Arts & Entertainment

With the state's COVID-19 restrictions newly over, performance venues, museums and other cultural institutions across Massachusetts are able to welcome back guests, but sector leaders said Tuesday that they expect virtual offerings to remain a long-term feature.

On Tuesday, the Worcester Red Sox minor league baseball team sold out their 13th consecutive home game -- the first since the coronavirus-related capacity restrictions were lifted -- although the team still is limited from reaching Polar Park's planned sell-out crowd, as sections of the stadium remain under construction.

The Worcester Red Sox will play their first game at a Polar Park without gathering restrictions Tuesday night, following over a year of statewide mask and capacity restrictions.

The Town of Hopkinton has signed a 99-year lease with the nonprofit 26.2 Foundation for a 19-acre site on East Main Street, where the organization plans to build an International Marathon Center less than a mile from the Boston Marathon starting line.

The science museum EcoTarium in Worcester announced on Tuesday it would reopen its indoor exhibits on July 9, expanding its public operations after first opening its outdoor exhibits on April 23.

About a month after Lancaster recreation center Roll On America shut its doors — after over four decades in business — the property at 90 Duval Road was purchased for $2.5 million.

As Worcester grows, so does its appeal to investors and developers.

Even in the coronavirus pandemic, the heart of Worcester and its cultural and arts institutions are optimistic and committed to supporting and growing the community.

The Worcester WooSox will begin selling more single-game tickets, following the announcement that all COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted beginning May 29.

The tourism agency Discover Central MA on Thursday announced a new digital initiative, the Smile City Passport, to entice area visitors to patron more businesses.