OKC To Ring In New Year With In-Person Opening Night 2022

The Bricktown Ballpark is expected to be filled with hundreds of Oklahomans, ready to ring in the new year, but health officials said there's a few things to keep in mind before those plans are made.  

"This year, we're trying to make the vision of the ballpark come to life in-person," said Alyssa Flesher, projects director for the Arts Council Oklahoma City.

That dream was squashed last year as COVID cases soared and the arts council had to move the first New Year's Eve at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, virtual. This year, they get a redo.

"We're expecting about 3,000 people, I would say," said Flesher.

The event is for all ages. Nine performers will be play throughout the park, food trucks will be parked outside and it ends with a firework show finale. 

But virus cases are on the rise once again.

"We will, of course, have some COVID protocols in place. We'll have some sanitation stations throughout the whole ballpark. We'll have masks available," said Flesher. "We picked this location because it's more of an outdoor facility."

That was a good move per the Oklahoma City-County Health Department.

Before anyone goes anywhere for the holiday, health officials recommend to get tested at least once.

"So if you can seek out several tests, it's good to get one every 24 hours leading up, because obviously, you can test negatively one day and the next day is when your viral load will be high enough to test positive," said Blaine Bolding, OCCHD's chief of public health protection. 

No symptoms, even mild ones, should be ignored.

"This kind of mimics colds and allergies. So stay home if your have those, but try to get tested if you can to confirm," Bolding said.

Small gatherings are safest.

"Lots of screaming and yelling will also pass that virus a little bit more so you know be careful with that around others," said Bolding. "If you get the boost dose, too, it works a little quicker because your body has already seen that before."

When the clock strikes midnight.

"We'll there's that midnight kiss. Just make sure it's somebody you know and whoever you came with," said Bolding.

Click here to learn more about testing and vaccines in the Oklahoma City metro area.

Click here to learn more about Opening Night 2022.