News
Southwest University Park COVID-19 Policies & Readiness Plan
August 27, 2020
The health and safety of our guests, employees, players, coaches, and training staff is of the highest priority for MountainStar Sports Group, the El Paso Chihuahuas and El Paso Locomotive FC. The Chihuahuas and Locomotive are committed to practice the best and safest efforts to keep the community safe when attending baseball, soccer and other events at Southwest University Park.
The steps outlined in this document are intended to protect our guests, employees, players, coaches, and training staff. We will continue to follow the guidance of local, regional and national health and government agencies, and commit to develop policies and procedures in determining the appropriate time for hosting various events at the ballpark. The input of local and regional health partners will play a significant role in informing the below policies.
STRATEGIC ELEMENTS
HIGHEST STANDARD OF CLEANLINESS
Become a leader in the industry and create a cleanliness policy in line with local, regional, and national health and government agencies.
MINIMAL CONTACT ENVIRONMENT
Create a stadium environment that minimizes the number of physical contact-points with surfaces, guests, and employees.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Throughout the experience/fan journey in Southwest University Park, we will mitigate key congregation points to support social distancing.
COVID-19 POLICIES & GUIDELINES
BALLPARK CLOSURES
The following outfield areas are temporarily closed: The Hospitals of Providence Chico's Playground, GECU Green Seats, all Standing Room Only Areas (including all outfield spaces), Franklin Gate for entry, the WestStar Club and outfield buildings.
Additionally, all inflatables and gaming units are temporarily suspended
BALLPARK ENTRY
Staff
All staff members, players, and vendors will be subject to daily health screening upon entry, including temperature measurement and health questionnaire.
Guests
All guests subject to health screening upon entry (including temperature measurement and health questionnaire).
Guests are encouraged to avoid peak entry times by arriving early.
Durango Passenger Golf Cart
The golf cart may accommodate 2 guests at a time on the rear seat. The passenger seat must be vacant due to proximity to driver. After each guest use, the cart will be sanitized.
Gate entry configurations have been re-evaluated to allow for as many points of entry, while maintaining proper distancing. Signage, stanchions, bike racks, and spacing markers will all be utilized to create space amongst all guests and staff.
Walk-through metal detectors will be utilized at all gates for security screening in an effort to promote social distancing and speed of entry.
Hand Sanitizing Stations
Each ballpark entrance has added hand sanitizing stations with others located throughout the ballpark near concession stands, in restrooms, along the concourse, and at both retail stores.
Tickets, personal items, and bags are to be held by guests only – staff will scan or view without contact.
Permissible Items
One sealed, plastic water bottle per guest is permitted, as in previous seasons.
Please note, all ballpark water fountains are temporarily closed. For a list of prohibited items, please visit either team websites.
Security and Bag Policy
Southwest University Park has adopted a Clear Bag policy, which will be mandated beginning September 1, 2020. Prior to, it is strongly recommended that all guests consider no bags or clear bags to assist with the health and safety of all.
Approved standard (non-clear bags) are limited to small clutch purses or similar, and must be smaller than 6.5 x 4.5". All other types must be clear, and may be no larger than 12 x 6 x 12".
BALLPARK EXIT
At end of game, guests will be released by section/row/area to allow for proper distancing. Guests are encouraged to keep to the right of each aisle, stairwell, and while on the concourse, to allow for maximum distancing.
Communication will be made via videoboard, PA announcements, and appropriate staff.
Guests are encouraged to exit via the closest possible gate - Franklin, Missouri, Durango, Clock Tower and Santa Fe.
BALLPARK SANITIZATION
All staff will wear facial coverings at all times, with added PPE such as face shields, gloves, etc. as needed.
Increased regularity and scope of sanitization throughout ballpark. In-game routine sanitization of high traffic areas and touch points.
Foggers and spray misters, utilizing EPA approved product, will be utilized after each game dependent on indoor/outdoor considerations.
Staff members across all departments will be equipped with additional materials to sanitize according to new protocols.
Additional staff breaks will be provided to allow for added hand washing.
COMMUNICATION/MARKETING
Posted CDC guidelines in areas with high visibility to guests, staff, and team personnel, especially in high traffic locations.
Appropriate video and public address announcements will promote cleanliness, social distancing, exit strategies, and other best practices.
All Southwest University Park, El Paso Chihuahuas, and El Paso Locomotive FC website and social media platforms will be updated on current best practices and ballpark protocols.
ELEVATORS
Guest elevators have a capacity of 2 guests at any given time for proper distancing. If an available option, see the nearest staff member for stair locations.
FACIAL COVERINGS & PPE
All guests and staff members must wear cloth facial coverings that encompass both nose and mouth while at Southwest University Park, in accordance with city and state directives.
Children two (2) years of age and younger are exempt.
Guests may temporarily remove facial coverings when consuming food or beverage AND while socially distanced from others not in your familial group.
Other personal protective equipment (PPE) items permitted in the ballpark include but are not limited to gloves, hand sanitizer, and wipes.
Please see Southwest University Park’s Prohibited Items list at HERE or contact us at guestservices@epchihuahuas.com.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Southwest University Park will work with their concessionaire company, Pro Sports Catering (PSC) to ensure all ballpark and health standards are consistent.
