Mask up
Arlington's Texas Live reopens for Rangers games with new COVID-19 precautions
Texas Rangers fans may not be able to root for the home team in its new billion-dollar ballpark, but a local venue is making sure they get as close as possible and taking new precautions for a safe experience. Texas Live is rolling out the virtual red, white, and blue carpet for Rangers fans throughout the season, beginning with the home opener against the Rockies at 7:05 pm July 24.
The Arlington entertainment complex, just steps from Globe Life Field, is turning multiple indoor and outdoor spaces into socially distanced cheering sections for masked-up Rangers fans — from the first pitch of the season to the last.
"Texas Live will offer an immersive gameday experience from being able to hear the crack of the bat to providing live broadcasts of the games with audio from inside the ballpark in all venues, including Live! Arena on the 100-foot, state-of-the-art LED screen," says a release. "In addition to viewing the first games played in the new ballpark, fans can also expect live acoustic music and entertainment, outdoor games, and ballpark-fare food throughout the season."
One thing fans won't be able to do? Crowd into restaurant and bar areas like in game days past.
To help curb the spread of COVID-19, new health and safety procedures have been developed in compliance with the CDC’s recommendations for sanitation and social distancing. According to the Texas Live website, these include:
- Guests over the age of 3 are encouraged to wear face coverings over the mouth and nose at all times, except while dining, the venue says. (Note that Tarrant County requires them inside businesses.)
- Limited entrances.
- Temperature screenings prior to entry for all management and employees.
- Physical distancing practices including physically-distanced queues and physical barriers.
- Temporary operation modifications, including reduced hours at select locations.
- An increased focus on disinfection and sanitation, including the addition of hand-washing stations and hand sanitizers in key areas.
- Disposable silverware and glassware.
- Contactless ordering.
- Guests will be directed to self-park; valet will not be available.
Per the release, these areas of Texas Live will be open for fans to spread out and watch games while eating and drinking:
Arlington Backyard: A covered, open-air pavilion that provides picnic-style seating in a relaxed atmosphere directly next-door to Globe Life Field. Arlington Backyard has two giant state-of-the-art LED displays, and offers a full beverage menu and grab-and-go food from the Lockhart Smokehouse kiosk.
Live! Arena: The centerpiece of Texas Live, the expansive Live! Arena features a 100-foot LED screen for an immersive viewing experience. There is seating on two levels and a full food and beverage menu.
Lockhart Smokehouse: Lockhart Smokehouse features several TVs throughout indoor and outdoor areas. Patrons can eat Lockhart Smokehouse barbecue favorites at both in-venue seating and outside on the patio. The venue’s exterior patio space opens up into Arlington Backyard.
Miller Beer Garden: The outdoor courtyard features a central full-service bar, several TVs, and picnic-style seating between Texas Live and the Live! by Loews hotel.
Rangers Republic Exterior Patio: This brand-new outdoor patio overlooks Globe Life Field and Rangers Plaza to the south and Globe Life Park to the north. The outdoor space has a large LED screen tuned to games, as well as a full beverage menu and food from several grab-and-go options on the Plaza.
Baseballism Arlington: Open on the south side of Texas Live adjacent to the Rangers Plaza, the shop sells merchandise ranging from state pride apparel to unique glove leather items for all ages.
Find hours of operation for each venue here. Reservations for game-watching at Texas Live are encouraged by emailing info@texas-live.com or visiting www.texas-live.com.
Those who attend on opening day will find some extra surprises on the Plaza, including pop-ups from Fletcher's Corny Dogs and Rita's Italian Ice. For more information on all the happenings, visit the Texas Live website.
