California’s Orange Tier guidelines are bringing changes to entertainment venues in San Diego. Petco Park can now increase its seating capacity from 25% to 33% just in time for a homestand against the Dodgers.
They're doing it thanks to San Diego entering the Orange Tier and seating sections designated for people who can show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Fans can also be seated by showing a negative COVID-19 test within the last 72 hours before game day. These designated sections will have a capacity limit up to 67%.
Limited capacity at outdoor events has made it difficult for fans to get their hands on Padres tickets.
Nancy Ruiz, a longtime Padres fan, said she won four tickets in a workplace raffle for Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“Super big Padres fan! I got free tickets from my job, so I said, 'Come on girls, let's go watch a game,'” Ruiz said.
Ruiz added she was able to get tested for COVID-19 at Petco Park, as they are now offering rapid testing before each game.
“We’re supposed to get COVID tested, which we did right now, and thankfully we came out negative,” Ruiz said.
For those lucky enough to attend Friday’s game, the Padres CEO said fans are in for a special treat.
“We’re going to open up gates two hours before first pitch and we’re going to have a special ceremony for Joe Musgrove and the franchise’s first no-hitter,” Erik Greupner, Padres CEO said.
Pitcher Joe Musgrove threw the Padres first-ever no-hitter just a week ago, making Friday’s game that much more exciting. Greupner says masking is still required for all attendees at Petco park and attendance remains limited to California residents only.
