Macon Bacon officials postpone start of new season

April 29, 2020

Kirby Williamson,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Macon Bacon baseball organization announced Wednesday that the start of the 2020 season is postponed until July 1 at Savannah. The team’s first home game is on Thursday, July 2 at Luther Williams Field.

This is according to a Macon Bacon news release, which says that in the revamped schedule, the team will play 28 home games, including 14 Friday or Saturday night games.

“Baseball is America’s Pastime,” team president Brandon Raphael said in a statement. “Going to a ballgame, bringing your family and having a hot dog soda, beer and ice cream is something we want everyone to look forward to. The Macon Bacon are incredibly community-focused. And we look forward to being a rallying point for the people of Middle Georgia this summer. Two months from now, the sizzle will be back at The Skillet.”

Promotions

The team also announced a full slate of promotions including four fireworks shows beginning with July 4, Military Appreciation Night on Friday, July 14 and the Allman Brothers Tribute Night on Friday, July 24. The team also announced they will recognize doctors, nurses and first responders for their tremendous efforts over the last few months with Essential Heroes Night on Friday, August 14.

“This night is about celebrating everyone that has been on the front lines helping our Middle Georgia community.” Said Raphael.

Reduced seating capacity

Social distancing guidelines will reduce the Luther Williams Field capacity from nearly 3,300 seats per game to roughly 1,300 seats per game.

Season ticket holders, 10 and 5 game plan holders and group ticket buyers who have already committed to the 2020 season will be notified by email explaining the process on how seating will change to work with the social distancing guidelines.

Because of the substantial reduction in capacity and the high volume of advance sales the team has already received, Raphael indicated the team is essentially about 70% sold out for the season already.

“This will be an unusual year for us based on the capacity we have right now,” he said. “With our advance sales so high, it’s entirely possible to expect every game to be sold out.”

Keeping the park clean

As part of following government guidelines for health and safety, the team is taking the following steps to ensure a fun and enjoyable experience at Luther Williams Field this summer:

Food Service/Distribution: All food will be prepped and handed out in a safe and sanitized manner with all gameday concessions staff members wearing masks and gloves.
Social distancing guidelines: The recommended six foot distancing will be established and followed any place in the ballpark where there are opportunities for crowds to congregate, such as concession lines, the Kids Zone and entry into the ballpark. Floor markers and other signage will be placed in all appropriate areas to ensure proper social distancing.
Contactless Interaction:The team has also plans to install plexiglass shields and alter payment protocol to provide as much contactless interaction as possible at the concession stands and merchandise store. Hand sanitizers will also be installed throughout the ballpark for customer use.
Restrooms/Common Areas: Restrooms and common areas will frequently be cleaned and sanitized throughout the game with additional cleaning staff regularly monitoring bathrooms, concession stands, condiment stands and other areas where fans are engaged.