Braves Planning For Full Capacity At MLB All-Star Game

The Atlanta Braves are this year's host for the MLB All-Star Game, and they are expecting to pack Truist Park.

“We’re very optimistic with our planning and with regard to how we’re approaching the All-Star game,” Braves President and CEO Derek Schiller said in an interview this week. “Our approach is we’re planning for a full capacity, planning for full activities. It’s somewhat of a normal with-an-asterisk type of All-Star planning.”

As relayed by OutKick's Matt Loede, the Braves said they will know by March 12 whether they can have fans at their home opener, which will take place April 1 vs. the Philadelphia Phillies.

“It’s our belief that we will have fans,” Schiller said of Opening Day. "The authorities have given us the indication they support that. We’re working with health care providers on making sure we do that in the safest way possible. And also there’s precedent: (some) NBA, NHL and NFL games and even (MLB) postseason games have had some levels of fans in the venues. So we’ve been able to draw from those situations, learn from them."

Schiller speaks the truth, as the NBA has slated its own All-Star Game for Atlanta on Sunday. As for the MLB All-Star game, Schiller indicated he hopes the declining reports of COVID-19 positivity continues its current trend.

“I think all of us hope the pandemic will be somewhat in the rearview mirror by then,” Schiller said. “Our planning cycle is obviously with the pandemic in mind. We’re thinking about all the areas we need to potentially be flexible, but as we sit here today at the start of March, we’re planning with a very optimistic mindset.”

The Braves sent an email blast last week to find volunteers for the All-Star Game. In all, they are seeking 2,300 volunteers for the weekend and a full stadium of fans for the actual game.

Truist Park, where the Braves play home games and the home of the 2021 All-Star Game, seats 41,000.