Yankee Stadium Debuts Vaccinated And Unvaccinated Sections, Kicking Off Big Weekend For New York Sports Fans

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — A big weekend for New York City’s sports teams started Friday as several stadiums and arenas expand capacity for fully vaccinated fans.

The new seating policy is in effect at Yankee Stadium for tonight’s game against the Chicago White Sox, CBS2’s Andrea Grymes reported.

READ MORE: Change In Stadium Seating Policies Leaves Yankees Fan In The Lurch: ‘It’s So Last Minute, I Can’t Meet Their Requirements’

Yankees fans Joe Luliano and Fianna Pollara are psyched to be back at a game for the first time in two years.

“It’s freedom. It feels good,” Luliano said.

Their trip to the Bronx comes as the Yankees unveil fully vaccinated seating sections at full capacity. No more social distancing, but fans must prove they are fully vaccinated.

“More and more people are getting vaccinated, so they should be treated as normal,” Luliano said.

People ages 16 and over who can prove their vaccination status will be allowed to sit in the sections. Unvaccinated minors ages 15 and under can also sit there, if accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult.

Social distancing will not be required in those sections.

READ MORE: Yankee Stadium, Citi Field To Seat Fans In Vaccinated And Unvaccinated Sections, Offer Shots And Free Tickets

Unvaccinated fans can attend, but have to sit in other sections.

It’s not just baseball. Earlier this week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the Knicks and Nets will have fully vaccinated fan sections for playoff games.

The Nets play Saturday night at Barclays Center.

“It’s gonna be a lot more noise, a lot more fans and hopefully a home court advantage,” said Nets guard James Harden. “I’m excited. I know the fans are. Can’t wait to get going.”

The Knicks announced their first two home games, starting Sunday at Madison Square Garden, are already sold out. Nearly 90% of ticket holders are fully vaccinated.

The Knicks expect 15,000 fans at each game – the most at an indoor gathering in New York State since the start of the pandemic.

The Mets announced Citi Field will have 21 sections for fully vaccinated fans starting Monday.