The Washington Nationals are opening their season on Tuesday, April 6 against the Atlanta Braves after having to postpone the first four games due to COVID-19-related reasons.
First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 pm ET. The game will be aired on MASN2, and will be broadcasted on 106.7 The Fan FM.
The team made the announcement on Sunday, saying:
“Major League Baseball announced tonight that the Washington Nationals will begin their season on Tuesday vs. the Atlanta Braves at National Park. The most recent round of test results of National personnel include no new positives. All of the Club’s eligible personnel will be able to participate in baseball activities at National Park on Monday.”
It was also noted in the statement that the rescheduling of Monday’s game vs. the Brazes and the season-opening series with the New York Mets, which was originally slated for Thursday, April 1, have not been made available yet.
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) April 5, 2021
The first four Nationals games were postponed previously.
A total of seven players and two staff members have been in quarantine because of a COVID-19 outbreak, according to Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo.
Four team members have tested positive for the infectious disease, with the first positive test coming out last week, leading to the postponement of the Nationals’ first three games against the Mets.
In March, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser approved the Nationals’ request to have up to 5,000 viewers at their home games in the regular MLB season.
As the Nationals Park welcomes thousands of fans for the first time in around a year, there will be a large number of health and safety measures against the spread of COVID-19 in place.
The safety guidelines designed in accordance with CDC recommendations and MLB protocols that have to be followed by ticket holders on Opening Day include:
- Guests will enter (and exit) the ballpark through color-coded gates according to the assigned color on their ticket. (All ballpark gates will open two hours before the first pitch and all parking garages will open two and a half hours ahead of the first pitch.)
- Bags are not allowed inside the stadium, except small clutch bags (measuring up to 5”x7” x 3/4”), diaper bags or bags used for ADA/medical reasons (measuring up to 16″ x 16″ x 8″).
- Viewers must wear proper face coverings inside, except for when they are actively eating or drinking within their seating pods. (Face shields are only permitted along with an approved face covering. Bandanas, gaiters and face coverings with an exhalation valve are prohibited.)
- Seating areas have been divided into pods of up to six people to ensure proper distancing between groups.
- There are also signage and floor markers that will help guests remain physically distanced a minimum of six feet.
- Clear bottles may be brought in and filled at water bottle fill stations.
- Single-serving food items are allowed if they are kept in an approved bag or carried by hand.
For the full list of health and safety measures on Opening Day, click here.
Opening Day at Nationals Park Postponed After Player Tests Positive for COVID-19