Isotopes make final preparations for a COVID-safe home opener
It feels like forever since New Mexican’s have been able to watch the Albuquerque Isotopes play at home. Share Updated: 10:51 PM MDT May 4, 2021 Shellye Leggett
Isotopes make final preparations for a COVID-safe home opener
It feels like forever since New Mexican’s have been able to watch the Albuquerque Isotopes play at home. Share Updated: 10:51 PM MDT May 4, 2021
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Show Transcript DIFFERENT INSIDE THE PARK. THERE’S GOING TO BE A LOT OF COVID RESTRICTIONS AND GUIDELINES TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES ARE HAVING FUN. BUT ALSO STAYING SAFE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GATES. IT FEELS LIKE FOREVER SINCE WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO WATCH THE ALBUQUERQUE ISOTOPES PLAY AT HOME IN THE ABSENCE OF PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL IN THIS MARKET LAST YEAR REALLY STUNG ON A LOT OF LEVELS. WELL 617 DAYS TO BE ACT BUT THE WEIGHT IS ALMOST OVER OPENING NIGHT IS TWO NIGHTS AWAY
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The Albuquerque Isotopes say the amended state public health orders will allow the team to accommodate as many as 6,350 fans at Isotopes Park, where Triple-A baseball will resume this week.
Soccer team New Mexico United, meanwhile, said Saturday that the amendment makes available additional tickets beginning Monday for its home opener at the facility, May 15 vs. Austin. United tickets will be sold in pods, ranging in size from one to six, with overall capacity at 50%.
With Bernalillo County now in the “green” classification regarding the pandemic, and now able to operate at three-feet social distancing, the clubs can add socially distanced pod seating to the manifest. As the primary tenant, the Isotopes share the facility, officially known as Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park, with United.
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Isotopes Park will soon be abuzz with Albuquerque Isotopes and New Mexico United games. (Roberto E. Rosales/Journal)
Relaxed coronavirus restrictions will mean more tickets available for upcoming New Mexico United and Albuquerque Isotopes games.
Wednesday’s announcement that Bernalillo County will soon move from yellow to green in the state’s color-coded system bumps up early season attendance limits for both professional sports franchises at Isotopes Park. United will offer 600 additional tickets for each of its first two home matches. The Isotopes will add 900 tickets per game for their May homestands.
The change in restriction levels technically allows United and the Isotopes to increase their attendance from 25% to 50% of capacity. Because of social distancing requirements, however, neither franchise will immediately allow 50% attendance.
Concessions by phone for ‘Topes
The Albuquerque Isotopes, and concessionaire Spectra Hospitality, announced Tuesday a plan to allow fans to order concessions directly from their phones for home games beginning on Opening Night, May 6.
Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park is gearing towards being as cashless and touchless as possible in the wake of health and safety protocols precipitated by COVID-19. The feature will also be available for New Mexico United soccer games and other events at the stadium.
Mobile ordering minimizes staff contact and improves speed of service by allowing fans to order and purchase concessions directly from the phones. They will be able to order from their seats and then go to the permanent concession stands to pick up their order. Fans will also be able to download concessions menus using QR codes that will be posted around the stadium.