Peanuts, Cracker Jacks and COVID vaccines: Hartford Yard Goats plan to vaccinate fans at games — with an incentive
In partnership with Hartford Healthcare, the Hartford Yard Goats will begin to vaccinate fans at games against COVID-19 beginning with the team’s home opener against the Portland Sea Dogs on Tuesday with a built-in incentive.
Each fan vaccinated at Dunkin’ Donuts Park will receive a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card, as well as four tickets to a future game. Hartford Healthcare plans to vaccinate 100 fans per game for four weekday dates (Tuesday-Wednesday and May 18-19) and two weekend dates (May 16 and May 23).
“This is how we get people energized,” Gov. Ned Lamont said Wednesday at Dunkin’ Donuts Park alongside team president Tim Restall, Hartford Healthcare CEO Jeff Flaks, Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Hartford mayor Luke Bronin. “We’re doing everything we can to give people the incentive to get vaccinated.”
Those interested can walk up or schedule online in advance as long as they have a ticket to that night’s game. Flaks said if there is greater demand for vaccines, Hartford Healthcare will provide more shots or add more dates.
“We will do whatever is necessary to bring forth medicines,” he said. “We’re going to work to meet as much interest and need as there is.”
Vaccine clinics had previously been held at Dunkin’ Donuts Park, though this is the first in-game opportunity.
Dunkin’ Donuts Park will begin the season at 50% capacity from Tuesday through May 18, and expand to 100% capacity starting May 19.
“A big part of the reason we are able to get back to the ballpark is a good number of fans getting vaccinated,” Restall said. “Baseball is a numbers game, and we want to continue to be a part of the solution.”
Lamont said the promotion is a good opportunity to encourage the younger population to get vaccinated. As of Tuesday, 68.6% of Connecticut adults had received at least one dose, fourth among all states. Just over half of the population is fully vaccinated, per data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. CVS announced Wednesday that it’s now hosting walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics at 173 locations in Connecticut.
“Whether it’s pop-up centers in parking lots, whether its in churches or community centers, or now in this ballpark, this is how we’re going to change healthcare,” Flaks said. “This is how we’re going to do a better job addressing the inequities of healthcare.”
Similar incentive-based vaccine initiatives have been announced around the state and country. Connecticut announced last week that those who show their vaccination cards at over 200 participating restaurants can receive a free alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that fans vaccinated at either Yankee Stadium or Citi Field will receive a free ticket to a Yankees or Mets game.
“In New York they’re offering one ticket,” Lamont said. “We’re offering four.”
Shawn McFarland can be reached at smcfarland@courant.com.
