ASU outdoor spring sporting events will increase to 50% of available seating capacity at respective venues, Sun Devil Athletics announced on Tuesday.
The news of expanded seating comes before No. 15-seeded ASU softball hosts a regional in Tempe at Alberta B. Farrington Stadium starting Thursday. Virginia Tech, BYU and Southern Illinois are the other teams participating in the Tempe regional.
ASU baseball also plays its final home series of the season at Phoenix Municipal Stadium starting on May 27 against UCLA.
Sun Devil Athletics initially reopened its spring stadiums to fans in March to 20-25% of available capacity.
According to ASU's latest announcement, tickets will be distributed in seating pods of up to six seats located at least 3 feet apart from other pods, a change from previous protocol where pods were located at least 6 feet apart.
Fans must also remain in their assigned seats while watching, and loitering is discouraged.
READ MORE: How ASU manages limited fan attendance at baseball games
The city of Tempe announced the end to its mask mandate starting Friday, but face coverings for fans over the age of 2 will still be required at all times except when eating or drinking.
The city of Phoenix has yet to change its mask mandate to follow recently released guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but Phoenix City Council will vote on a possible amendment of its mandate on Wednesday.
The spread of COVID-19 has slowed in Arizona in recent months as vaccination efforts in the state continue.
As of Wednesday, Arizona has vaccinated 44.1% of its population against COVID-19, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. In Maricopa County, 47% of residents 10 years and older in the county have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Reach the reporter at ltochter@asu.edu and follow @Leo_Toch on Twitter.
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