Limited number of fans to soon return to Washington stadiums

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Seattle Mariners, Seattle Sounders and OL Reign will soon be able to welcome a limited number of fans to the stadium when they open their seasons. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced a 25% limit on seating capacity for spectators as the state prepares to move into a third phase of a COVID-19 economic reopening plan. The expanded capacity also applies to high school sports, motorsports, rodeos and other similar outdoor events that have permanent seating. Expanded capacity for high school and youth sports will start March 18, while the remainder will take effect on March 22, when all of the state’s 39 counties will move to a newly created Phase 3. Under this newest phase, all indoor spaces _ including indoor dining at restaurants _ can increase capacity from 25% to 50%.