ASHWUABENON (WGBA) -- The Green Bay Booyah held it's first game of the 2020 season Wednesday night, and fans were allowed in the stadium.
The Booyah's upper management say they have been working for months to develop a plan to play baseball and let fans in to watch. They came up with a very detailed plan that includes limiting capacity to just 1000 fans, and blocking off sections of the stadium to allow for social distancing.
"It is so great to be back," said T.J. Bowles, a Booyah fan. "I was nervous that it wasn't going to happen, but it is a great feeling being in the stadium."
Close to 1000 fans attended the first game. The team says they need fans, because ticket sales are a big part of their revenue.
"We don't have the backing of a professional team who can have games with no fans but still get T.V. revenue," said Andrew Johnson, the Assistant General Manager. "Without fans, we wouldn't have a team."
Masks are not required, but they are strongly encouraged. Employees are all wearing them. Concessions are also a card only transaction - no cash. Plus, all over the stadium, there are markers telling people to stand six feet apart.
"I feel like they have done all the right things," Bowles said. "I know it's also up to me to follow the rules but it is all really well laid out."
The team acknowledges cases are still rising. They say they will keep monitoring it, but are confident these measures will let baseball continue and limiting the spread as best as possible.
"We just have to take it day by day and game by game," Johnson said. "We will watch the news and stay in contact with the health department, but right now we are excited for baseball to be back."
