Thursday marked a milestone in New Jersey’s post-pandemic reopening effort with the largest concert in the state since the pandemic began.

Rock and Roll icons Guns N’ Roses were the first act to play at MetLife Stadium in more than a year. The audience was ready take in live music once again. Many arrived early to tailgate.

“I love it. I can’t wait. Even in quarantine, we always would play Guns N’ Roses,” said Nicole Pazzaglia.

MetLife Stadium does not require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to attend an outdoor show. But the venue encourages audience members to wear masks indoor the stadium.

“Your nerves are still a little leery, especially with the new variant and everything,” says concertgoer Erika Norkaitis. “But we thought we’ve always enjoyed live music and knowing that we’re vaccinated really does give us a little bit more faith in everybody else.”

While large concerts have returned to New Jersey, COVID-19 protocols widely vary.

The Sea.Hear.Now oceanfront concert in Asbury Park has announced that attendees must be vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test.

The Guns N’ Roses show was originally scheduled for last summer, but was postponed until restrictions were lifted.

The last concert held at the stadium was in September 2019.