Although the 2020 MLB season is underway, it is obviously different than usual due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In addition to the season being shortened to 60 games, perhaps the biggest difference this year is that fans are not allowed in stadiums, making for a much different game experience.
The Los Angeles Dodgers just wrapped up their first series against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, and although fans weren’t allowed in the stadium, some still found a way to catch the game live.
The San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter recently re-opened its rooftop, which provides fans with a unique viewing experience for games at Petco Park. According to Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times, Marriott’s rooftop is 250 feet high and 1,000 feet from home plate, but was where fans took in games:
Jeffrey Berg, the hotel’s general manager, said the rooftop’s capacity was reduced from 315 to 84 after it reopened July 2 following a 105-day shutdown. Patrons must wear face coverings when not at their seats. They’re not allowed to roam; they can leave their seats only to take a closer photo of the stadium. Alcohol must be ordered with food. They open at 5 p.m. and close at 10 p.m., though guests can stay until 11.
Four drop screens and a television show the games. The broadcast is piped in on the surround sound systems. There are 28 seats on the drink rail with the best view of the field. A $50 minimum for food and beverage secures you one. Packages are also offered for hotel guests.
“We tried to make it as close to being in the park as possible,” Berg said.
A number of Dodger fans traveled from Orange County to watch Tuesday night’s win over the Padres from the Marriott. The apartments across the street from Wrigley Field have been similarly hosting fans on their rooftops as well, so it is good to see places getting creative since fans aren’t allowed in ballparks.
The Dodgers will play one more series at Petco Park this season from Sept. 14-16, and now that the word is out, more fans will likely flock to the Marriott.
Dodgers take two out of three from Padres
The Padres have been touted as one of the young teams in baseball with the brightest future, and some even picked them to overthrow the Dodgers for National League West supremacy as early as this season.
The Dodgers showed them who is still the team to beat in the division during their head-to-head meetings this week, winning two of the three games to earn a series victory at the end of their longest road trip of the season.
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