By Evan Grant
14:39 August 26, 2020 CDT
After all, the World Series can make it to Arlington this year.
Major League Baseball and the Players Association are discussing various “bubble” formats for the playoffs that would come with the use of the Rangers’ new home, Globe Life Field in Arlington, as World Series 3 resources showed on Wednesday. Ken Rosenthal of Athletic was the first to point out this possibility.
MLB are “controlled sites” for playoffs to restrict the option of a COVID-19 outbreak. To do this and manage the 16-team extended playoffs, several primary league installations would be required. Weather is also a factor. Southern California, with MLB stadiums in Los Angeles, Anaheim and San Diego, is an option. New York, Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area also have two MLB stadiums, but the weather may be more uncertain there.
The 2020 MLB playoffs are scheduled to begin on September 29. The World Series is scheduled to end on October 31.
In Texas, MLB can use retractable-roofed stadiums in Houston and Arlington for one or more rounds of the playoffs. Globe Life Field, with its huge footprint and facilities, would provide an exciting place for the World Series. The American League playoffs are likely to be held in Southern California, eliminating the option of the Los Angeles Dodgers or The San Diego Padres, whether they have playoffs recently, to have merit in the box. Both Texas-based groups are in the American League, so betting on the National League playoffs here would also take the credit out of the house draw.
The plan would be subject to input from the Players Association and approval from MLB owners.
There is no indication of whether the plan would allow enthusiasts to participate in the matches. To date, MLB has not allowed enthusiasts to participate in games, even in spaces where local or state governments have not banned it.
Another potential merit of Arlington is the presence of Live! By Loews Hotel adjacent to the stadium, it can accommodate World Series groups and the need for buses or other means of transport to and from the stadium.
Evan Grant, the Rangers beat the writer/informant. Evan has dominated the Rangers since 1997. Twice he has been named one of the most sensible 10-rate writers in the country through ap Sports editors. His outdoor baseball canopy passions are his wife, Gina, his two stepchildren, two loopy dogs and barbecue. Let’s not talk about the cat. Evan graduated from Georgia State University, but curiously is a Georgia fan.
Get the latest news, research and reviews directly to your inbox.
When you register, you conform to our privacy policy
Support us in our project and the history of North Texas