SAN DIEGO — Music fans headed out to Petco Park on Saturday to see The Beach Boys and kick off the Padres’ summer concert series. This was the first time thousands of people have gathered for a concert in San Diego since the pandemic began.
News 8's LaMonica Peters was there to tell us what people are saying about being out, and socially distant for the concert.
Not only is this the first big concert at Petco Park but it’s also the first major music event sponsored by Major League Baseball since the pandemic started.
Concert staff at Petco Park said they were expecting about 7,000 people. COVID-19 safety protocols were still required to enter, but many people removed their masks after taking their seats.
One fan said he was excited to see his first concert of 2021 and traveled hours to make it happen.
“Yes, I did drive because The Beach Boys aren’t playing in Vegas this year and I got to see them,” said Brian Okiec.
Okiec said he’s also vaccinated and isn’t worried about being out in a crowd.
Although California has one of the lowest infection rates in the country, COVID-19 safety protocols were in place, including wearing a mask and social distancing. The stadium also offered vaccinated or testing sections and socially distant, pod-style sections.
“We’re in the vaccinated section so we have our vaccines and we’re good to go. You are supposed to wear your mask which we are going to do, except when we have a drink or something but we’re allowed to do that. So no, I’m not worried about that and I think the areas are kind of broken up into pods,” said Jana Mc Gurrell, from Ramona.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees took to the stage Saturday night around 7:30 and despite the pandemic, their fans said they were ready to belt out the tunes right along with the band.
The Beach Boys’ extensive catalog of pop hits includes "Surfin USA," "California Girls," "Fun Fun Fun" and "I Get Around." The group has been singing their hits for six decades and their fans are still singing along with them.
“I like their songs, I like their music,” said Sandra.
The Beach Boys were joined by two special guests, John Stamos of "Full House" and Mark McGrath from the band Sugar Ray.
On Sunday night, Ziggy Marley is scheduled to perform at Petco Park and the staff said they were expecting another crowd of about 7000.
Watch: The Beach Boys' Mike Love talks upcoming San Diego concert