This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

*Watch Gov. DeWine discuss seating capacity for sporting events in the video above.*

CLEVELAND (WJW) — The Cleveland Indians are giving fans an idea of what they can expect as they head back to the ballpark for the 2021 season.

According to a press release, the team has partnered with the Cleveland Clinic to help determine safety guidelines and provide training for staff.

“Providing health and safety recommendations is an important step we can take to help keep our community safer as we work to resume activities we enjoyed pre-pandemic,” said James Merlino, M.D., Chief Clinical Transformation Officer at Cleveland Clinic. “We are proud to advise the Cleveland Indians on implementing public health measures, which continue to be important during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The following changes will be implemented:

  • All gates will open one hour before first pitch
  • Social distancing will be encouraged throughout all queuing locations
  • No bags allowed to speed up and prevent overcrowding during ballpark entry – exceptions for medical bags, diaper bags and clutch purses
  • Mobile entry – ticketless entry via Ballpark App, My Indians Tickets and the StubHub app
  • Food and beverage consumption will be confined to ticketed seating or ticketed designated standing space
  • Due to health and safety precautions for players, they will not be able to sign autographs in person
  • Cashless transactions encouraged at all food and retail locations
  • Increased hand sanitation stations around the ballpark
  • Frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces
  • Outdoor air circulation pumped in to all indoor areas
  • Cleveland Clinic’s S-A-F-E branding and signage throughout the ballpark to remind fans of ballpark health guidelines

Governor Mike DeWine announced on Thursday that sporting and entertainment venues can reopen with 25 percent indoor capacity and 30 percent outdoor capacity as long as other precautions, including designated pathways and seating pods, are followed.

DeWine said he’s already been in contact with the Indians and Cincinnati Reds, as well as the minor league teams.

“This is a start. If the situation improves in spring/summer, this could be expanded,” DeWine said.

Additional health and safety information will be released on the Indians website in the coming months.