WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) – The hazy air quality didn’t stop people from going to the Wichita Wind Surge baseball Opening Day. The City of Wichita rated the air quality very unhealthy Friday morning.

The air quality was a concern for the game, but it still went on. Some people we talked to weren’t concerned. But others masked up as a precaution.

“It kind of feels like you’re in a car with a smoker, you kind of just can’t get out,” said Cynthia Moore.

Moore braced what The City of Wichita says was unhealthy air quality on Friday for the first game of the Wichita Wind Surge baseball season.

“I have asthma and I’m also pregnant. So for me, air quality is really important, and I was already feeling it earlier today so we decided to wear masks to make breathing a little easier,” said Moore.

“We wanted to come out and still support the wind surge, but also just to protect our quality of life and our health,” said Jacob Moore.

The smoke that’s hanging in the air over Wichita is coming from rangeland pasture burning. Ranchers do the prescribed burns every April to kill weeds and help green up the pasture for cattle.

Sedgwick County Health Director Adrienne Bryne says the air quality did improve throughout the day. And she has suggestions if you do plan to go outside, including wearing a mask outdoors.

“Choose a less strenuous activity, such as walking versus running if someone is an outdoor runner. Spend less time outside or take more breaks if they’re outside,” said Bryne.

Hundreds of baseball fans lined up to see The Wind Surge on opening day despite the air quality.

“Outside with cold beer watching baseball,” said Joe Coppel.

“It’s a little bit smokey, but it’s not too bad. We’ll be here no matter what,” said Audrey Greene.

And of course, there were score predictions.

“I think we’re going to lose by a few points like three points,” said Jackson Greene.

“I think we will win, I have faith in the Wind Surge. So I disagree with him,” added Audrey Greene.