Texas Rangers sell over 38,000 tickets to home opener, marking one of the first full-capacity sporting events in a year
The paid attendance at Monday’s game was 38,238, a figure which Rangers spokesperson John Blake described as a sellout. The stadium’s overall capacity is 40,518, according to Blake.
“It felt like it was my debut all over again. It was a good feeling to just have the crowd there cheering us on,” said Rangers infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa. “I think the introduction when I first came out early in the game, that was probably one of the coolest moments of my career to this date.”
Rangers manager Chris Woodward said Monday felt like “a real game” and that it “resembled some sort of normalcy.”
“We were excited, man. We haven’t played in front of any crowd. We played a little bit in Kansas City, a little bit in spring training, but full capacity, it’s amazing how quickly we get used to certain things and not having that, was ‘Oh, this is what it felt like,'” Woodward said.
Fans line up to enter Globe Life Field before the Texas Rangers home opener baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 5, 2021, in Arlington, Texas.
Globe Life Field opened last year, but all the Rangers’ home games were played without fans in attendance.
Monday’s game comes as states across the US are beginning to ease restrictions, despite warnings from health officials.
Fans walk through the main concourse of Globe Life Field before the Texas Rangers home opener baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 5, 2021.
“Well, that’s a decision they made. I think it’s a mistake,” Biden said. “They should listen to Dr. (Anthony) Fauci, the scientists and the experts. But I think it’s not responsible.”
The governor also said he will no longer participate in any event held by MLB, and that the state of Texas will not seek to host the All-Star game or any other MLB special events.
