Yankee Stadium Returns To Full Capacity For 1st Time Since Pandemic Started
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It was a big night in the Bronx, where Yankee Stadium is back to regular seating capacity for the first time in nearly two years.
Friday night was a family trip to the ballpark for the Warbets of Rockland County, just like the good 'ole days before COVID.
"I didn't want to leave early," Aiden Warbet told CBS2's Andrea Grymes.
"It feels great. It feels great," Matthew Warbet said.
Friday night's game against Oakland marks Yankee Stadium's return to normal seating for the first time since 2019.
A full capacity crowd was allowed, and no proof of a negative COVID-19 test or COVID vaccination required.
"We got our tickets a while ago, so we weren't expecting it, so to be here with everyone here is really exciting," Yankees fan Meg McInerny said.
"I think it's awesome, and country's opening up. Freedom for everybody. It's gonna be a great summer," Marty McInerny said.
From one sign of New York's comeback to another -- Madison Square Garden will host the Foo Fighters on Sunday.
It's billed as the first 100% capacity concert in a New York arena since March of 2020.
Unlike Yankee Stadium, though, all guests over age 16 must be vaccinated.
"You've just seen the tide turn, and it's so uplifting," said Chris Heywood, with NYC & Company, the city's official tourism arm.
He says the Big Apple is at a turning point.
Many people are hitting the road. Friday afternoon saw some big traffic tie-ups across the area.
If you're looking to get out an enjoy the city's attractions this summer, Heywood recommends planning ahead, noting timed ticketing is here to stay for a while at many spots.
"There may be some requirements that businesses ask people to do, but I think what you're also starting to see is the relaxing of these restrictions and people really returning to a feel of normalcy, which I think is great," he said.
Back at Yankee Stadium, unvaccinated fans are still supposed to wear masks, but again, proof of vaccination is no longer required.
Citi Field reopens at full capacity Monday when the Mets face the Atlanta Braves in a doubleheader, and MetLife Stadium will also be at full capacity when the NFL seasons starts in the fall.
