(Columbus) - Chances are good that about 10,500 fans will be able to attend Cleveland Indians games at Progressive Field this season. Governor Mike DeWine said during his news briefing Monday that he's considering allowing Major Leauge and Minor League teams to have about 30 percent of the seats in the ballparks to be filled.
DeWine says he's been in talks with the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, and the seven Minor League teams, including the Lake County Captains, the Lake Erie Crushers, and the Akron RubberDucks. He told them that as people are being vaccinated, and people are wearing face masks and practicing social distancing. the 30 percent capacity will work. The governor says he'll make the official announcement on Thursday.
The only thing that could change this, according to the governor, is what may happen with the new strains of coronavirus that have come from other countries, and are now being detected in some parts of the United States. He says if that strain reaches Ohio, then this plan could be changed.
The Cleveland Indians sent out an email to season ticket holders on Monday saying that tickets will be sold in "pods" of two and four seats. The Indians say they are also in consultation with Cleveland Clinic to come up with other safety protocol.
The state allowed 18 percent capacity for Browns games, and about 14 percent for Cavaliers games.
(Photo from screen grab of news conference)
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