
Attending a Cleveland Indians game in 2021 is going to be quite a unique experience.
April games will feature up to 30 percent capacity and fans must be masked while in attendance.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine made the ruling and did say the amount of fans could increase in May.
His latest comments on the matter inspire the most confidence so far that there will be a sense of normalcy returning during the summer.
A WKYC article shared an inspiring quote.
“I’ve described Opening Day in Cleveland — Indians at 30 percent capacity, but we could be moving away from that by May 1,” DeWine said, via WKYC. “I would hope by the time we get to July 4, we might be full capacity.”
Having a full stadium on July 4 would be a truly pleasant surprise.
One interesting nugget for baseball fans during DeWine's briefing in East Cleveland; DeWine believes the current 30 percent capacity will increase by May 1st and hopes to be able to grant full capacity by July 4. #Indians #Reds
— Glenn Forbes (@GlennForbes1) March 5, 2021
Stipulations for Full Capacity
DeWine went on to explain that enough people being vaccinated will determine the future health orders affecting Indians attendance.
The same is true for the state of Ohio as a whole.
This seems like a logical plan of action.
However, the next question is whether a full stadium of fans will have to wear masks.
Also, will enough people want to attend a game so soon?
The most important thing is making sure all of this can be done in a safe manner.
If so, it would not be crazy to think that plenty of people will want to attend a summer game.
Another Positive Update
Getting fans back in the stands at all was great news in 2021.
WE CAN'T WAIT TO WELCOME YOU BACK TO PROGRESSIVE FIELD!!!!!
We will host 30% capacity for April home games.https://t.co/Ht7uLG8ZMd pic.twitter.com/ReWWvX6LkG
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) February 25, 2021
It was eerie and sometimes boring to watch games in 2020 that were played in empty stadiums.
Of course, it was a necessity at the time.
Starting at 30 percent capacity allows the state more time to get people vaccinated and also gives the Indians a chance to put health and safety protocols in place without a full house.
The organization can put the protocols in place and begin planning for more fans before announcements are even made.
More people being vaccinated means more fans in the stands and that is great new for the Indians, fans, and all of Major League Baseball.
It also signals a general sense of slowly moving past the events of the past year.
The Indians play their first home game April 5 against the Kansas City Royals.
The first home game in May is not until May 7, so there should be plenty of time to prepare for more fans if the health orders do change.
DeWine has provided fans with hopes of a full ballpark in 2021.
Regardless of if that happens, having some noise back at Progressive Field will be a nice change this season.
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