FORT MYERS, Fla. -- When the Red Sox open their season against the Orioles on April 1, there will be fans in the stands at Fenway Park.

In conjunction with Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s announcement on Thursday that the state is entering Phase 4 of its reopening plan on March 22, the Red Sox announced the return of spectators in a limited capacity for the start of the season.

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“Obviously where we're at with the virus, to have fans is great,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “From our end, that means that our families can actually be a part of it, too, and that means a lot for them to go to Fenway and watch us perform, which is cool.”

At the outset, as per the state mandates, Fenway Park can operate at 12 percent of its normal seating capacity, which means approximately 4,000 fans can go to games when the season starts.

“Things are trending in the right direction, right? That's another step,” Cora said. “Then hopefully whenever we can, we're going to have a packed house, and that's going to be really, really special. But I think whatever, 2,000 here [at Spring Training], 4,000 in Fenway is going to feel great, it's going to feel special. It will be cool to at least have X amount of fans and also our families.”

The Red Sox will now start the process of putting operational plans into action for the return of fans to Fenway. As part of a socially-distanced fan experience at Fenway, the club will implement appropriate health and safety protocols.

Season-ticket holders will be offered the first opportunity to attend regular-season games at Fenway. More details about the plan, including ticket sales information, will be communicated in the coming weeks.

“Today’s announcement by Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito outlining the Commonwealth’s timetable for entering Phase 4 in late March is a major step forward and a testament to the leadership of the state and our many health care partners working together,” said Red Sox president & CEO Sam Kennedy. “We thank the Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary Sudders, Secretary Kennealy and all of the public officials whose hard work has helped get us to this important stage. We are eager to welcome our fans back to Fenway Park this season.”

The Red Sox plan to continue using Fenway as a mass vaccination site even after the season starts. The club is working closely with the state and vaccination site partners at CIC Health to develop revised operating plans as necessary for the month of April and beyond that are well-coordinated with the team's game schedule.