The problem, or one of their problems, is lack of paying fans. Make those cardboard cutouts pay admission.
They did. Believe it or not. Here's the ad from the Seattle Mariners:
Anchors away! Mariners Baseball will soon set sail at T-Mobile Park and while at this time fans won't be able to physically attend the games, we're assembling a crew of personalized fan cutouts to help navigate the unknown waters of a 60-game MLB season.Introducing the launch of the Mariners Seat Fleet! For just $30, you can purchase a recycle-friendly version of yourself that will sit in on all of the game action at T-Mobile Park this season while you're safe at home. Plus, the Mariners will donate a portion of every purchase to All in Washington to support COVID-related relief efforts in our communities. What's more? If your cutout "catches" a foul ball or Mariners home run during a game, we'll mail you the baseball!