Korean baseball opens stadiums to limited amount of fans

Doosan Bears and LG Twins fans finally reentered the Jamsil Stadium in Seoul for a game held there on July 26.

The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) season kicked off on May 3 with much fanfare as the stands were filled not with people but with stuffed animals. Plans to open the stands to fans were set for July 3 but rising COVID-19 numbers postponed those plans.

The opening of the country’s stadiums to 10 percent of crowd capacity include many measures to protect fans, players and staff from coronavirus. Spectators must register in advance and enter the stadium with a unique QR code which will help health authorities trace the infection route should a COVID-19 case be reported in any stadium. Temperature checks are in full effect and tickets must be purchased ahead on each team’s website or online ticketing website using electronic payment. You cannot purchase tickets at stadiums.

In addition, face masks for all fans are mandatory except when drinking water or other beverages. Excessive cheering and eating food in the stands are also prohibited.

Despite the need for some adjustment to the new rules, many are looking forward to some form of normalcy. Play ball!