The match was one of the first full-capacity sporting events since coronavirus closed all sporting events more than a year ago.
The paid attendance at Monday’s game was 38,238, a figure that Rangers spokesman John Blake described as a sale. The stadium’s total capacity, according to Blake, is 40,518.
The Rangers are the only Major League baseball team to allow full-capacity seating at their ballpark, thanks in part to the Texas government, Greg Abbott, who lifted the mask restrictions last month and was able to open businesses at 100% capacity.
On the Rangers’ website, masks are required for all fans during the game, “unless they are actively sitting or drinking on their tickets.”
Globe Life Field opened last year, but all of the Rangers’ home games were played without fans attending.
Monday’s game comes as U.S. states begin easing restrictions, despite warnings from health officials.
President Joe Biden called the decision to host a full stadium “a mistake” in a recent interview with ESPN.
“Well, it’s a decision they made. I think it’s a mistake,” Biden said. “They have to listen to dr. (Anthony) Fauci, the scientists and the experts. But I do not think it is responsible. ‘
Abbott, a Republican, did not want to throw out the ceremonial first pitch during the game. He quoted the MLB’s decision to move the All-Star game and draft in Atlanta in response to Georgia’s restrictive voting law.
The governor also said he would no longer attend any event hosted by MLB, and that the state of Texas did not want to host the All-Star Game or any other special event for MLB.