ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Preparations are underway at Frontier Field for the Rochester Red Wings home opener on May 18.
“This’ll be the largest gathering for our community since this all started back in the middle of March,” Dan Mason, Red Wings general manager, said.
The folks at Frontier Field are busy getting ready to welcome back baseball fans. New guidance from the state now allows for full capacity seating in specific sections designated solely for fans who are fully vaccinated. Non-vaccinated visitors can come to the game, but must sit in a different designated area.
“My thing is, I don’t care if you’re vaccinated or un-vaccinated, we got a place for you here,” Mason said.
Mason is ready to welcome more people back to Frontier Field, recognizing that not everyone is thrilled about having to prove they are vaccinated or sit in a specific area of the stadium.
“These are not the Red Wings’ rules. These are the rules that we were told, if we wanted to play baseball, if we wanted to host fans, and we know fans want to come back, this is how you have to do it this year,” he said.
Some discussion, complaints and social media comments include concerns about potential violation of rights, including HIPPA and Constitutional rights. Spectrum News checked in with Monroe County Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Mendoza and Nixon Peabody Attorney Kimberly Harding.
“There’s not concern on that basis, really, your vaccination status is not what we would call a protected category under the law. And inquiries related to your vaccination status are not prohibited under any statute or any federal law or state law for that matter,” Harding said.
“HIPPA really doesn’t pertain to this situation. Attending a baseball game is not medical care. People who attend the baseball game are doing so voluntarily. And if they do and they declare themselves vaccinated or unvaccinated, that’s their choice,” Dr. Mendoza explained.
If they choose to attend, those who are not vaccinated and those in their party can sit in the sections colored pink or red in a seating chart. The other areas are reserved for vaccinated folks and their children who are 15 years old and younger.
It sure beats what we were going through last summer when nobody could come in here.
“We’re trying to make sure that everybody has an opportunity to come out. Whether you’re vaccinated or unvaccinated, it’s fine. Just come out and have a great time and enjoy some time with your family and friends,” Mason said.
You’ll have to wear a mask at all times, but not when you are enjoying a drink and a dog in your seat, so treat yourself.
The ticket office will open Friday, May 14, from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Previously, the team was going to sell single-game tickets for just their first homestand starting on May 18. Now, they're going to be available for all home games in May.