MILWAUKEE — Baseball fans have waited 18 months for the opportunity to watch the Brewers in person. Those with tickets know the 2021 ballpark experience will be unlike that of any other season.

The Brewers have showcased some of the game day changes during their “Preview Week” at American Family Field. One of the most obvious differences comes before fans even scan their digital tickets at the gates: tailgating will not be allowed in stadium parking lots, in accordance with Milwaukee Health Department guidelines.

The ballpark safety plan approved by the health department totaled more than 500 pages. Most seats for the opening month’s home series will be zip tied, as the club allow 25 percent capacity. Tickets are available in two, four or six-person pods throughout the stadium. The other critical safety measure is the mask requirement. Senior Vice President of Stadium Operations Steve Ethier said Thursday there will be a zero tolerance for noncompliance unless fans are actively eating or drinking.

“Our fans want to be comfortable,” Ethier said. “They want to know and be confident they’re going to be safe in American Family Field and it’s going to be a safe experience for everyone.”

All sales inside the stadium, including the team store and concessions, will be cash-free this season. Concession stands will accept credit or debit cards, as well as mobile payments from Apple, Google and Samsung. Anyone entering with cash but no card or mobile payment method can exchange their bills for a prepaid debit card at one of three kiosks.

Additionally, fans can make contactless mobile orders to pick up food and drinks from six concession areas in the ballpark. Those choosing to wait in line and order at the register will be required to maintain six feet of distance while wearing a mask.

“We’re very confident that the transaction process when it comes to food and beverage will be very safe,” said Teddy Werner, Milwaukee’s senior vice president of brand experience.

American Family Field’s retractable roof could be open or closed for next Thursday’s season opener. Ethier said there is plenty of airflow either way, and the organization will make that call based on weather and fan comfort. The stands will also be a bit quieter without any beer or hot dog vendors roaming the aisles, though the club plans to bring those game day employees back at some point this season. The Brewers are also in talks with the city health department about plans to eventually lift the ban on tailgating.

“We have every intention and bit of confidence that we’ll sort of be back to how things were pre-pandemic,” Werner said.

The 2021 regular season will begin next Thursday when the Brewers host the Minnesota Twins at 1:10 p.m.