ARLINGTON (KFDX/KJTL) – For the first time since COVID-19 shut down stadiums across the country, fans are welcomed at 100 percent capacity for the Texas Rangers home opener.
“This is my first time walking in here and it’s just beautiful,” said Jimmy Anderson from Texarkana. “I love that the tops open and we’re able to come in. Man, I just got chills all over me.”
More than 40,000 fans all with different reasons for wanting to be part of history.
“I went to every Opening Day at Globe Life Park and now I’m starting a streak at Globe Life Field,” said Garner Roberts from Abilene.
Monday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays was the first major U.S. pro sports event to approach capacity in a stadium since the coronavirus shut down more than a year ago. Something Waco resident Jeff Bauer said he couldn’t miss.
“It’s great because I’ve been to all the home openers except for two in the last 36 years. Opening Day is what it’s all about.”
Jeff Bauer
The love for the game and sometimes a trip to the diamond can lead to a diamond.
“We’re huge Rangers fans and actually had one of our first dates at the old stadium,” said Yazmin Wall of Waco. “We were at the last game at the old stadium. So it’s been special for us.”
All in attendance, you and old, have already begun creating new memories.
“I grew up a Texas Rangers fan,” Texas Rangers Organist Dustin Tatro said. “Pretty much started around the time Ventura charged the mound just down the road from here. That was about the beginning for me. That’s when I was six and in t-ball. I never would have guessed that 25 years later I would be the organist for the team I grew up loving.”
The Rangers have gained national attention with their plan to fill their year-old stadium. The roof was open. Infectious disease experts are mixed on the view of the club’s decision. The $1.2 billion stadium opened last year, but no fans were permitted during the regular season.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Fans stand for the national anthem before a baseball game between the Texas Rangers and the Toronto Blue Jays Monday, April 5, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. The Texas Rangers are set to have the closest thing to a full stadium in pro sports since the coronavirus shut down more than a year ago. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter) 
Fans fill the stands at Globe Life Field during the first inning of a baseball game between the Texas Rangers and the Toronto Blue Jays, Monday, April 5, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are set to have the closest thing to a full stadium in pro sports since the coronavirus shutdown more than a year ago. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter) 
Two F-16 jets fly over Globe Life Field before a baseball game between the Texas Rangers and the Toronto Blue Jays Monday, April 5, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. The Texas Rangers are set to have the closest thing to a full stadium in pro sports since the coronavirus shut down more than a year ago. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter) 
Fans line up to enter Globe Life Field before the Texas Rangers home opener baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Monday, April 5, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. The Texas Rangers are set to have the closest thing to a full stadium in pro sports since the coronavirus shutdown more than a year ago. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter) 
A COVID-19 prevention protocol sign hangs in the concourse of Globe Life Field before the Texas Rangers home opener baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Monday, April 5, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. The Texas Rangers are set to have the closest thing to a full stadium in pro sports since the coronavirus shut down more than a year ago. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter) 
Fans scramble for a foul ball during the first inning of a baseball game between the Texas Rangers and the Toronto Blue Jays, Monday, April 5, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter) 
Josh Johnson and Zoe Aguilar walk through the concourse of Globe Life Field before the Texas Rangers home opener baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Monday, April 5, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. The Texas Rangers are set to have the closest thing to a full stadium in pro sports since the coronavirus shut down more than a year ago. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
