The Worcester Bravehearts will make Doyle Field in Leominster their home for the 2020 Futures League season, the baseball team announced on Monday, with all tickets offered for free.
The Bravehearts typically play home games at College of the Holy Cross’ Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field, but the stadium remains closed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The Bravehearts will host all 19 of their home games at Doyle Field, beginning with their first game against the New Britain Bees at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
The ballpark at Doyle Field can hold up to 424 fans, but the Bravehearts anticipate filling only a quarter of those seats due to social distancing rules, according to the announcement.
“There is going to be a charming Cape Cod League feel to the ballpark this summer at Doyle Field,” team General Manager Dave Peterson said in a statement. “We’ll be cautious with our social distancing by spreading fans out along the perimeter of the field, and fans can also bring their own camping chairs or blankets to enjoy the game with their family.”
Fixed seats will be primarily reserved for season ticket holders, with some availability for the public. Season ticket holders who have already paid will also receive free tickets in 2021, when the Bravehearts are expected to return to Worcester, per the announcement.
While the transition to North Central Massachusetts marks a significant change for the 2020 Bravehearts season, they are not the first collegiate team to use Doyle Field as their home. The Wachusett Dirt Dawgs and the Central Mass Collegians also used the facility to host games.
The deal between the Bravehearts and the City of Leominster was brokered with the help of developer Peter Bovenzi, according to the announcement.
“We are excited to welcome the Worcester Bravehearts to the city of Leominster,” said Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella, in a statement. “They drafted an impressive COVID Readiness Plan for the summer that will ensure the safety of all participants on the field and all fans in the stands.”
