Massachusetts to reopen all venues at 100 percent capacity on May 29

Gov. Charlie Baker announced on Monday that all COVID-19 restrictions on Mass. businesses will be lifted starting May 29. That means large venues like Gillette Stadium, TD Garden, and Fenway Park will all be allowed to reopen to spectators at 100 percent capacity.

“The people in Massachusetts did the hard work and made the sacrifice. We are now prepared to move forward together,” Baker said while speaking at the Mass. State House Monday, via Erin Tiernan at the Boston Herald.

May 29 will mark a gigantic step toward normalcy for Mass. residents and New England sports fans. It will also mark the end of more than 14 months without arenas letting in full crowds. For the sake of the teams and the fans, the hope is now that the Bruins or Celtics can go on a deep-enough playoff run to host playoff games with packed crowds. But whenever that happens, it will certainly be fireworks for Boston fans.

Can’t wait for the backdrop of our local sports venues to look like this again:

• Miami Dolphins v New England Patriots

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  A general view of the New England Patriots lined up against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

• Chicago Blackhawks v Boston Bruins

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  A general view of the game between the Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period at TD Garden on December 05, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

• Carolina Hurricanes v Boston Bruins – Game One

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  A general view prior to the start of Game One of the Eastern Conference Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Boston Bruins during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 09, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
• Cleveland Cavaliers v Boston Celtics – Game Five

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  A general view of TD Garden during the third quarter of Game Five of the 2017 NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics on May 25, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

• Cleveland Cavaliers v Boston Celtics – Game Five

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  A general view as George Hill #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball in the first half against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

• Baltimore Orioles v Boston Red Sox

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  A general view of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles during the sixth inning at Fenway Park on April 15, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. All uniformed players and coaches are wearing number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
• Baltimore Orioles v Boston Red Sox

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  A general view of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on April 15, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. All uniformed players and coaches are wearing number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.