MLB to decide if World Series has fans. Texas Rangers, Arlington to benefit either way
The worst-kept secret in baseball is no longer a secret.
The World Series is coming to Globe Life Field, with two rounds of National League playoffs serving as opening acts.
Yet to be determined is if fans will be allowed to attend the games in Arlington, a decision that will ultimately be made by Major League Baseball after consulting its health experts and in accordance with local guidelines.
It’s a decision that could have great financial impact on Arlington, Fort Worth and Tarrant County.
If fans are allowed, even at only 50% of the 40,000 seating capacity, there is the potential for a handsome windfall at a time when the city’s economy and the Rangers’ finances have been dealt a serious blow by the coronavirus pandemic.
Even if the ballpark remains empty, the Rangers and city will see gains. They just might not all be on the financial ledger.
“When you think about the morale here, not only of the Metroplex, throughout the country, it is a huge morale boost,” Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams said. “But then also when you think about all of the different jobs that will be being performed to put on this event, even if fans are not here, there still are a whole lot of jobs that are going to be being provided there or needed to be here to be able to put on this event.
The National League Division Series is scheduled to begin Oct. 6, the National League Championship Series on Oct. 12 and the World Series on Oct. 20.
“And then in addition to that, it’s real symbolic of our country getting back on its feet here after a natural disaster in this pandemic.”
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said he hopes to have fans for the NLCS and World Series, which could total 14 games and potentially for 280,000 fans.
MLB controls ticket distribution for the postseason, but the Rangers would earn money in the parking fees and concessions. Businesses in the city and the Metroplex could see a tourism spike if fans of the two World Series teams are allowed to come to Arlington.
“They’re always a lot of people that traveled to the host city on these big events like the World Series,” Williams said. “So there will be an impact, but we will be coming out with our economic impact after we learn more about if fans will be allowed. There’ll be a positive economic impact, even if we don’t have fans.”
The Rangers could also benefit simply from exposure. Globe Life Field will be showcased, possibly piquing fans’ interest enough to come for games in 2021 as well as swaying companies to hold events there or entertainers and sports leagues to come.
“It gives us a great opportunity for the eyes of the nation, the eyes of the world, to be upon Arlington and Globe Life Field, the home of the Rangers, and to show it off to its fullest extent,” Rangers executive vice president Rob Matwick said.
“It’s a fantastic building. It’s built to accommodate these types of events. We are first and foremost a baseball stadium, and every design element we’ve been put into this, from the room we’re sitting in today to the field to the roof, and been put into place to ensure that we can play baseball at the highest levels on the biggest stage.”
