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I went to a Yankees game when the stadium reopened to fans, and it wasn't as magical as it used to be
I went to a Yankees game when the stadium reopened to fans, and it wasn't as magical as it used to be
Joey HaddenMay 4, 2021, 01:22 IST
I watched the Yankees win at the stadium in 2021, and I felt like I was shouting for my favorite players all by myself.Joey Hadden/Insider
I went to a Yankees game for the first time since the stadium reopened to fans, and it felt safe.
But with so few fans in attendance, the unity I felt going to Yankee games in the past wasn't there.
I'll go to more games this season, but I won't expect it to feel as energetic and warm as it used to.
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I've loved the Yankees all my life.
Me, a Yankee fan, in 2004 and 2021.
Joey Hadden/Insider
Going to games at Yankee Stadium used to make me feel like I was a part of something bigger.
My family at Yankee Stadium in 2009.
Joey Hadden/Insider
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I watched the Yankees win at the stadium during the early 2021 season, and I found that with pandemic measures in place, the activity has lost its magic.
A mostly empty Yankee Stadium on April 30, 2021.
Joey Hadden/Insider
When I first arrived at the stadium, it seemed pretty packed based on the line alone.
The line to enter the stadium on April 30, 2021.
Joey Hadden/Insider
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Once inside, it was clear that the stadium was operating at a limited capacity.
The first level of Yankee Stadium on April 30, 2021.
Joey Hadden/Insider
Pretty much every concession stand I saw was open, and there were short lines at each. My friends were able to quickly grab food between innings.
A line for food on the first level of Yankee Stadium on April 30, 2021.
Joey Hadden/Insider
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Whether you're outside in your seats or inside grabbing food, you have to wear your mask at all times.
I had to be reminded to pull my mask up once or twice.
Joey Hadden/Insider
I watched the Yankees destroy the Tigers, and it was somehow anti-climactic.
The moment the game ended (left), then five minutes later (right).
Joey Hadden/Insider
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I'll still go to more games this season for the warm-ups and walk-up songs, but I won't expect to feel like I used to when I was a kid.
My friends and I at Yankee Stadium on April 30, 2021.
Joey Hadden/Insider