The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are ready to welcome fans back into the stands, but first, there are some ground rules to know due to the coronavirus.
With single-game tickets on sale, following the cancellation of the 2020 season, the Philadelphia Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate on Tuesday announced its COVID-19 Safety Plan for fans at the Coca-Cola Park in Allentown.
It details what fans should expect when they come to the ballpark for each IronPigs home game, beginning with the season opener May 4 versus the Rochester Red Wings (Washington Nationals).
“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic safety has and always will be our top concern when it comes to our fans and everyone else involved within Coca-Cola Park,” IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes said in a statement Tuesday.
“We have worked tirelessly with Major League Baseball and the Allentown Health Bureau to make sure this plan promotes safety while allowing fans to enjoy their experience here as they have previously,” he continued. “We know a number of elements of this plan represent unique changes to Coca-Cola Park, but we appreciate our fans’ understanding and help as we ensure a safe return-to-fun experience.”
Among the changes is a ban on on-field activities and promotions, for fans and employees. Contests will take place in locations other than the field. Autograph sessions are prohibited, as are throwing or launching baseballs or other items into the seating area.
Other elements of the safety plan, included below and available here, are:
Cashless Environment
The IronPigs will be operating Coca-Cola Park as a fully cashless facility, including for food/beverage, ticketing and merchandise. Both credit cards and mobile contactless tap-to-pay applications will be accepted throughout Coca-Cola Park.
Digital Ticketing
All tickets will be digital, eliminating additional touch points for the safety of fans and employees alike and to allow for contactless entry. For more information regarding mobile ticketing, fans can visit milb.com. Only “pod” seating will be provided for fans using a socially distanced seating manifest. All unused seats will be zip-tied to prevent usage and encourage social distancing.
Gate Entrances and Security Screening
As fans enter the park the IronPigs will be enforcing social distancing guidelines. There will be stanchions to separate and social distance each entrance. For fans who wish to bring bags into Coca-Cola Park, the bag must be clear. Exceptions will be made for medical and diaper bags. Bags may be permitted inside the ballpark that are not clear if the guest consents to a physical search of the bag. Security will wear masks and gloves and use probing tools at bag check.
Mask Policy
All fans ages 2 and older will be required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth at all times on the ballpark property, other than when actively eating or drinking at their ticketed seats. Exceptions may be made for fans who cannot wear face coverings for medical reasons and provide written medical verification. These attendees with proper verification will be wrist-banded at gate entrances by security for identification purposes.
Concession Stands
As fans visit each concession stand, distancing markers will be placed to ensure social distancing while waiting in line. All employees will be required to wear protective gloves and face coverings. Condiments and similar items will be served using pre-packaged servings as opposed to communal servings.
Fans who have tickets in the PNC Club Level will order from their seats via mobile ordering only and food will be delivered directly to their PNC Club Level seats.
Restrooms
Every other urinal will be closed to ensure social distancing. Exterior doors will be propped open to encourage touch-less entry/exit. Automatic towel and soap dispensers have also been installed to provide touch-less distribution.
Elevators
Four patrons will be allowed in an elevator at one time. Fans are encouraged to use the stairwells when possible.
Surface Transmission
All areas of the ballpark accessed by fans will be cleaned and disinfected at regular intervals using products approved by the CDC and EPA for use against COVID-19. Numerous wall mounted and free-standing hand sanitizing stations will be made available in each area of the ballpark.
Other Highlights
- Water fountains will be disabled for the 2021 season for health precautions.
- There will be no smoking permitted in any area inside Coca-Cola Park to help discourage gathering areas.
- The Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital Kids Zone will not be open until coronavirus restrictions are lifted.
- Public address announcements will be made throughout the game to encourage social distancing and to remind fans of the face covering requirements. At the end of each game, ticket holders will be instructed when to leave their section to maximize social distancing.
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Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
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April 14, 2021 at 05:32PM
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IronPigs are ready to play ball for fans. Here are the COVID rules. - lehighvalleylive.com
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