WASHINGTON — Multiple DC sports teams will have fans in the stands this season.
The Washington Nationals got approval from DC health officials to have 5,000 fans in the stands of Nats Park for home games. A letter was sent to the team Monday, obtained by WUSA9.
The Nationals submitted its request to have home fans on March 13, according to the letter.
Mayor Muriel Bowser also announced Monday that DC United's application to operate Audi Field at 10% capacity (2,000 fans) was approved by the District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA).
According to a letter signed by HSEMA Director Christopher Rodriguez, there were four key points to the Nationals and DC United's plans, which led to its approval.
- Controlling fans entering and exiting the stadium
- Minimizing congregating outside restrooms or other public gathering areas
- Prioritizing contactless and in-seat food/beverage delivery to minimize lines forming at concession stands
- Enforcing CDC/ DC Health guidelines including mandatory mask requirements and social distancing
"HSEMA and DC Health will closely monitor your progress in carrying out the terms of this waiver, with the hope that we will be able to expand the stadium's capacity in the near future," Rodriguez said in his letter.
DC United released a statement Monday afternoon expressing their excitement at playing in front of fans again and said they would have "further details on the protocols and ticketing procedures" for their fans in advance of their home opener on April 16.
In Maryland, the Orioles announced Friday that they would play the 2021 season in front of fans, opening Camden Yrds at 25% capacity, or approximately 11,000 fans per game.
The mayor also announced Monday that she'd be rolling back some COVID restrictions in the District, while extending the city's Public Health Emergency order through May 20, 2021. The emergency order should not be confused with a stay-at-home order.
Beginning March 22, outdoor gatherings can now include up to 50 people if they can still socially distance. Indoor gatherings, according to the mayor, must be in accordance with DC Health and the guidance provided by the CDC. Indoor dining at restaurants will increase to 25% capacity or up to 250 people. Restaurants are required to close by midnight, but alcohol can continue to be sold up until midnight, according to the mayor.
“We have not crushed the virus in this city or this nation and we have to be mindful of that,” Bowser said. “We can’t go back to normal [yet] because this virus is still circulating in our city, people are still getting sick and going to the hospital and people are still dying.”