Padres hint at plan for fans in survey sent to season ticket members

A survey the Padres sent this week to season ticket holders gives insight into what the organization is thinking regarding fans returning to Petco Park for the 2021 season.

“As the season approaches, we are working through our plans to provide a safe and great experience at Petco Park,” the email explained.

Team sources have indicated the maximum capacity this season is likely to be between 10,000 and 12,000. That large of a number is not expected to happen in California until summer, though a decrease in COVID-19 cases seemingly opens the door for the possibility a small number of fans could be allowed in ballparks here as soon as opening day.

The Padres have said it is highly likely that only those with some sort of season ticket plan will be able to attend games in 2021, though those tickets could also be resold on the secondary market.

In line with what the expectation has been for some time, the survey indicated the Padres plan to at some point during the season allow a limited number of fans at games with certain restrictions. It outlined the following:

• Socially distant pods of seats

• Contactless entry (i.e. digital tickets) at gate entry

• Mandatory face masks for all fans and staff at games

• Mobile concessions ordering and pickup

• Contactless payments (i.e. Apple/Google Pay) at concessions stands

• Sanitation stations, line markers, and spacing guides throughout the ballpark

• Plexiglass installed in areas that are in close proximity to players

• Surface cleaning

The survey asked season ticket holders how likely they would be to attend games given those restrictions. Also expressed was the possibility seat locations would be “downgraded” with an accompanying account credit and/or ticket locations would be rotated throughout the season.

The team said it will contact season ticket members in March to discuss “ticketing options and safety protocols.”