Fenway Park to return to full capacity on May 29, Red Sox ‘excited see Boston’s vibrancy restored’

The Red Sox will be playing in front of sold-out crowds at Fenway Park again this season — and much sooner than expected.

After Gov. Charlie Baker announcement earlier Monday that COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted across Massachusetts starting on May 29 — and Boston Mayor Kim Janey’s decision to align with the state — the Red Sox made the exciting and long-awaited announcement late on Monday afternoon that Fenway Park will return to full capacity on May 29.

The Red Sox will play three more games at Fenway at 25 percent capacity before their game on May 29 against the Miami Marlins. The return to full capacity comes exactly 20 months since the last time a full crowd was allowed to see a Red Sox game at Fenway, on Sept. 29, 2019.

“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,” Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy said in a statement. “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 neighborhood in the weeks ahead.”

The Red Sox posted on Twitter that tickets for Memorial Day weekend games will go on sale Tuesday, May 18 at 10 a.m. at redsox.com/tickets.

After playing a shortened 2020 season without fans, the Red Sox have been playing in front of a reduced capacity at Fenway Park to begin 2021. They started the season at 12 percent before increasing to 25 percent last Tuesday against the A’s. Their biggest crowd so far this year came on Saturday, when 9,374 fans watched the Red Sox’ 9-0 win over the Angels.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3weRVel