TAMPA — When baseball returns to New York next month, fans will be allowed to be there.
The Yankees, Mets and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Thursday that Yankee Stadium and Citi Field would have 20 percent capacity to start the season, with the Yankees hosting the Blue Jays on April 1 and the Mets facing the Marlins on April 8.
It will be the first time fans will be permitted in either venue since the end of the 2019 season, as COVID restrictions prevented any spectators.
“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,” Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement.
“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 in a statement.
At 20 percent, Yankee Stadium can hold about 10,800 fans. That limit will hold at least through the first 11 games of the regular season — until April 21. Citi Field will be at 8,492 fans.
The teams will require fans to take a PCR or antigen COVID-19 test with negative results or provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. And all in attendance over the age of 2 will be required to wear a face covering.
In their statement, the Yankees said they “are hopeful to be able to expand capacity and eliminate testing in early May.”
Season ticket holders will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets.
The news coincides with the statewide regulation that beginning April 1, outdoor sports venues with capacity of 2,500 or more can begin to be 20 percent full.