SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Fans of the Syracuse Mets will no longer be required to get tested before attending a game at NBT Bank Stadium. The Mets and Onondaga County announced on Monday that they would be offering rapid tests before games as another option for fans to be allowed into the stadium.
Fans were previously instructed to come to games with proof of either a negative test or full vaccination.
The on-site rapid testing is much easier for fans, said director of broadcasting and media relations Michael Tricarico.
“It makes it a lot more affordable and convenient for fans who are coming to games who need that,” Tricarico said.
There are specific instructions for getting the test. First, fans must sign up for the test on either the Onondaga County Website or the Syracuse Mets website .
Fans will go to marked areas at NBT Bank Stadium to get the test. The test will be administered, and then fans will wait for 15 minutes to get the result back.
“You sit down while you wait for the result to come back,” Tricarico said. “Once that result comes back negative, those fans will then be allowed and directed to one of the gates where the entry process will continue.”
Testing at the stadium opens up four hours before game time, so fans are allowed to come early, get tested, and come back with their negative results.
Tricarico also added that although fans have the option to get tested, they are still encouraged to do so before.
“They can still go out themselves if they’re able to get tested ahead of time,” Tricarico said. “We encourage fans to do that in order to reduce wait time at the gate.”
Although the CDC recently stated that people that are fully vaccinated can be outside without a mask, Tricarico explained that the Syracuse Mets are not able to follow the CDC’s guidelines until New York State follows their lead.
“Everyone has to wear a mask unless they are actively eating or drinking, and at this point, that guideline has not changed,” Tricarico said. “As the guidance and guidelines from New York state change, then that’s when a change could possibly be made.”
The Mets season was canceled last year due to COVID-19, and they will play their first game on Tuesday, May 4. It will be the first time fans will be able to view the new renovations at the stadium.
