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'Stay Tuned,' Baker Says On Possibility Fans Will Soon Be Allowed In Massachusetts Stadiums

BOSTON (CBS) – With COVID numbers continuing to trend in the right direction in Massachusetts, could fans soon be allowed at places like Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium?

WBZ-TV's Mike LaCrosse asked Gov. Charlie Baker if fans will be allowed in stadiums soon. Baker didn't answer the question, but his response may provide some hope for sports fans.

"Stay tuned," Baker said as he left the podium.

New York and New Jersey both recently announced that sports arenas and stadiums can bring back fans at a limited capacity, with restrictions in place. All fans will have tested negative in the last 72 hours and cleared an online questionnaire. They will also get a rapid test and temperature check at the door. All tickets are digital, different entrances are assigned and the arenas are cashless, with small groups of fans masked and spread out.

The Bruins play Thursday night against the Islanders in New York, where they will encounter fans for the first time this winter. "I'm really excited that that's starting to happen," said Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo. "It's great to have the fans and we miss them a lot. So that will be a fun adjustment."

As for the Garden, Fenway, and Gillette, the Patriots may have tipped their hand with a letter to season ticket holders Tuesday, saying they are "very optimistic" about fans by season's start and "hopeful" it will be at "full capacity."

Baker was asked about two weeks ago if it would be possible for the Red Sox to host fans on opening day, which is scheduled for April 1.

"Opening day is kind of far from now," Baker said at the time. "We and many other states are making a lot of progress on our COVID numbers, which is incredibly important for sort of every aspect of life in our communities."

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