For over a year, people have just wanted some semblance of normal.
Some way to escape the everyday struggle.
The Colorado Rockies are almost there after being cleared for a full capacity crowd at Coors Field starting June 28.
Whether it’s actually worth going is another question.
Still, the fact this is about to happen is a bit surreal. When you look back at where we were a year ago — the Rockies weren’t even playing and no indication of when they would return to the diamond — it’s also remarkable.
Yes, there have been limited fans at 20th and Blake since the start of the season. But it wasn’t at full capacity. It wasn’t “back to normal.” At the end of May, fans were no longer required to wear masks either. That’s still the case, though the organization still encourages those who are not fully vaccinated to wear one.
Come June 28th against the Pittsburgh Pirates, there is a celebration planned. The Rockies have dubbed this game “Opening Day 2.0.” That means a full capacity crowd of 50,000 fans.
In honor of the celebration, Colorado moved the start of the game from 6:40 p.m. to 3:10 p.m. MT. That is a more Opening Day-appropriate start time.
As The Denver Channel points out, Colorado will hold the usual Opening Day pregame fanfare. That will include fireworks during the National Anthem and the usual pomp and circumstance. If you go, keep an eye toward the sky for a fly over.
But it’s not just for Opening Day 2.0. The full capacity crowds at Coors Field are here to stay for the remainder of the 2021 season.
The Rockies were cleared by city and state officials to have full attendance earlier this month.
Rockies ticket protocols
Speaking of which, tickets for the game are on sale now. You can purchase them on the team website. If you get tickets, they are now completely digital. No more paper or print-out tickets at Coors Field. So plan ahead by getting the MLB Ballpark app on your mobile device. The organization highly recommends fans add their tickets to their Apple Wallet or Google Pass “to ensure the best possible experience.”
And all guests over the age of 18 are required to have a digital ticket on their own device/phone.
For more on the safety procedures and protocols, check out the latest updates before you head to Coors Field.
Rockies betting at Coors Field
In terms of Rockies betting in Colorado, this could provide a fun scenario for fans.
What better way to live bet on a game than actually being at the game? There aren’t a lot of reasons to bet on this team this season, so this could provide a whole new experience to a new crop of fans dipping their toes in Colorado MLB betting.
This is a great way to add to the excitement of being back at the ballpark. If you do decide to try live betting in Colorado at the game, take it slow and pace yourself. Get a feel for how the game is going, and then listen to your gut.
While the Rockies do have sports betting agreements in place with Betfred and DraftKings, you won’t see betting kiosks at Coors Field. Under state law, kiosks are only allowed at retail sportsbooks and casinos in Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek. However, you can still partake in Colorado mobile sports betting on the sportsbook app of your choice.
The return to normal has taken us on a long, arduous path.
Come June 28th at Coors Field, for the first time in a year, there’s a celebration.