While athletic stadiums have been relatively void of fans for more than a year, they have served several purposes through the various stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Major League Baseball, 11 MLB stadiums have been the site of more than 1 million COVID-19 vaccination shots.
“Major League Baseball, our clubs and major league players have worked hand-in-hand with communities across the U.S. and Canada during the pandemic,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said. “I commend the clubs that have hosted vaccination and testing at their ballparks and all of our franchises for promoting health and safety in our franchises for promoting health and safety in our communities. Most importantly, ML is grateful to the countless heroes who are lifting up our society and helping us reach the better days ahead.”
The Associated Press reported that, of the stadiums that converted to mass vaccination centers, Oakland Coliseum, Marlins Park, Dodger Stadium, Yankee Stadium, Citi Field and PNC Park plan to continue vaccinating people after play resumes April 1. Coors Field, Minute Maid Park, Petco Park, Fenway Park and Globe Life Field have also been used as vaccination sites.
The MLB also reported that the league’s 30 teams and players have donated more than $75 million to “benefit members of the baseball community, healthcare and frontline workers, families affected by cancer, people in need of food through Meals on Wheels and Feeding American, domestic violence organizations, citizens of the Dominican Republic and other causes.”
