The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs plan to have a limited of number of fans in attendance when the Atlantic League resumes play later this summer, according to a new report.
The Washington Post reported the Blue Crabs expect to have fans attend games in Charles County, with a max capacity set at 25% of the stadium.
The independent baseball league announced Friday that it plans to have three Atlantic League — the Blue Crabs, the High Point Rockers and the Long Island Ducks — and three other independent teams return to participate in a 70-game season that would start in mid-July and last until late September.
“The Atlantic League and other leagues are in similar positions,” Atlantic League President Rick White said in a news release. “There are multiple teams in each league at different stages of reopening, therefore, some who are able to begin play and some who are not. The solution would pair those clubs able to play and entertain fans at their ballparks, providing a high level of professional baseball and affordable family entertainment.”
Andrew Bandstra, the media relations manager for the Blue Crabs, told the Post that it has received clearance from local officials to have fans in a limited capacity.
Regency Furniture Stadium, home of the Blue Crabs, holds up to 4,200 people. That means a max of 1,050 fans would be allowed at games this upcoming season.
The Blue Crabs will have proper social distancing rules for fans and workers who attend games, according to the report.
The Atlantic League consists of eight teams, but those who won’t resume play this season have not received the “necessary approval” from government officials to resume, the league said.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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