The game was one of the first full capacity sporting events since the coronavirus stopped all sporting events over a year ago.
Paid attendance at Monday’s game was 38,238, a figure Rangers spokesperson John Blake described as a sellout. According to Blake, the stadium’s total capacity is 40,518.
The Rangers are the only Major League Baseball team to allow full capacity seating in their baseball field, thanks in part to Texas Governor Greg Abbott who abolished mask restrictions last month and allowed companies to open at 100% capacity.
The Rangers’ website states that masks were mandatory for all fans of the game, “except when they actively eat or drink in their ticketed seats.”
Globe Life Field opened last year, but all of the Rangers’ home games were played without fans present.
Monday’s game comes as states in the US begin to relax restrictions, despite warnings from health officials.
President Joe Biden called the decision to host a packed stadium “a mistake” in a recent interview with ESPN.
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 don’t think it’s responsible.”
Abbott, a Republican, declined to throw the ceremonial first pitch during the game. He cited the MLB’s decision to move the All-Star game and the organization’s concept to Atlanta in response to Georgia’s restrictive voting bill.
The governor also said he will no longer participate in any event held by MLB, and the State of Texas will not attempt to host the All-Star game or other MLB special events.