![Dodgers ground crew member Justin Patenaude paints the field in preparation for opening day Friday.](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/da94d62/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4765x3176+0+0/resize/2000x1333!/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F92%2F06%2Ff1412f264b7bae76c76828f30901%2Fla-videos-1staff-750012-sp-0408-dodger-stadium-preparations5-wjs.jpg)
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The Dodgers play their home opener for the 2021 season on Friday against the Washington Nationals, the team they last faced when fans were in attendance.
![A work crew member carries zip ties to fold seats](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ee74efd/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5448x3552+0+0/resize/2000x1304!/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F91%2F71%2F5ab5e3064cf6b2d27eb0b6c79dc6%2Fla-videos-1staff-750012-sp-0408-dodger-stadium-preparations6-wjs.jpg)
The groundskeepers were in full motion on Thursday preparing the field while other crew members saw to other parts of the stadium.
![Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d344361/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5136x3264+0+0/resize/2000x1271!/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1b%2Fc4%2Fa45338fa4669bd70827d81194950%2Fla-videos-1staff-750012-sp-0408-dodger-stadium-preparations7-wjs.jpg)
Attendance will be limited to less than 15,000 — about 3,600 fewer than the one-third capacity allowed in the state’s orange tier — to allow for social distancing.
All fans are required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth and practice social distancing. Hand-sanitizing stations and plexiglass dividers have been added. While the New York Yankees, New York Mets and San Francisco Giants require fans to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, that’s not necessary at Dodger Stadium.
![An autographed photo of Dodgers legend Tommy Lasorda](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/459bc97/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5568x3712+0+0/resize/2000x1333!/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Fe6%2F22a12f0a4666a917f4df521f1b60%2Fla-videos-1staff-750012-sp-0408-dodger-stadium-preparations4-wjs.jpg)
There is a new rule at Dodger Stadium this year regarding bags. Only clear plastic bags smaller than 12” x 12” x 6“ are permitted. Diaper bags accompanying an infant will be allowed in.
![Work crews prepare the field at Dodger Stadium for opening day Friday.](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9a10811/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4956x2988+0+0/resize/2000x1206!/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff8%2F66%2F9e1c78d045f4b892b6e030dc7194%2Fla-videos-1staff-750012-sp-0408-dodger-stadium-preparations3-wjs.jpg)
Dodger Stadium will not require proof of a vaccine or negative COVID test to get into the game, as per MLB protocol.
![A crow flies over Dodger Stadium Thursday](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dd2c2e7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3720x2537+0+0/resize/2000x1364!/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fec%2F04%2F9915480145c69cbb87314a5a3071%2Fla-videos-1staff-750012-sp-0408-dodger-stadium-preparations2-wjs.jpg)
All parking must be purchased before arriving at the game. General admission parking is available for purchase with tickets and costs $20. There is no tailgating in the parking lot.
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