The Texas Rangers have been slammed after they welcomed a “sell-out crowd” of more than 38,000 fans to their home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday (AEST).
The game marked one of the first full-capacity sporting events since coronavirus shut down all sporting events more than a year ago.
The paid attendance at the game was 38,238, a figure which Rangers spokesperson John Blake described as a sellout. The stadium’s overall capacity is 40,518.
The Rangers are the only Major League Baseball team allowing full capacity seating at their ballpark, thanks in part to Texas Governor Greg Abbott doing away with mask restrictions last month and allowing businesses to open at 100% capacity.
The Rangers’ website states masks were required for all fans at the game, “except when actively eating or drinking at their ticketed seats”.
But hardly any of the fans in attendance were wearing masks.
Images and videos of the crowd set social media alight, with many blasting the club for hosting a potential COVID-19 “super-spreader” event.
Globe Life Field opened last year, but all the Rangers’ home games were played without fans in attendance.
The 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.
President Joe Biden called the decision to host a full 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 think it’s not responsible.”
Abbott, a Republican, declined to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the game. He cited the MLB’s decision to move the organization’s All-Star game and draft in Atlanta in response to Georgia’s restrictive voting law.
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.
– with 7NEWS.com.au