The Boston Red Sox will reopen Fenway Park at full capacity from May 29 after plans were announced to lift COVID-19 restrictions in the state of Massachusetts.
The announcement paves the way for the Red Sox to welcome around 38,000 fans for home games against the Miami Marlins on May 29-30.
The Red Sox played the entire 2020 Major League Baseball season without fans and began this season with Fenway Park open at 12% capacity. This was then lifted to 25% on May 11 and the stadium is set to be free of restrictions by the end of the month.
Red Sox president and chief executive Sam Kennedy said: “Today’s update to the reopening plan will allow Fenway Park to begin operating at full capacity beginning on May 29 for games and concerts throughout the summer. We thank Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, Mayor Janey and the numerous public health officials who have been extraordinary partners guiding us every step of the way.
“A year ago, the Governor and his team set forth a roadmap for the safe reopening of the Commonwealth. It is because of the administration’s steadfast leadership and intentional planning that we are now able to lift restrictions and limits put into place over 15 months ago to keep our community safe.
“In the City of Boston, Mayor Janey’s leadership has made this day possible. Less than two months into her tenure, she has overseen the safe return to normal operations in our city. We are excited to see Boston’s vibrancy restored and get back to the full energy of our ballpark and the Fenway neighbourhood in the weeks ahead.”
The Red Sox join the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins and Cincinnati Reds as MLB teams that are opening their stadiums at full capacity.
The announcement to lift restrictions in Massachusetts comes with the state on track to meet its goal of vaccinating 4.1 million residents by the first week of June.
The announcement will also pave the way for TD Garden, home of the NBA’s Boston Celtics and NHL’s Boston Bruins, to open at full capacity. TD Garden has issued a statement welcoming the news and the arena is working with the leagues to update its guidelines for May 29, with an official announcement to be made when details are available.
TD Garden has been open at 25% capacity for Celtics and Bruins games since May 10.
The Red Sox announced last month that Fenway Park would stage high school graduation ceremonies for local students from June 7-21. As many as four different ceremonies will take place on any given day.
Image: Waz8/CCO 1.0 Universal (CCO 1.0)/Edited for size
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