Fenway businesses counting down hours until fans return to ballpark

BOSTON — Businesses in the Fenway neighborhood are counting down the hours until fans return to the ballpark for the first time since September 29, 2019.

Fenway Park will be at 12% capacity for this Thursday’s season opener, which is about 4,500 people. Those thousands of people filing into the area symbolizes a big boost for bars and restaurants that’ve survived for over a year with little-to-no foot traffic.

Businesses are also hoping others will show up to partake in the energy outside the ballpark.

RELATED: Opening Day at America’s favorite ballpark

“Opening Day marks the neighborhood coming alive every year but especially this year,” said Joe Hicks, general manager at Game On. “Nothing beats it.”

Fans won’t have to have their temperature taken while entering the ballpark. They also won’t have to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, like what’s being required right now in New York.

Those arriving at Fenway will have to fill out a health questionnaire that asks general questions about their health and any symptoms they may be having.

Cox Media Group