The Rays have taken a step forward in their plan to host fans at Tropicana Field, announcing a new "Season Membership" model for this year in place of traditional season ticket plans.

The innovative plan will allow fans to choose from six membership levels, each with a separate discount and seating location. The club said Wednesday in announcing the plan that "traditional fixed season ticket locations will not be available for the 2021 season" in order to ensure social distancing protocols.

"We look forward to welcoming fans back inside Tropicana Field this year," Rays vice president of ticket sales and service Jeff Tanzer said in a statement. "A season membership provides a great way to join the Rays family while receiving tremendous flexibility and value, along with priority access to tickets and incredible benefits throughout the year."

The Rays have not yet announced further plans for attendance at home games this season, but they said in a statement on Wednesday that they "continue to work with Major League Baseball and local public health authorities to determine when and how to safely welcome fans back to Tropicana Field," they said in a statement.

"A health and safety protocol which includes a reduced capacity, socially-distanced seating and mandatory face masks except while actively eating or drinking in your seat, will be announced prior to the start of the season. In the event that games are canceled or postponed due to COVID-19, season members with tickets to affected games will receive credit to their account for future ticket purchases or as a refund to the original method of payment."

The team said that current season ticket holders will soon receive an email with instructions on how to select their new "Season Membership" package for this season.

Fans can learn more information about the model by visiting RaysBaseball.com/SeasonMembership, calling 888-FAN-RAYS or emailing [email protected].