Going to a Dodgers game? What to expect as ballpark reopens at full capacity

KABC logo
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
What to expect as Dodger Stadium reopens at full capacity
At long last, Dodger Stadium will offer full-capacity seating Tuesday for the first time since 2019, thanks to the statewide lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- At long last, Dodger Stadium will offer full-capacity seating Tuesday for the first time since 2019, thanks to the statewide lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

Up to 50,000 fans can be in attendance as the Dodgers take on the Philadelphia Phillies at 7:10 p.m. The game, the second in a three-game series, is likely to have a party atmosphere as fans look to pack the ballpark without need for physical distancing or separating into vaccinated and non-vaccinated seating sections.

If you're planning to catch a game, here's what you need to know before you go:

Masks:

Face masks will still be a common sight at the stadium. Stadium employees "who interact with the public'' will continue to wear face coverings, according to the team. Fans who are not vaccinated must wear a mask while in indoor areas, such as retail stores or restaurants while not eating or drinking.

With California fully reopening today, what changes can you expect?

After more than a year of restrictions, California is now fully reopening its economy.

The county Department of Public Health "strongly recommends'' that unvaccinated fans continue wearing face masks while at the game, unless they are eating or drinking. Vaccinated fans are not required to wear a mask.

Tickets, concessions and bag policy:

All tickets will be issued digitally and scanned at ballpark entrances from a mobile device via the MLB Ballpark App. To learn how to install your mobile tickets, click here.

All purchases inside the stadium will continue to be cash-less, including retail and concessions.

Bags, backpacks, beach bags, hard and soft coolers, large purses, etc. are not permitted, with the exception of diaper bags that accompany infants and clear plastic bags smaller than 12 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches.

Here's where you'll still have to wear a mask when California reopens on June 15

Mask on or mask off? We've broken down exactly what the mask rules are for when California reopens on June 15.

Centerfield Plaza and parking:

Dodger Stadium's Centerfield Plaza will be fully opened for the first time, and Dodger alumni will be mingling with fans. Also open will be the stadium's batting and pitching cages, center-field turf kids area, the Gold Glove bar in the Left Field Pavilion and the Dodgers' Dugout Augmented Reality Photobooth.

Parking lots will open two hours prior to game time, and stadium gates will open 90 minutes before the first pitch.

Other things to know:

The first 25,000 fans arriving at the stadium will receive a Justin Turner bobblehead. Country singer Brad Paisley will perform the national anthem, and there will be a celebration of the team's 2020 World Series title. The team will be wearing special-edition gold-trimmed jerseys and caps -- the same that were worn on Opening Day.

The Dodgers are expecting another capacity crowd for Wednesday's 7:10 p.m. game against the Phillies, with the first 40,000 fans receiving a Mookie Betts jersey.

With return to sense of normalcy on June 15, Californians find themselves with mixed feelings

The countdown is on to California's long-awaited reopening on June 15. With a sense of normalcy about to return, many people are finding themselves with decidedly mixed feelings.

A COVID-19 vaccination clinic will be operating in the Centerfield Plaza during the games on Tuesday and Wednesday, through the seventh inning. Fans who get vaccinated will receive a voucher for two tickets to a future game, while supplies last.

The Dodgers will be the Southland's first major sports franchise to enjoy the lifted COVID-19 restrictions. The Angels will not play a home game in Anaheim until Thursday. The Clippers, who are facing the Utah Jazz in an NBA Western Conference semifinal series, are not scheduled to play at Staples Center again until Friday.

City News Service contributed to this report.