Hudson Valley Renegades play after more than a year of being sidelined

Dutchess County Stadium hasn't hosted a game or seen fans in its stands for more than 600 days, but all that changed Tuesday night as Renegades hit the field for their first home game of the season against the Aberdeen IronBirds.

News 12 Staff

May 11, 2021, 9:39 PM

Updated 1,312 days ago

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The Hudson Valley Renegades are back after more than a year of being sidelined.
Dutchess County Stadium hasn't hosted a game or seen fans in its stands for more than 600 days, but all that changed Tuesday night as Renegades hit the field for their first home game of the season against the Aberdeen IronBirds.
The Renegades are doing it with a new uniform and new high-A affiliation with the New York Yankees.
To currently get into the stadium, fans will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within the last 72 hours.
People will also notice social distancing markers and sections of seats blocked off. The ballpark will only seat 1,500 fans instead of 5,000 - at least for first few home games until restrictions ease.
There are cardboard cutouts placed in different seats to help make the stadium feel a bit fuller.
The Renegades are happy it's finally time to play ball once again.
"I don't know if there's going to be a dry eye on our front office staff. It has been a tremendously long time in the making. This country has experienced a year and a half that no one has experienced before, and we believe that were going to be part of coming out of it," says Hudson Valley Renegades owner Jeff Goldklang.
Another change is that any mid-inning entertainment will be shown up on the big screen or happen in the corner of the stadium, including the ceremonial first pitch being thrown out on the field.