New York City has gone through lots of turmoil this year. Being among the first cities to experience the shock of shutdown, the extreme loss of life and livelihood and the incredible loneliness that ensued, New York City deserves the perks that come with surviving the pandemic and getting vaccinated. New York City is a city that has made Dr. Fauci proud with a resilience that defines the character of its residents.

Let’s continue being smart and safe, for everyone’s sake. The incentives for being vaccinated against COVID-19 keep growing from getting free tickets to special seating at venues to unlimited entry into certain prime gatherings. If you haven’t gotten your shot yet, these should motivate you to roll up your sleeves.

Courtesy New York Yankees

Yankee Stadium

Get a shot – get a pair of tickets. That’s the gist of the program here. Yankee Stadium has been a Covid vaccination site for quite a while. Now that the baseball season is in full swing (no pun intended), here’s another reason to get your shot: a pair of prime Yankees tickets.

Courtesy Yankee Stadium

For everyone who gets a shot, you’ll receive seats at a game to see the Bronx Bombers hopefully demolish their rivals. That certainly makes the trip to the Bronx a worthwhile endeavor. It’s a one shot, one and done situation.

Broadway and The Performing Arts

“Springsteen on Broadway” © Meryl Pearlstein

More and more, venues are requiring proof of vaccination for entry. While Broadway hasn’t set their regulations for the full opening in September, many pop-ups, concert houses and smaller theaters that are currently in operation are offering tickets only to those who have been vaccinated. Some of the favorites this summer include Bruce Springsteen’s reprise of his sold-out one-man show.

Immersive Van Gogh © Meryl Pearlstein

Small museums and event spaces are similarly requiring you to be vaccinated in order to attend. Don’t limit yourself – you won’t want to miss these extraordinary events, and you won’t have to wear a mask. Watch for mobile vaccination trucks at venues such as these, too – Immersive Van Gogh at Pier 36, The Museum of the City of New York and others offer this benefit from time to time. You’ll be doing yourself and your neighbors a good deed and the reward is entry into the sometimes sold-out experiences.

Special Seating and Showing Proof of Vaccination

© Meryl Pearstein

The Mets and the Yankees were two early adopters of venues having separate seating for vaccinated and non-vaccinated people. Preferred seating goes to those who have been vaccinated and you’ll sit only among people who have also gotten the protection against the virus. Masks are not required in these areas. You’ll need to check MLB.com for specific regulations for any of the American League and National League teams.

Courtesy Madison Square Garden - www.msg.com

At Madison Square Garden, some shows require full vaccination to attend like the upcoming Eagles shows in August. The tickets specify “vaccinated-only seating.” City Winery, in its new home on the Hudson River, requires proof of vaccination to enter as well – be prepared for long lines to enter.