The Atlanta Braves are set to join the Texas Rangers as the two teams in Major League Baseball whose stadiums will have operated at 100 percent capacity in 2021, marking a significant moment as teams across the league transition to accommodate more fans as the Covid-19 pandemic subsides in the United States.
That change will go into effect on Friday May 7, the first game of the team’s next homestand—it’s third of the season. The team opened the year at 33 percent capacity in its initial homestand, followed by 50 percent capacity during the current home stretch that concludes Thursday against the Cubs. The team has been hosting just over 20,000 fans through the current stretch.
“We have had great success welcoming our fans back safely to Truist Park,” said Braves President and CEO Derek Schiller in a press release. “Our outdoor environment, the demand from our season ticket holders and fans to watch us play in person plus safety measures which are in place make it feel that now is the right time to get back to full capacity at Truist Park.”
The obvious talking point that will inevitably arise from this decision (and decisions to come as other organizations also expand capacity) is whether such a move is happening too soon. After more than a year of social and physical distancing, some trepidation is to be expected. But neither the Braves’ limited openings nor the Rangers’ full opening have contributed to a rises in cases in either state as vaccinations continue climbing every day.
The move comes shortly after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relaxed its recommendation for mask use outdoors in small groups. The Braves will continue to mandate masks for entry and ask fans to wear them whenever not eating or drinking, but enforcement so far this season has been minimal.