Facial coverings no longer required for Texas Rangers games at Globe Life Field

The next time the Texas Rangers play at home, fans can leave their masks at home.

The Rangers, following changes in CDC protocols and MLB protocols regarding mask usage during the COVID-19 pandemic, have ended their requirement that fans were masks inside Globe Life Field unless eating or drinking at their seats.

The CDC on Thursday made a sharp change in direction regard its mask guidelines, saying those who are fully vaccinated can go without masks indoors and outdoors. The exceptions are when in a health-care setting, at businesses that still require masks, and on public transportation.

MLB then told teams that minimum mask requirements have been eliminated.

The Rangers’ minor-league affiliates Triple A Round Rock and Double A Frisco also ended their mask mandates.

Effective immediately…@RidersBaseball @chuckgreenberg pic.twitter.com/VzgGzgrocT

— Victor Rojas (@VictorRojas) May 13, 2021

The Rangers were the first MLB team to open its ballpark to full capacity, and they did so to significant criticism from, among others, President Joe Biden. However, case numbers in Tarrant County continue to decline since the April 5 home opener, and more and more people are getting vaccinated.

Rangers executive vice president Rob Matwick said last week that the team had seen good compliance with the mask mandate on entering the ballpark, on the concourse and after games. He admitted that compliance was spotty in the seating bowl.