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Aviators games approved for full capacity beginning June 10

Updated May 24, 2021 - 8:21 pm

In a major step toward normalization in Las Vegas sports, the Aviators became the first local team to receive permission to begin welcoming full-capacity crowds back for games.

The Aviators made the announcement Monday that Las Vegas Ballpark will be completely open beginning June 10 when the Reno Aces visit to open a six-game homestand.

“It’s obviously huge,” Aviators president Don Logan said. “It’s something we didn’t get out and really push for. We tried to be good citizens and let the whole situation play out. Thankfully, the (COVID-19) numbers have diminished dramatically. It’s just going to make it easier because our season-ticket holders have only been able to come every other game.”

Logan said there are 4,500 season-ticket holders, and the stadium has been allowed to let in 5,000 fans overall.

Individual game tickets for the remainder of the season go on sale at noon June 1 at ticketmaster.com.

As for now, masks are not required for fans who are fully vaccinated against COVID. Logan said he expects masks to be optional for everyone beginning with the Reno series, but is waiting for more guidance from local officials.

Hand sanitizers will remain in place throughout the stadium.

“Being hygiene conscious is not going to change,” Logan said. “A lot of people, my wife certainly, would still prefer to wear a mask when they go to stores and different places.”

The Aviators averaged 9,299 fans in 2019, which led the minor leagues and was the first year of games at the new stadium. They had a franchise-record 47 sellouts and 23 times had crowds of more than 10,000.

Last season was canceled because of the COVID pandemic.

“The financial side of it had to take a back seat, and it should take a back seat to the health situation,” Logan said. “Now that that’s moving in the right direction, it’s good for everybody. It’s good for everybody to get back out, too.”

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com. Follow @markanderson65 on Twitter.

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