PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Only a limited number of fans will be able to attend the Phillies’ season opener at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday, and there will be extra COVID-19 safety guidelines in effect.
“The entirety of the experience is going to be a little different,” explained Michael Harris, Phillies vice president of marketing.
Rule No. 1: Masks are required. Tailgating is prohibited, and fans will have to use digital tickets to enter the ballpark via the MLB Ballpark app.
Bags and backpacks are prohibited — only single-compartment purses, medical bags and diaper bags are allowed. Plastic bags for food are OK, too.
Only 8,800 fans are allowed in for the game. Seating will be in groups of two to six people to keep with social distancing protocols.
“All seats that aren’t going to be utilized and aren’t sold have been zip-tied,” said Harris, “so that it’s crystal clear which seats are eligible and which seats are not.”
In restrooms, every other sink and every other toilet will be available. Sanitizer stations have been installed and a “clean team” will disinfect highly trafficked areas.
“They will all be in very visible attire because we want fans to see them and to enforce the fact that the facility is being regularly treated throughout the entirety of the event,” said Harris.
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There will not be any vendors in the stands, so head to the concourse for a cheesesteak or beer, which can be purchased with cashless transactions.
“Plexiglass partitions will also be installed at all of our concession stands and there will be more grab-and-go style options available as well,” said Harris.
Pomp and ceremony will be scaled back a bit, but he said Opening Day will still be memorable.
And aside from eating or drinking, mask-wearing is mandatory — even the Phanatic will be wearing one.