The Salt Lake Bees will play their first home game in 612 days on Thursday evening in downtown Salt Lake City. Photo courtesy of KSL
SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake Bees will play their first home game in 612 days on Thursday evening in downtown Salt Lake City.
Nearby businesses say they’re excited for the return.
“I’m expecting it to be pretty crazy, not only the game but the weather and the game,” said Lucky 13’s manager Jasmine Gordon. “(There are) a lot of familiar faces that we haven’t seen in a really long time who — they specifically come to meet up with friends for Bees’ games.”
Gordon also thinks business this summer could be the best it’s been in years, with people returning to restaurants as public health restrictions lift.
“They have a newfound excitement for like, going out [and] being able to be with friends, family, being able to do things that they probably took for granted,” she said. “I think that this, potentially, this (summer) could maybe be busier than it has in the past.”
The Salt Lake Bees organization says they’re limiting capacity at Smith’s Ballpark to 3,200 fans during the month of May. They’re selling tickets in pods.
“Seats will be sold in groups of two, four or six with a 6-foot social distancing radius around each ‘pod.’ Fans must sit in their assigned seats and unused seats will be roped off. Capacity will be reevaluated throughout the season,” the team’s website said.
Major League Baseball will also require masks at games.
“Per mandates from Major League Baseball and local health departments face coverings are required for fans and staff at Smith’s Ballpark while not actively eating or drinking. Face coverings must cover both the nose and the mouth.”
Other distancing and concession restrictions are also in place. They’re offering mobile food ordering and the Ballpark will be cash-free for the season.