Cubs approved for 100 percent capacity at Wrigley originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
For the first time since September 2019, Wrigley Field will be at 100 percent fan capacity.
The city of Chicago and state of Illinois have approved the Cubs to host fans at full capacity beginning next Friday, June 11, the club announced Friday.
Perhaps fittingly, the capacity increase begins when the Cubs open a three-game series against the Cardinals at Wrigley, the two clubs' first meeting in Chicago this season.
The last time the Cubs hosted fans at full capacity was Sept. 19-22, 2019, also against the Cardinals. St. Louis swept the four-game series.
The Cubs started the season at 25 percent fan capacity before shifting to 60 percent late last month. Manager David Ross and players have discussed how big of a boost the increase in fans has had on the club.
Anthony Rizzo said 60 percent seemed like 100 percent during this week's series against the Padres. Javy Báez compared it a playoff atmosphere.
The change obviously eliminates socially distanced seating areas and pod-style seating. The Cubs said to support the capacity increase, gates will open two hours before first pitch.
Other changes include season ticket holders returning to their seat locations and the bleachers returning to general admission.
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Remaining are the ballpark's touchless entry process, bag restrictions implemented at the start of the season, mobile tickets, and cashless concessions and retail.
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