SAN DIEGO — For followers again to Petco Park for the Padres residence opening weekend in opposition to the Atlanta Braves, it was a season begin harking back to pre-pandemic days.

“Simply to be again on the park at full capability on opening weekend, I’m very excited to see the Padres once more, and it has been rocking the previous few nights,” stated Padres fan Josh Estala, 25, from Eastlake.

With no followers allowed within the 2020 season, and capability limits and masks and vaccination necessities for 2021, San Diegans are excited to root for the house crew with ease.

“Now, we’re all mask-free, and now we will all take pleasure in our time with out the federal government, and let’s go watch some baseball and get again to regular,” stated Chris Kempka, a Padres fan at from Clairemont on the recreation together with his fiancé and household.

It’s an enormous weekend for celebrating amongst crowds in Southern California with the return or many massive occasions. Many are catching Harry Kinds dwell in particular person as then of hundreds flock to Coachella Valley for the music pageant unfettered by COVID restrictions and with a $500 ticket value.

San Diegans Allie Emmons will go to Coachella subsequent weekend, however for her first Padres recreation of the season, she pre-gamed at La Puerta with a California burrito together with her boyfriend close to the ballpark.

“I’m so excited that the world is opening again up slowly however absolutely. We’re lastly getting again to our roots,” stated Emmons, who lives within the UTC space.

Mega followers in jerseys like 13-year-old Jacob Estala of Eastlake dressed the half all the way down to bringing a catcher’s mitt.

“I’m enthusiastic about seeing all of the gamers and getting again right here. It has been a protracted whereas, however park within the park is again, it’s simply cool to see everybody having enjoyable once more,” Estala stated.

There was rather more foot and automobile site visitors downtown for the eventful weekend. Public parking at one stadium lot value $55.

Selena Albuquerque, 13, attended the sport together with her 7-year-old little sister Bella and her father. She stated it was enjoyable to see the gamers in particular person and as a substitute of simply on the tv.

This was the Albuquerque household’s first massive occasion with crowds in two years.

“It is a bit of bit extra normalcy, however we nonetheless obtained to maintain our boundaries, and our parameters of security, particularly with younger ones,” stated Padres fan and father Carlos Albuquerque.

WATCH Padres Opening Day | Followers prepare for the primary pitch at Petco Park (April 2022).