As the focus shifted to the 2021 season, Major League Baseball had to address several concerns, such as whether the universal designated hitter and expanded postseason would be returning.
Another question on the mind of many was how teams would handle fan attendance for Spring Training and the regular season. With the exception of the National League Championship and World Series at Globe Life Field, the 2020 season was played in empty ballparks due to concerns over the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The public health situation remains challenging, but MLB is moving forward with allowing limited attendance for Spring Training games and the regular season.
Even though it will be at reduced numbers, Cody Bellinger is excited about having fans back at Camelback Ranch, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
“The best thing will be having fans back,” Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger said. “I’m so excited about that. I know when we played Atlanta and Tampa Bay in Texas (during the NLCS and World Series), it was so much better. Man, you will never, ever, take fans for granted again. You realize how much they impact the game. How much fun they make the game. We’re all just looking forward to getting back to normal again.”
For Bellinger and many players, it took some time to get used to playing in empty ballparks last season. Teams attempted to fill the void by piping in artificial crowd noise and packing the seats with cardboard fans.
Though creative, the ideas fell short of replicating actual crowds. Prior to the 2020 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers routinely led the league in attendance, giving the club a major home-field advantage against their opponents.
Dodgers hopeful to have fans for Opening Day at Dodger Stadium
Already primed to welcome fans to Camelback Ranch, the Dodgers have been in contact with government officials about possibly allowing some to attend their home opener on April 9 as well.
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