Before-and-after photos show how sports stadiums and arenas have changed during the pandemic

Erin McDowellAug 27, 2020, 21:24 IST

Aside from the Cincinnati Reds mascot Mr. Red, the stands in Great American Ball Park are now filled with cardboard fan cutouts.Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Screaming fans once filled the stands of stadiums across the country.
Today, attendees have been replaced with cardboard cutouts and artificial noise, or seats have been left empty altogether.
Some stadiums are gearing up for a potential reopening for fans, with measures like limited capacities and face masks being weighed up as possible measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

"Take me out to the ball game" is the sentiment many fans are feeling right now.

However, with season postponements and some stadiums now facing closures after reopening late last month, it's unclear when fans will once again be able to cheer on their favorite teams in the flesh.

Here are 18 before-and-after photos that show how the coronavirus has changed sports stadiums across the country.

At Citi Field, the stands are usually packed with Mets and visiting fans.

Citi Field on July 30, 2009. G Fiume/Getty Images

However, when Opening Day came, the fans were less lively than in years past.

Opening Day at Citi Field on July 24, 2020, in New York City. Al Bello/Getty Images

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York, the site of the US Open, can hold nearly 46,000 spectators.

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 3, 2016. Al Bello/Getty Images

The tennis center was temporarily converted into a makeshift hospital during the coronavirus pandemic.

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 22, 2020. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Yankee Stadium in New York has a maximum capacity of more than 50,000 people.

An opening day baseball game at Yankee Stadium on March 28, 2019. Associated Press

Even as games went ahead, the stadium was missing its fans.

Yankee Stadium on August 20, 2020. Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, has an approximate capacity of 25,000 people.

The New York Red Bulls play the Santos FC on March 20, 2010, at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. Mike Stobe/Getty Images

The Red Bulls resumed matches August 20, playing in front of an empty arena.

Red Bull Arena without fans during the Major League Soccer game between New York City FC and New York Red Bulls on August 20, 2020. John Jones/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, has a maximum capacity of over 42,000 fans.

Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, on March 30, 2018. Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Aside from the Cincinnati Reds mascot Mr. Red, the stands in Great American Ball Park are now filled with cardboard fan cutouts.

Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 11, 2020. Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, the home of the Phillies, usually hosts thousands of fans per game.

Citizens Bank Park on April 17, 2019. Rob Tringali/MLB/Getty Images

Citizens Bank Park first reopened in late July, with cardboard cutouts of fans' and healthcare workers' faces lining the stands.

Citizens Bank Park on August 16, 2020. Rich Schultz/Getty Images

Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona, is home to the Arizona Coyotes.

The San Jose Sharks and the Arizona Coyotes before the NHL game at Gila River Arena on November 22, 2017. Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Arizona Coyotes have resumed their season after games were suspended in mid-March and have been practicing in their home arena.

The Arizona Coyotes participate in an NHL team practice at Gila River Arena on July 23, 2020. Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox, usually hosts around 35,000 fans per game.

Fenway Park during a game on August 3, 2018. Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images

The stands of Fenway Park now sit empty.

Fenway Park during the sixth inning of a game on August 9, 2020. Omar Rawlings/Getty Images

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has a capacity of 78,467 people.

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum during an NFL regular season football game on September 27, 2018. Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

The stadium is now preparing for a possible reopening.

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on June 12, 2020. David McNew/Getty Images

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