Milwaukee health officials participate in walkthrough at American Family Field, discuss COVID safety proposal

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – A walkthrough took place Friday, Feb. 26 at American Family Field in Milwaukee with city health officials.

The goal was to discuss the team’s proposal to host up to 35 percent occupancy at the start of the regular season.

“Keeping the roof open or keeping the panels open at a point we might not have otherwise is something we might have to look to. Especially if the city feels we have to,” Brewers owner Mark Attanasio said. “That’s more of a medical question if you have the roof closed and the panels open in terms of air circulation. If the city would feel like that would have a different paradigm for attendance, but we’ll be responsive to whatever the paradigm is. Wisconsin fans will fill Lambeau Field. They’re pretty comfortable with cold weather. So, I think we’ll be ok.”

Brewers players, now at spring training in Arizona, are rooting for the fans to return. 

"I'm not gonna say that not having fans is what affected my performance," Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich said. 

Former National League MVP Christian Yelich slumped badly last season, playing in front of empty seats and cardboard cutouts. While he won't blame that unusual atmosphere, he is eager to see fans in 2021. 

"It's not an excuse, but I'm definitely excited to have them back, we missed them," said Yelich. "They're a huge part of what we do as a team, especially at Miller Park [American Family Field]. I think it makes a big home field advantage and something that we all missed as a group."

Yelich and the Brewers play their first preseason game in Arizona on Feb. 28. 

The Brewers home opener is schedule for April 1.