It has been more than 557 days since fans like Anthony Genna have seen a Mets game in person.

Genna, with his friends Rob Ackerman and Eric Tully, were among the 8,000 fans able to buy one of the limited number of tickets available for the Mets home opener against the Miami Marlins.

“I kind of danced around my room after I got them, I was really excited about it,” Genna said.

What You Need To Know

  • The Mets defeated the Marlins 3 to 2 in their home opener Thursday

  • About 8,000 fans, or 20% of the stadium's capacity, was allowed inside

  • The team's purchase by billionaire hedge fund operator Steven Cohen and the long-term mega contract signed by all-star shortstop Francisco Lindor have fans dreaming of a special season

Along with a ticket, Genna had to show proof that he's been fully vaccinated or recently tested negative for COVID-19.

Each fan was given a face mask, and groups of fans were socially distanced from each other in the stands.

Genna has been to past Opening Days, both as a fan and a Mets employee, but he says attending Thursday's game was especially important.

“Since the MLB came back I haven’t missed a second of it,” Genna said. “So getting to see the Mets after that three day waiting period we had to do because of the COVID breakout with the Nationals — that was like agony, just having to wait for this. And even though we had a tough couple of days in Philly, I could care less. It is great to be back.“

It has been a historic off season for the Mets. 

The team's purchase by billionaire hedge fund operator Steven Cohen and the long-term mega contract signed by all-star shortstop Francisco Lindor have fans dreaming of a special season.

“From the team this year it is definitely playoffs or bust because of how much Steven Cohen and Sandy Alderson have hyped it up,” 

The Amazins helped to fuel that optimism Thursday, defeating  the Marlins 3-2.

But for Genna this game was about more than a win.

“It was amazing. Everyone was feeding off of each other, the energy was 10 out of 10, everything was just off the charts. Amazing. More than I could have asked for,” said Genna.

The Mets continue their series against Miami this weekend. And fans like Anthony Genna will again be in the ballpark, masked and socially distanced, cheering them on.