The waiting game is over for the RailCats. They will not play this summer.

RailCats general manager Brian Flenner announced Friday the team would be suspending operations as six other American Association organizations inched closer to playing a partial schedule.

Opening day had been scheduled for May 22, but the American Association first delayed the start to April 21 and then pushed back a possible schedule to early July due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“While we are disappointed there will not be RailCats baseball at the Steel Yard this summer, safety is our top priority,” Flenner said in a news release.

The American Association announced Friday the league will begin an abbreviated 60-game season with fans in attendance on Friday, July 3.

The full schedule will be announced on Monday, June 15.

Fargo-Moorhead, Milwaukee and Sioux Falls will serve as three hubs for the six teams. Winnipeg will play at the Fargo hub, the Chicago Dogs will play at the Milwaukee hub and St. Paul will play at the Sioux Falls hub.

According to the American Association, teams participating in the 2020 season were based on cities allowing for fans in attendance at stadiums, geography and COVID-19 restrictions that persist in certain cities.

The RailCats will announce a lineup of community events that will be held this summer at the ballpark. Opportunities for fans to rent exclusive ballpark spaces also will be available.

The RailCats said enhanced protocols will be taken to ensure the health of guests at special events this summer and in future seasons as part of the COVID-19 stadium preparedness plan.

“While there will be no RailCats baseball in 2020, we look forward to hosting a variety of family friendly events and community initiatives this summer,” Flenner said.

Groups and individuals who purchased tickets for the 2020 season will be contacted by the RailCats.