Owner Michael Rosenzweig Weighs In On What to Expect Amid Covid-19
Dylan Ashcraft dylanashcraft@cityautoglass.com
Duluth, Minn.- The Twin Ports will have baseball at the Wade once again in 2021, albeit with some notable changes. After losing the 2020 season to the global Covid-19 pandemic, Huskies brass quickly got to work implementing a plan to ensure fans can safely congregate in support of their favorite team once again in 2021. In eager anticipation of next summer, owner Michael Rosenzweig wanted to share what the season would look like if it started today.
Per Rosenzweig, the Duluth Huskies will follow all city, county, state, and federal guidelines that will be in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic when the season begins. “Out of an absolute abundance of caution, we are putting in a lot of health and well-being measures. We want to make sure we are following guidelines to ensure we can open the ballpark safely. Currently, that would mean we could seat no more than 900 fans at the ballpark.” The club is currently looking at dividing the ballpark into six sections of no more than 150 fans per section, each with its own entrance into the ballpark. There will be additional porta-potty facilities on site, and the stadium will be cleaned and sanitized after each game based on the requirements put in place by local government come season’s start.
Fans in 2021 will have to remain in their designated sections at Wade Stadium. There will be a service in place to deliver food to the fans without them having to wait in crowded lines at concession stands. “Every seat will have a seat number and section number,” says Rosenzweig. “We are working with FanFood to set up an app that fans can download at the ballpark to place an order and pay using their phones to have delivered right to their seat.”
The Huskies will no longer serve fountain drinks, noting a concern with the handling of straws, lids, cups, and ice. There will be no keg beer at this point in time. Bottled and canned beverages will be the norm.
“Groups and fans interested in making sure they can come out and watch some great summer baseball should not wait to purchase season tickets or call for date availability. At this time, our schedule is posted on our website.” Rosenzweig says. All fans who purchased season tickets, individual tickets, 4 and 7-game punch cards, or have certificates for vouchers from the 2020 season will be honored in 2021. Coupons found in newspapers, coupon fundraising books, etc regarding the 2020 season will not be honored in 2021.
Additional notes from Rosenzweig:
- The Huskies have great merchandise available right now for holiday or birthday purchases. Please see our website and watch for specials on social media.
- We are planning on having some Hot Stove events, but no date or dates have been officially set.
- The use of batboys is on hold for the time being.
- Between-inning entertainment will be modified for state and city Covid-19 guidelines.
“The Huskies are very pleased with the upcoming schedule,” remarked Rosenzweig. “The schedule is very well balanced with no long away series and eight home games in the month of August. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the ballpark in a safe environment.”
Please email duluthhuskies@gmail.com or call (218) 786-9909 with any questions and keep checking our website for changes as updates.
“2021 is going to be a great year. Go Huskies!”
To stay the most up to date on all things Duluth Huskies Baseball email them duluthhuskies@gmail.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the official Duluth Huskies Website, duluthuskies.com.
Link to printable schedule> 2021_Huskies_Schedule_Flyer
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The Duluth Huskies are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 26th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, over 230 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist (CHC) and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and MLB All-Stars Jordan Zimmermann (DET) and Curtis Granderson (MIA). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com or download the Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.
