Salt Lake Bees’ Opening Day Delayed Due To COVID-19
Mar 3, 2021, 11:55 PM
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Minor League Baseball announced on Wednesday that the 2021 Triple-A season will be pushed back four weeks, meaning the Salt Lake Bees won’t take the field at Smith’s Ballpark until May 6.
Excitement is building for the season with plans for limited fan attendance, and nearby businesses are eagerly awaiting the team’s return.
Anybody can make a burger, but few do it as well as Lucky 13.
“We use fresh ingredients and just kind of doing what we love and serving what we love,” said manager Jasmine Gordon. “We put a lot of love and care into that.”
The @SaltLakeBees are expecting to play ball again this year. However, the start of the season is being delayed one month due to #covid concerns for all Triple-A teams. We’re doing a story with the Bees for @KSL5TV at 10. #ksltv #baseball pic.twitter.com/4mbeQ1nDsa
— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) March 4, 2021
For as good as the food is, though, business has been tough.
“It was a challenge with coronavirus,” said Gordon. “Last year was tough all the way around.”
Especially when a good chunk of your sales comes from just across the street.
Smith’s Ballpark, home of the Salt Lake Bees, is a short fly ball away from Lucky 13.
Lucky 13 is just a few steps from Smith’s Ballpark. (John Wilson/KSL TV)
“We love having baseball and our regulars who come for the season,” said Gordon.
Normally, many fans walking to a Bees game would have to go past their restaurant.
On game days, the place is packed.
However, when baseball was canceled because of COVID concerns last year, well, empty seats don’t order food.
“It killed the vibe,” said Gordon.
Still, Lucky 13 was able to serve customers who came in.
Business was even worse for the Bees, because without baseball, general manager Marc Amicone knows there’s no taking anyone out to the ballgame.
“It was difficult,” said Amicone. “You know what was really hard is seeing the sunshine and being around the ballpark, and nobody was here.”
However, with winter about to give up its lead to spring, it looks like there will be a baseball season this year.
“The things we are doing and with the way we’re protecting each other with masks, things are getting better,” said Amicone.
The Bees were getting ready for an April opening day, until Wednesday, when Major League Baseball announced the minor league season would be delayed one month.
JUST IN: The 2021 @MiLB Triple-A season has been delayed by four weeks.
The @SaltLakeBees will now open the season at Smith's Ballpark on May 6 against the Reno Aces.@kslsports https://t.co/N52ZK0G9im
— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) March 3, 2021
COVID-19 is still a tough opponent.
“We’ll still get things ready and we’re just happy to have a season. It’s better than nothing,” said Amicone.
The Bees are looking to make up the games by playing later than they normally would past Labor Day.
Plus, limited fans will be allowed at the ballpark.
It means, with a little luck, a chance for even the best burgers to make a big rally.
“Whatever it is, we’re excited,” said Gordon. “We’re excited for whatever we can get at this point.”
Opening Day is now scheduled for May 6.