All employees will wear gloves during any element of food prep or service.
In-game routine sanitization of high traffic areas and touch points, including, but not limited to, prep stations, cash registers, counters, credit card readers and stanchions.
All condiment carts and table condiments are temporarily suspended. All utensils, straws, cups, condiments, and napkins will be single use, and when appropriate, individually wrapped. All will be distributed by staff members at point of sale.
Streamlined menus will be implemented to encourage efficiency. Suite menus will be single-use.
Buffets and Carvery Stations are currently suspended.
Individually packaged food items will be implemented as appropriate to limit contact with food service equipment.
Spacing markers and stanchions will promote social distancing while queued in line.
Season Seat Member beverage refills will be honored with disposable cup that may be poured into souvenir cup.
Facial coverings may need to be temporarily removed in order to verify identification for the purchase of alcohol.
In-seat vending (hawkers) are temporarily suspended.
HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES
All guests and staff members are encouraged to adhere to the following guidelines:
Wash hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, upon entry and as recommended throughout the game/event.
Cough and/or sneeze into the elbow or into a tissue. Throw away the tissue immediately after use and wash hands.
Keep six (6) feet of separation between your physical person and others.
All are encouraged to stay home when sick.
If anyone begins to feel ill, they may report to the Guest Services Center, any member of Management, or the First Aid Room for medical assistance.
PAYMENTS
Where technology permits, Southwest University Park points of sale may be contactless (i.e. guests handle own cards).
Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online, in advance.
Additionally, guests are encouraged to utilize credit or debit cards for purchases; to reduce the use of cash.
PROMOTIONS, MEDIA MATERIALS, ON-FIELD ACTIVITIES
Entry Giveaways
For any approved giveaway that promotes guest safety, guests will be released from gate to advance to giveaway distribution location, one familial group at a time. Staff will handle all giveaways with gloves, and will place on table to reduce contact.
All other standard giveaway policies remain in place.
Media & Marketing Materials
Pocket schedules, rosters, and lineups will be produced digitally and guests directed to the Chihuahuas and/or Locomotive website, the First Pitch app or the El Paso Locomotive FC app.
On-Field
Most on-field activities are temporarily suspended. Any potential on-field activities will be conducted with heightened considerations.
MountainStar Sports Group Foundation Community Jackpot presented by Texas Gas Service
MountainStar Sports Group Foundation Community Jackpot presented by Texas Gas Service will be available for purchase. Patrons can purchase jackpot tickets either at the kiosk behind Section 112 (only available from halftime to the 75th minute) or by locating a sales associate on the concourse. Debit cards are encouraged for payment. No credit cards will be accepted.
Some promotional activities may be temporarily suspended if deemed necessary to ensure the health and safety of all participants, players and staff.
Player autographs are temporarily suspended to limit contact. As are any player giveaways to guests (i.e. baseballs tossed into stands).
RESTROOMS
When appropriate for privacy, restroom doors will be propped open to encourage touchless entry/exit.
Restroom fixtures and equipment will have rotating closures based on ballpark sanitization schedule to allow for proper disinfecting and social distancing.
Existing restroom fixtures such as sinks, paper towel dispensers and flush valves utilize motion sensors to limit contact.
Both team shop capacities will adhere to social distancing guidelines (capacity not to exceed threshold needed to maintain 6 feet of socially distancing).
Signage and spacing markers will promote proper social distancing between guests as they shop and are queued in line. Signage will also request that only items for purchase be touched.
Contactless payments via guest operated credit card readers are encouraged.
Returns are considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of management.
SOCIALLY DISTANCED SEATING
All tickets are manifested, assigned seating.
Seating Manifest 1
To ensure social distancing of 12 feet, 2 rows will be eliminated from sale between each seated row, as well as every 4 aisle seats that are adjacent to another seating section. Within the rows utilized, the ticketing system will automatically block off at minimum 6 seats next to an individual group or family purchase. No more than two group or family purchases per row, to allow aisle access for each group, and therefore, eliminating any need for crossover.
Seating Manifest 2
To ensure social distancing of 6 feet, every other row will be eliminated from sale as well as every 2 aisle seats that are adjacent to another seating section. Within the rows utilized, the ticketing system will automatically block off at minimum 3 seats next to an individual group or family purchase. No more than two group or family purchases per row, to allow aisle access for each group, and therefore, eliminating any need for crossover.
TICKET PURCHASING & SERVICING
Routine hand washing and sanitation of office equipment, guest counter space, credit card readers, ticket scanners and other main touch points.
Alternate ticket windows will be open to assist guests and ensure proper distancing. Spacing markers and stanchions will promote social distancing while queued in line.
All tickets are mobile or print at home; ticket printing at box office window is temporarily suspended.
Guest identification may be authenticated apart from ID due to facial coverings.
Guests are to maintain possession of ticket or mobile phone at all times. Staff members will verify/scan without contact.
If a guest would like to inquire about changing their seat location once in the ballpark, the internal Advance Ticket Window at both box offices can assist. All exchanges are subject to availability.
