SEATTLE — Fans of the Seattle Mariners who are vaccinated for COVID-19 can get special seats and other perks with a new vaccinated section that the team is adding at T-Mobile Park.
The organization said it was part of their efforts to encourage everyone to get vaccinated for COVID-19. "Vaccinated seating," which would allow for more people to gather with less strict social distancing rules, was added this week as an option for sports venues as part of Gov. Jay Inslee's "Healthy Washington" reopening plan.
Outdoor facilities may add vaccinated sections until their total capacity is at 50%, or 22,000 people, whichever is lower. Outdoor unvaccinated spectators cannot exceed 9,000 people, according to the guidelines.
T-Mobile Park is planning for 5,000 fans in the vaccinated-only seats, in addition to the 9,000 fans in the socially distanced sections.
While the fans in the vaccinated section will be seated without social distancing they will be required to wear masks, except while actively eating or drinking.
The new seating is available for Mariners games May 13-June 2. Other perks include access to the T-Mobile 'Pen and the Trident Deck. Additionally, the team will make private suites available at full capacity for fully vaccinated guests.
The team is also offering walk-up vaccinations at the park, for people who want to get vaccinated in the middle of a game.
Previously, the Mariners had readied for the baseball season by seating fans in "pods" of 1 through 6 people, with plenty of space between sets of seats. Pod seating for unvaccinated fans is still available.
The Tacoma Rainiers, the Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Mariners, also announced vaccinated seating, which was put in place in time for the team's opening day this week. And the Seattle Storm is also planning to have vaccinated sections starting with its home opener on May 15 at Angel of the Winds Arena.