Despite the U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting record highs in Columbus, Ohio, on the morning of July 17, the Columbus Clippers are still planning to host the Pittsburgh Pirates‘ Triple-A affiliate from Indianapolis in a home game at Huntington Park as of 4:30 p.m. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
“As of now, we are preparing to play tonight’s game vs. Indianapolis as scheduled and we are seeing positive progress on the localized air quality each hour. The health and wellness of our fans, players and staff is of the utmost importance and we will provide updates if anything changes,” said Clippers president and general manager Tyler Parsons in a statement obtained by The Dispatch.
The Friday fireworks show, however, has been canceled.
“While air quality levels are projected to see steady improvement, we have also made the decision to postpone tonight’s fireworks show. We apologize for that inconvenience – but creating more smoke did not seem like the responsible move,” continued Parsons in the statement.
According to IQAir, the AQI at the time of first pitch in at Huntington Park will be at 204, which remains in the “very unhealthy” category and the risk of health effects is increased for the general public.
The AQI reached 554 at 6 a.m. on July 17 at Finland Elementary, the worst air quality index in the Columbus area since the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission began keeping records in 1999. An AQI above 300 is “hazardous.”
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency issued a statewide air quality advisory for Friday, July 17, its second in as many days.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Clippers plan to play at Huntington Park amid wildfire smoke
