Gwinnett Stripers Back At Coolray For First Home Game Since 2019

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — Would you believe it’s been 610 days — more than a year and a half — since the minor-league Gwinnett Stripers last played a baseball game at Coolray Field?

The drought ends next week.

On Tuesday, the Stripers finally return for their home opener at Coolray against the Louisville Bats. And while the game will be the same, the stadium will look a little different, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic that cancelled last year’s minor-league season.

For one thing, all attendees older than 2 will have to wear masks covering their mouth and nose at all times, unless actively eating or drinking in their seats. Groups of spectators will have to stay six feet away from each other, essentially reducing the stadium’s capacity to half. Also, contactless payments will be encouraged throughout the ballpark. A complete list of COVID-19 precautions is listed on the Stripers' website.

On the positive side, Coolray has stepped up its visuals with new high-definition video displays. A new 50-by-40-foot LED video display board has been installed beyond the right-center field fence, replacing the previous 30-by-40-foot board that stood in the same location from 2009 through 2019. Additionally, the 42-by-6-foot auxiliary LED video display board located in the left-field fence has been replaced. Both boards will now show graphics, statistics, instant replays, highlights, promotions, advertisements, and other content in full high-definition detail.

“The safety and enjoyment of our fans is our top priority, and the updates we’ve made for 2021 all help to achieve that goal,” said Adam English, Gwinnett Stripers Vice President and General Manager.

Opening Night at Coolray Field is set for Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. against Louisville. Single-game tickets for May are on sale now at GoStripers.com/tickets.