Fans will be able to attend the World Series and the National League Championship Series at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, according to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Manfred told USA Today's Bob Nightengale that pending approval from Gov. Greg Abbott, fans will be in attendance. How many fans and ticket information have yet to be announced but details are expected soon. The Texas Rangers opened the 40,300-seat, retractable-roof stadium this season but have been unable to welcome fans because of the coronavirus pandemic.
"We are pressing ahead to have fans in Texas," Manfred said. "One of the most important things to our game is the presence of fans. Starting down the path of having fans in stadiums, and in a safe and risk-free environment, is very, very important to our game."
Globe Life Field will host two National League Division Series, including the No. 1 seed vs. the No. 8 seed and No. 4 vs. No. 5. No. 2 vs. No. 7 and No. 3 vs. No. 6 will be played at Minute Maid Park in Houston. The ALDS will be played Oct. 5-9.
The NLCS begins Oct. 12 at Globe Life field and will air on Fox or FS1. The ALCS will be at Petco Park in San Diego beginning Oct. 11 and air on TBS.
MLB expanded its playoffs to a 16-team format in 2020 for the pandemic-shortened 60-game regular season. Fans have not been able to attend any regular-season games and, as of now, will not be able to attend division series games either.
"The inability of our fans to enjoy the in-ballpark experience is probably my biggest disappointment," Manfred said. The players have been poignantly honest about the significance of having fans in our ballpark and their importance. It emphasizes the bond between our fans and our players."
Manfred told USA Today that he expects to be on hand for the World Series where the commissioner typically presents the championship trophy to the winner.
"Honestly, I think this World Series championship is going to be special," Manfred said. "I think the team that comes through proves they not only prevailed over all clubs, but prevailed over a much bigger challenge in terms of this pandemic."
