Major League Baseball doesn't plan to ask fans to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test or vaccination before entering a ballpark in 2021, according to a league memo obtained by Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.
However, MLB will allow teams to decide if they want spectators to provide proof or undergo a temperature check before entering, the memo adds.
"Mass testing of this kind is not practical with the existing rapid testing options, and testing is of limited utility when done days in advance of an event," the league explained.
MLB will mandate the following:
This could change if state and local authorities mandate their own, more-restrictive procedures.
The league expects "pod seating" to be enforced by state and local authorities for at least the beginning of the season. This would require tickets to be purchased in groups, which would be situated 6 feet apart from each other.
MLB played the entire 2020 regular season without fans in attendance but did allow a limited number of people to attend the National League Championship Series and World Series. Temperature checks were not required to attend those games, which took place in Texas.
Commissioner Rob Manfred said in November that the league "will be more aggressive" about fans attending games in 2021 as long as municipalities allow them to attend.