Over the next two weeks, Major League Baseball will attempt to become the first U.S. pro sports league to stage a championship in front of fans since the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the world.
And you are invited.
In typical 2020 fashion, the first time fans will be able to watch baseball at the Rangers' new $1.2 billion retractable roof stadium, the Rangers won't be anywhere to be seen.
As many as 10,500 fans, roughly 28% of Globe Life Field's full capacity, will be able to attend games for the NL Championship Series between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers, which starts Monday, and the World Series the following week. But you better have your tickets already in hand _ or downloaded, rather, since all tickets are digital only _ because the World Series is already sold out. A limited number of tickets remain for NLCS Games 2 and 3 and a potential Game 7.
So, if you are going to go, here's a guide on what your fan experience might be like from the time you get in your car until the last out is made. We'd say pack a lunch, since the NLDS series averaged three hours and 45 minutes per game, but no outside bags will be allowed. More on that later.
First, before you start your car _ and we can't stress this enough _ this important common-sense advisory from Rob Matwick, the Rangers executive vice president of business operations.
"If you don't feel well," Matwick said before taking a pause. "Stay at home. I understand it's easy for me to say. I realize its allergy season. I realize there's 100 other reasons you could say that you maybe don't feel well. But I think if you feel like you are experiencing symptoms that could be related to COVID, then we would strongly recommend you stay at home, enjoy the game on TV, get your tickets to a family member or friend. Allow them to go. I think that's just in everybody's best interest."
Got it?
OK, let's walk the rest of the steps through a safe, socially distanced playoff experience.
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