The New York Red Bulls will kick off its new season on Saturday with fans in attendance.

Red Bull Arena in Harrison will open its doors to a limited number of fans for the first time in more than a year. Officials say that safety is the top priority.

“To put people first, to put fans first, to put our employees first, to put our third-party contractors first and all of that planning had led to every decision we have made here to bring fans back," says vice president of operations Shaun Oliver.

Oliver says that the plans have been in motion for months. Fans will not be able to bring bags inside. Security will be contactless. Once fans get to their seats, it will all be about social distancing.

“Every seat that’s marked out there is six feet around the whole radius from arm rest to arm rest,” says Oliver. “Our capacity is sitting right under 3,800.”

Red Bull Arena is only allowing 15% capacity, despite the state allowing 30% for outdoor venues. Oliver says that this is so that the stadium can maximize social distancing.

“We chose safety over revenue,” he says.

Masks must be worn at all times, except when fans are eating in their seas. They can order food from the Red Bulls app or new kiosks located on the concourse.

“When you order on mobile, it pings you when your order is ready. It pings you when its ready, where to pick it up. You go, show your phone, they give you a bag, you walk back to your seat and eat,” says Oliver. “For the kiosks, once it’s here, by the time you get over to the concession stand, your wait time might be one minute.”

Plexiglass has been installed to limit face-to-face interaction. Nearly 300 hand sanitizers have been placed throughout the arena, including in bathrooms where similar safety measures are in place.

For fans going into club space or suites, Red Bull Arena achieved a Global Biorisk Advisory Council star accreditation, making it the gold standard of safe venues.

“When you come into the Provident Suite Lounge or the Audi Club or into Red Bull Arena, you’re getting a hospital sterilization experience. Everything from air filters, to air handling units, to seat cleanliness, to timing of the cleaning,” says Oliver.

Oliver says that the first game is sold out, and demand from season ticket holders and fans has been tremendous.

“The energy level that’s in the building right now, not only the employees, but from the fans around – we couldn’t be more excited to have people back in the building” he says.

The Red Bulls take on Sporting Kansas City in its season opener Saturday at 8 p.m.