The Yomiuri Giants became the first professional baseball team to start trials this week of a government initiative to enable stadiums to admit more fans amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The government's so-called vaccine and test package is designed to ease restrictions for people with COVID-19 vaccination certificates or proof of a negative virus test.
Seventeen members of the Yomiuri Giants fan club got free tickets to the game between the Giants and the Hanshin Tigers at Tokyo Dome on Thursday under the trial.
The fans needed proof that they were fully vaccinated at least two weeks before the game or had tested negative in a PCR test or so-called quantitative antigen test within three days before the game. Alternatively, they were allowed to take a so-called qualitative antigen test at the site and were admitted if they tested negative.
"It felt safe as thorough infection measures were taken at Tokyo Dome," said a 50-year-old fan who had brought his COVID-19 vaccination certificate. "I want the situation [in Japan's professional baseball] to be back on its feet as soon as possible like in the [U.S.] Major League."
The man watched the game with his 19-year-old son, who had taken an antigen test at the stadium before the match.
The Giants will conduct the same trial on Saturday for the game against the Hiroshima Carp and on Oct. 23 when the team plays the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.
Over 1,000 fans had applied to take part in the trial as of Thursday's application deadline, according to a Giants spokesperson. Of the total number of applicants, 915, or 91%, were fully vaccinated.
Up to about 30 fans selected by lottery will get free tickets for each game during the trial.
The stadium will monitor the time required for admission procedures and make arrangements for the admittance of more spectators under the initiative.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
