Starting May 19, the New York Mets and the Yankees could allow their ballparks to operate at 100% capacity if all attendees are vaccinated against COVID-19. Initially limited to only 20% capacity, the ballparks are set to open up fully under this new condition.
Both teams will offer complimentary game tickets along with Covid-19 vaccines. The Johnson & Johnson single-shot vaccine will be administered outside the stadiums, and those receiving the shot will receive a free game ticket as an incentive.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo unveiled this initiative during a press conference on Wednesday, where he was joined by Yankees president Randy Levine and Mets president Sandy Alderson.
Cuomo stated, “If everyone in the crowd is fully vaccinated, we could potentially fill the entire stadium to full capacity. Otherwise, if social distancing is required, the rule remains at a 6ft distance as per CDC guidelines.”
Levine noted, “We have been conducting surveys with our fans, and it seems that a majority of attendees are vaccinated. We are optimistic that this trend will continue. We will have dedicated sections to ensure the comfort and safety of our season ticket holders and all other guests.”
The Yankees also expressed their support for the vaccination initiative, stating, “We are fully committed to encouraging more individuals to get vaccinated by offering them the opportunity to receive Yankees tickets.”
