Could the heat impact fan attendance at NBT Bank Stadium?

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The Syracuse Mets were back home Tuesday, June 18, with games scheduled through Sunday, and it’s going to be a hot one for not just players, but fans and staff too.

Tuesday’s first pitch was at 6:35 p.m., and for those brave enough to cheer on the Syracuse Mets, the stadium did what they could to keep fans cool.

“We did add extra fans out into our Salt City Deck or Bull Pen Bar area just to move some air around a little bit,” said Jason Smorol, general manager for the Syracuse Mets.

Take me out to the ball game, or is it a little too toasty for fans?

“I do believe the walk up crowd will be much less versus the people that already purchased tickets or people coming for their parties and their hospitality, I expect them all to show up,” said Smorol.

A Tuesday night game at NBT Bank Stadium can draw up to about 5000 fans. But that may not be the case this week, with scorching temperatures hitting central New York over the next few days. But for those who show, the stadium is prepared.

“We did add an extra EMT. Normally we have two EMTS Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. We added it to Tuesday, Wednesday just in case some heat related issues,” said Smorol.

Fans are also allowed to bring their own water bottles inside the gates, including water bottles that you can refill.

“The stadium is generally a cool spot. We have lots of places in the shade, we’re going to let people move to the shade,” said Smorol.

The stadium is also making sure its staff is staying cool.

“Rotate them, get them lots of water, make sure that we’re covering them. They can come back inside in some air conditioning if they’re out there for too long and just start making smart decisions,” said Smorol.

As for the players? The heat doesn’t seem to be much of a bother.

“I actually talked to a few yesterday and asked what they thought about playing in 90-100 degree heat, and they shrugged it off. They’re like it’s not that great but whatever. It is what it is,” said Smorol.

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