The Cubs have devised strict protocols that they "believe would allow 6,000 to 7,000 fans to safely attend games at Wrigley Field midway through this pandemic-shortened season -- in groups of two, four and six with designated gates and staggered entry and exit windows," according to Fran Spielman of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney said that the plan "has been presented to the city and MLB and needs approval from both." Kenney said, "We have to plan for the potential of that happening next year, where we're not allowed to have full capacity in the ballpark -- where it wouldn't be safe to do that. Getting a little bit of a look in a pilot program this year to see how ingress, egress, concessions, restrooms, ticket sales might work would be really helpful to get ready for next season." Kenney believes that his plan "does just that, though it would 'probably not happen until the half-way point of the season.'" The mayor's office said the "decision to bring fans back to stadiums" is part of "an ongoing conversation" with public health experts and all of Chicago's major sports leagues and teams (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 7/24).
