It was being widely reported on Wednesday that California Governor Gavin Newsom is working “very closely” with Major League Baseball on a plan that will allow fans in the stands at California stadiums this season despite the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

According to several news sources, Newson has had “advanced” conversations with the league and public health officials, who are finalizing details to update guidelines related to sports venues and amusement parks. The conversations are due to improved state metrics and more people getting vaccinated against the deadly virus.

“We are stabilizing; we’re moving into the red tier,” Newsom said during a press conference at the Cal State Long Beach vaccination site on Wednesday. “When you think forward to April, Opening Day, where we’re likely to be if we all do our job, if we don’t let down our guard … then I have all the confidence in the world that fans will be back, safely, in a lot of those outdoor venues.”

  *  *  * 

  *  *  *  * 

The governor did not elaborate on what the possible modifications might be.

Currently, L.A. County is in the most restrictive purple tier of the state’s reopening plan but could move into the red tier within the next few weeks, allowing for more reopenings countywide. Under the purple tier – and even in the less restrictive red tier – professional sports are allowed with modifications and without live audiences.

The Dodgers open the 2021 season on April 1 against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver. Earlier this week, the Rockies announced that they are allowing 12,500 fans to attend their home games. The Dodgers home opener will be on April 9 against the Washington Nationals.

On Friday afternoon, Dodgers President Stan Kasten released this statement:

“On behalf of the Dodger organization and its fans, we want to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Governor Newsom, his staff, and the many others who have worked tirelessly on these revised guidelines, which provide a blueprint for California outdoor sports venues to re-open to fans. Like the Governor, we’re optimistic that California will continue to make progress in the fight against COVID-19 and that we can safely host fans to start the season. Safety is paramount, and the Dodgers continue to work with local officials and Major League Baseball to finalize protocols to protect players, fans, and staff.”

The Dodgers hope to announce health and safety protocols for fans as well as a ticket policy for reduced capacity in the coming days. The Dodgers and local officials will continue to monitor conditions, with the hope of safely adding greater capacity as the season progresses.

  *  *  *  *  *  *