Mets, Yankees Can Reopen at 20 Percent Capacity

A limited number of fans will be in the stands when the New York Yankees and New York Mets open their seasons, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Thursday.

Fans will need to show proof of a recent negative test or proof of a Covid-19 vaccination.

Effective April 1, professional sports in large outdoor venues can operate at 20 percent capacity. That translates to 8,384 fans at Citi Field, and 10,850 at Yankee Stadium.

 Attendees must also follow state guidance on face coverings, social distancing, and health screening. The New York State Department of Health will re-evaluate the testing and vaccination entry requirements in May, and if the public health situation continues to improve, they may be discontinued in mid-May.

Vaccinations will continue to be administered at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field during the MLB season.

Those with indoor events are limited to 10 percent.

Smaller, regional sports venues that hold 1,500 people indoors or 2,500 people outdoors can also reopen, beginning April 1. 

“New Yorkers love to root for the home team, and it was especially difficult to see great professional sports teams close down as we implemented restrictions necessary to protect the public health,” Governor Cuomo said. “As New York’s COVID situation improves, we’re giving New Yorkers the opportunity to cheer on the Yankees and Mets in person as long as they stay safe. I look forward to seeing our beloved teams open Citi Field and Yankee Stadium again as we continue to recover from this pandemic.”  

To re-open professional sports with spectators at large outdoor stadiums, each venue must adhere to strict health and safety protocols, including:

  • Obtain NYS DOH approval for ALL venues and events
  • Institute a 20 percent capacity limit
  • Ensure spectators and public-facing event staff present proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination prior to the event
  • Mandate face coverings, social distancing, and temperature checks for all those in attendance
  • Mandate assigned, socially distanced seating
  • Collect contact information from all those in attendance to help inform contact tracing efforts
  • Meet enhanced air filtration, ventilation, and purification standards for any indoor areas
  • Ensure retail, food services and athletic activities abide by all State-issued guidance

“We’re really excited about the season ahead and welcoming the best fans in baseball back – safely – to Citi Field,” Mets Owner, chairman and CEO Steve Cohen said.

“The entire Yankees organization — and especially our players on the field — feed off the energy that our loyal and dedicated fans bring to Yankee Stadium,” said Yankees Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner. “Our fans have made our home a preeminent worldwide attraction, and their excitement is the catalyst for the championship goals we set every season. We are thrilled to be able to have them back in 2021 and promise them the highest standards for health and safety this season and beyond.

Thursday’s data

  • Test Results Reported  271,463
  • Total Positive – 7,796
  • Percent Positive – 2.87%
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive – 3.28%
  • Patient Hospitalization  4,536 (-88)
  • Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week  -199
  • Patients Newly Admitted  532
  • Hospital Counties  50
  • Number ICU  934 (-20)
  • Number ICU with Intubation  590 (-11)
  • Total Discharges  155,325 (+545)
  • Deaths  57
  • Total Deaths  39,748

 

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