Cubs get approval for fans at Sloan Park for spring training

(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Last spring, everything looked and felt pretty normal early on in the Cactus League. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and stopped the sport – and much of the world – in its tracks.

The battle against the coronavirus continues one year later and likely will for months – and perhaps even years – to come. But for Chicago Cubs fans looking for some sort of escape or distraction this time around, they’ll have a chance to see the team in Arizona this spring.

Local and state authorities granted the organization approval to have up to 25 percent capacity at Sloan Park in Mesa once spring training games kick off on Feb. 27. This means the Cubs will be able to have…