It’ll be an Opening Day like no other as fans return to Fenway Park on Thursday for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s going to be interesting," one fan said. "I think they’ll have their ups and downs."
But the Red Sox say they’re ready to play ball and keep everyone safe. Fenway’s capacity is capped at 12-percent, or a little more than 4,500 people. Seating will be in pods of two, four and six.
“A lot of the camaraderie, a lot of the high-fives and hugs that you would see for a home run or for a walk-off, those are things we're trying to discourage,” said Red Sox executive Pete Nesbit.
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Ticketing will take place online and through your phone. Plexiglass and hand sanitizers are in place. Concession stands will be open for cash purchases. But fans are encouraged to pay for beer and hot dogs electronically.
More than 30,000 seats in the ball park have been zip-tied shut to keep people out of them and away from each other.
”We can be an opportunity for people to gather in a safe place,” said Red Sox executive Sarah McKenna.
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While the state’s COVID case numbers are rising, Fenway Park is a big place. The Sox say they’ll be watching to see what happens -- so will fans.
”The park’s going to do their job to make sure everyone has a good time and everyone remains safe,” said one fan.
The Red Sox say if you’re coming to ballpark, be patient and make sure you give yourself plenty of time. You’ll have to take a health survey before getting into Fenway.
