Last year’s cardboard cutouts at Citi Field were replaced by living and breathing fans last week. It’s been over 500 days since fans were allowed to watch a baseball game in Flushing in person, and while attendance was capped at 20 percent, the lucky people who were able to snag a ticket were happy to be back in the ball park on April 8 for the Mets home opener against the Miami Marlins. Tailgaters were socially distanced and enjoying the beautiful weather. Lifelong friends Felix Ramos and Zach Kiesecker from Suffolk County were at the first game of the season. “We’ve been away for so long, we had this pandemic go on and now that baseball is back we have people tailgating here and it feels normal to a degree,” said Ramos. “It just feels amazing.” To be able to attend, fans had to provide proof of either a full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Face masks were required unless guests were eating or drinking, and paper tickets were not accepted.All concession purchases will be cashless for the foreseeable future, and Citi Field workers will sanitize the stadium after every game.