As we well know, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed our society in drastic ways over the last year. Those changes will still be evident on April 1 when the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Dodgers square off at Coors Field as part of Major League Baseball’s Opening Day schedule.
Looking through the extensive section devoted by the Colorado Rockies to fans and their questions about attending games in person to start the 2021 campaign, there were a few things that stood out to us. As a reminder, the state of Colorado has approved a 42.6 percent capacity variance starting on Opening Day. That means a capacity of 21,363 (out of a “normal” 50,144) will be allowed through the gates at 20th and Blake.
Note: Fans are no longer required to a mask at Coors Field, and capacity has been increased to 70 percent. You can see the latest updates from the Rockies on the fan experience here.
Here are five tips that can help fans attending a Colorado Rockies game at Coors Field in 2021.
Be prepared for the digital experience
There will be no printed tickets for this year’s games. As a fan, you will need to download the MLB Ballpark app on your phone and have your digital tickets stored there, then they will be scanned as your enter Coors Field. Adding your tickets to Apple Wallet or Google Pass is highly recommended.
Don’t plan to visit friends in other sections
If you’re concerned about being around other fans, the Rockies are doing what they can to limit the amount of interaction between fans.
According to the site…
"Seats will be grouped in “pods” to ensure safe separation between groups of fans, with guests from the same household or purchased group tickets together in the same pod. Seats between pods will be secured and unavailable for use to maintain proper spacing."
You won’t have to be from the same household to sit together, as long as the tickets were purchased together in the same pod. The days of scooting over to another section to see a friend during a game are gone … for now.
And yes, masks will be required at all times, including at your seat, unless actively drinking or eating.
The Rooftop will be quiet
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Standing at the edge of the Rooftop with a beverage and watching the sun set over the Rocky Mountains is a tradition at Coors Field. However, it won’t be possible this year as gatherings will not be allowed at standing room areas in the ballpark. This includes everything from the Rooftop to playgrounds.
Standing and catching some of the game is also not going to happen in the concourse areas either. Access to Coors Field is restricted to your seats unless you’re heading to the restroom or buying concessions.
Forget the cash
All transactions at Coors Field will be cashless, meaning you’ll be buying your food, drink, souvenirs, future tickets, etc., with a debit or credit card only. If you only have cash when you come to Coors Field, you’ll have to work with the Rockies on a “reverse ATM” exchange where your cash is turned into payment cards that can be used at Coors Field.
About your food and drinks
Yes, the Rockies are going to allow outside food and non-alcoholic drink into the stadium this year. Of course, there are some caveats to that, including that you’re bringing in a single-serving size and plastic bottles are still factory sealed (don’t open your soda before you go through the gates). Also, empty reusable plastic or metal cups or mugs are OK to bring into the game.
But, while planning your food for the game, don’t include any seeds and/or nuts in the shell. These food items aren’t going to be allowed inside so plan accordingly.
Of course, there is plenty more information out there about what the game-day experience will look like. You can find it on Rockies.com by clicking here.