SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Cooperation among the Rockies, Major League Baseball and the state of Colorado has allowed the club to begin the regular season hosting an increas ed number of fans at Coors Field: 21,363. The increase, from a previously announced limit of 12,500, was announced Tuesday.

Clearance for more fans -- 42.6 percent of the ballpark’s 50,144 capacity -- came after the Rockies implemented all required policies and guidelines from the Colorado Department of Health and Environment, Denver Department of Public Health and Environment and MLB.

On Thursday, the club will begin selling tickets to April home games -- starting with the season opener against the defending World Series-champion Dodgers on April 1 at 2:10 p.m. MT. According to the club’s announcement, Rockies Plan holders will have first opportunity to secure tickets for the first homestand. If inventory allows, ticket sales for the general public will be determined and announced at a later date.

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“We couldn’t be happier to be inviting Rockies fans back into Coors Field,” Rockies chief operating officer Greg Feasel said in the club’s press release. “It took a lot of hard work from a lot of people, and we thank the State of Colorado, the City and County of Denver, and their health officials, along with MLB for partnering with us to ensure that our thorough and detailed plan complies with all health and safety measures.”

The club also announced it will host a fundraising event on March 31 – Feed the Rockies Workout Day. More than 2,000 tickets at $5 apiece will be available to view the team’s workout, with proceeds going to the Colorado Rockies Foundation to benefit AMP THE CAUSE and The Denver Rescue Mission. Tickets will be made available on March 24.

Other festivities for the workout day include giveaways to the first fans through the gates, pre-autographed items for winning seat locations during the event, and opportunities to meet manager Bud Black and several players. There also will be an online fundraiser for those not able to attend. The Rockies Foundation will make a matching donation to proceeds from both events.

For a detailed list of Coors Field policies and protocols, visit Rockies.com/update.