As the Greene County Rams baseball and softball teams prepare to open the home portion of the condensed regular season tonight, there are a few things to keep in mind for spectators.

Activities Director Todd Gordon says only the teams will be allowed to sit in the bleachers to better practice social distancing, as a precaution against COVID-19. He adds the dugouts can be used for either team, but he requests only the coaches and one player to be in at a time. Spectators are allowed to sit behind the dugouts, and along the fenceline from the baselines to the outfield. Gordon stresses beyond that people have to take personal responsibility and follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Iowa Department of Public Health.

“One of the things we’re going to try not to do is be the ‘Social Distance Police.’ We don’t have time to do all of that. So people have to be responsible. The biggest thing that I’ve said is, ‘We’re just asking the adults to be adults, and to do the right thing. To stay spread out and to stay with your family unit.’”

Gordon notes that concessions will not be offered, so people can bring their own food and beverage, which may be subject to a search. Restrooms will be open, however, he asks to keep the restroom use to one person at a time. Additionally, Gordon says equipment will be cleaned constantly and if a ball goes out of play, to only allow the teams to retrieve them, to prevent any additional germ exposure. 

Finally, Gordon adds, a box will be at the entrance to both fields, and fans are asked to give a free-will offering because ticket sales goes to the activities department and paying for the umpire to officiate the games. For those that don’t feel comfortable attending a game in person, Raccoon Valley Radio will broadcast tonight’s softball game live, with coverage starting at 7pm.