SARASOTA, Fla. -- The Orioles will welcome fans back to Oriole Park at Camden Yards at 25 percent capacity to begin the 2021 season, the club announced Friday. That provides the bandwidth for the club to host approximately 11,000 fans per game, in observation of social distancing guidelines and approved capacity limits. 

“The long-awaited return of fans is the result of successful nation-wide and organizational efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, increase vaccination access for millions of Americans, and strengthen our economy by bringing employees back to work,” Orioles chairman and CEO John Angelos said in a team statement. “Just as we did in 2020, the Orioles will remain vigilant in our efforts and will continue to consult medical experts every step of the way as we invite fans back to Oriole Park at Camden Yards to enjoy another successful baseball season.”

Said Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan in the statement: “The Orioles play a critical role in our roadmap to recovery and the team’s dedication to the safety of our community is what will allow us to take that first step in welcoming fans back into the ballpark. We will work closely with the Orioles to ensure the proper guidelines are in place for fans to safely enjoy America’s favorite pastime and educate fans on the importance of getting vaccinated.”

Like at their Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota this spring, the O's will implement “pod” seating throughout OPaCY to guarantee proper social distancing of six feet between groups of ticket holders. Fans will be required to adhere to gameday health and safety policies, which -- created in coordination with MLB, the CDC and public health officials -- will require fans to wear masks properly at all times, unless eating or drinking at their assigned seating location. Neck gaiters and masks with exhalation valves are not permitted. 

Additionally, no cash payments will be accepted at the park, just credit and debit cards.

The Orioles open the 2021 season in Boston on April 1. Their home opener is scheduled for April 8 against the Red Sox.