. “When you think forward to April, Opening Day, where we’re likely to be if we all do our job, if we don’t let down our guard … then I have all the confidence in the world that fans will be back, safely, in a lot of those outdoor venues.”

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