Mets, Yankees can have 100% capacity starting July 1?

As clubs around MLB tinker with ways to safely welcome fans back to ballparks despite lingering concerns linked with COVID-19, the two teams in the country's largest sports market are hoping to at least somewhat resume business as usual ahead of Independence Day.

Per WCBS Newsradio 880, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said Thursday during an appearance on MSNBC’s "Morning Joe" program that he intends "to fully reopen New York City on July 1." This, as Justin Shackil of SiriusXM and Westwood One Sports tweeted, would allow the New York Mets (Citi Field) and New York Yankees (Yankee Stadium) to fill ballparks to 100% capacity on the first day of July. 

"… what we’re seeing is people have gotten vaccinated in extraordinary numbers—6.3 million vaccinations in New York City to date," de Blasio explained. "We know the vaccination effort’s going to grow and grow." 

He added that he intends to work with Gov. Andrew Cuomo on the plan. Cuomo, meanwhile, suggested he'd like to see a "functional reopening" throughout the state before July 1. 

Both the Mets and Yankees currently require proof of either a negative COVID-19 test within differing time frames or of full vaccination against the coronavirus for fans three years old and older to attend games. According to SNY's Danny Abriano, capacities for their ballparks can increase from 20% to roughly 33% (depending on social-distancing pods for seating arrangements) on May 19. Masks are required throughout both ballparks except when guests are actively eating and/or drinking. 

The Atlanta Braves announced Wednesday spectators can return at 100% capacity beginning May 7.