Seattle Mariners extend number of home games to allow fans

In March, the Seattle Mariners announced the first 11 home games would be played in front of 9,000 fans. The rest of the season's home games looked to be in a bit of jeopardy for fans as King County risked moving back to Phase 2 of the state's reopening plan.

But on Monday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced in a news release that only Whitman, Pierce and Cowlitz counties would move back to Phase 2. After the announcement, the Mariners said 20 additional home games would allow fans. Until further notice, the attendance cap was still 9,000, the organization said in a news release.

The games newly added to the fans-in-attendance category will span from April 30 - June 2. Tickets will first be available for season-ticket holders starting April 15, then for Mariners Mail subscribers on April 22. Everyone else can purchase single-game tickets starting April 23.

To ensure social distancing guidelines, the tickets are sold in pods for members of the same household. Ticket buyers can buy anywhere from one to six seats, however, they cannot be split up for resale.

The Mariners opened up games to fans for the first time since 2019, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the entire state entered Phase 3 in early March, the Mariners immediately announced they had received the approval from the county and the state to allow fans into T-Mobile Park. While health officials have warned of possible surges and outbreaks in Seattle and King County, the county still qualified for Phase 3 as of Monday.

"For now, we’ve leveled off near the 'Phase 2' cutoffs - where we go next is up to us," Jeff Duchin of Public Health — Seattle & King County tweeted.

As of Monday, the Mariners were 5-4 with the next home game scheduled for April 16.