Fenway Park
Dec 23rd, 2009, 07:18 AM
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Fenway Park
Recently I was able to buy some tickets online for a game at Fenway Park to watch my beloved Rangers. A couple of buddies and I have been traveling across the country, following the Rangers to new new ball parks, so I just wanted to get some ideas on how to enjoy Fenway Park in the best baseball traditional way. I also would like some information on the best way to travel to and from the game. I am from Texas, so things are a bit more wide open and car dependent for transportation.
We will be staying for 3 days, so any more suggestions on things to do in Boston with a quick stay would greatly be appreciated.
Thanks again! Look forward to visiting Boston. I have heard many great things about the city.
We will be staying for 3 days, so any more suggestions on things to do in Boston with a quick stay would greatly be appreciated.
Thanks again! Look forward to visiting Boston. I have heard many great things about the city.
Dec 23rd, 2009, 07:26 AM
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You won't need or won't even want a car while you are in town, there is nowhere to park, or you have to pay a small fortune for parking and the traffic is bad so you won't want to spend all your time in traffic not seeing the city.
Get your walking shoes out and just walk. The city is very walkable from end to end.
If you stay somewhere in the Back Bay area, you can walk from there to the stadium, and maybe stop by one of the many pubs on the way to enjoy some of the Boston fans.
The Freedom Trail is one of the great ways to see the city, and you start at the State House and wind your way around downtown to most of the major attractions, you can't get lost just follow the stripe painted right on the sidewalk.
Have a GREAT time and enjoy Boston.
Get your walking shoes out and just walk. The city is very walkable from end to end.
If you stay somewhere in the Back Bay area, you can walk from there to the stadium, and maybe stop by one of the many pubs on the way to enjoy some of the Boston fans.
The Freedom Trail is one of the great ways to see the city, and you start at the State House and wind your way around downtown to most of the major attractions, you can't get lost just follow the stripe painted right on the sidewalk.
Have a GREAT time and enjoy Boston.
Dec 23rd, 2009, 07:33 AM
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Do not drive to the game. It will depend on where you stay but the T (subway) is the easiest and cheapest way to the game.
Agree with the previous poster about the tour. I just did the tour of the Rangers ballpark and loved it. I am probably coming to Arlington for the Red Sox @ Rangers series in August.
I always go to the Cask n Flagon for a few beers before the game and the Boston Beer Works after the game. There are a lot of bars around the stadium.
Yawkey Way is the street next to Fenway and it gets closed 2 hours before the game to only people with tickets. Plenty of vendors outside the park and a few souvenir shops. I was there the first night they did this and I still love it.
Where are your seats?
I would also recommend the Boston Duck Tour and a whale watch, if the weather is nice. I see these games are in April (right after Patriots Day weekend - a very busy week due to the Marathon and School Vacation). You may be surprised at the price of hotels. However, I would still recommend staying in the city. Do a search on here for hotel recommendations as its a pain coming in from outside of the city.
Also, look at the Freedom Trail and pick out the sights that you want or walk the whole trail. Lots of history here.
Agree with the previous poster about the tour. I just did the tour of the Rangers ballpark and loved it. I am probably coming to Arlington for the Red Sox @ Rangers series in August.
I always go to the Cask n Flagon for a few beers before the game and the Boston Beer Works after the game. There are a lot of bars around the stadium.
Yawkey Way is the street next to Fenway and it gets closed 2 hours before the game to only people with tickets. Plenty of vendors outside the park and a few souvenir shops. I was there the first night they did this and I still love it.
Where are your seats?
I would also recommend the Boston Duck Tour and a whale watch, if the weather is nice. I see these games are in April (right after Patriots Day weekend - a very busy week due to the Marathon and School Vacation). You may be surprised at the price of hotels. However, I would still recommend staying in the city. Do a search on here for hotel recommendations as its a pain coming in from outside of the city.
Also, look at the Freedom Trail and pick out the sights that you want or walk the whole trail. Lots of history here.
Dec 23rd, 2009, 08:33 AM
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I like to do the Cask N Flagon pre-game and the roof deck of the Baseball Tavern post-game. Game On is also a good post-game stop.
Depending on where you stay you can either walk to Fenway or take the T. You would take the green line to the Kenmmore station.
Depending on where you stay you can either walk to Fenway or take the T. You would take the green line to the Kenmmore station.
Dec 23rd, 2009, 09:09 AM
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Some things to know about games at Fenway. The seats are uncomfortable and narrow - as is the space for your legs. There are no cup holders except in really expensive seats. The place lacks creature comforts, but under this ownership they have made efforts to fix up Fenway - at least the bathrooms to not back up into the concourse like they did years ago.
Rows are long - each time you get up to buy food or beer, you will disturb an entire row of people - or they will do the same to you if you are seated near the end. Just deal with it - it is part of the charm. They do not sell beer in the stands and only limited food. Before the game Yawkey Way has slightly better food (within grounds of ballpark - after ticket check).
Batting practice is fun. Often they let you onto the Green Monster seats during batting practice and you have a good chance of getting a hit ball.
It will be freezing cold - since only April, May and September games have gone on sale yet. Subtract 10 to 20 degrees from what you expect. But if you are guys, it will not matter as much. Guaranteed for the April and May games for which we have tickets I will be in winter coat, hat, gloves.
The "Sweet Caroline" sing thing. Love it or hate it, it is a tradition. In the 7th inning they play it, everyone sings, acts like it is a great song. Story is that it was a random song played by some intern many years ago and it just stuck. Not sure why - but it is one of the strangest sports traditions I have ever seen.
Fans know baseball and they pay attention to the game. They will be tolerant of you if you root for your team (since it is not the Yankees). Just don't go overboard. Few people leave before the end of the game, even in a blowout - unless it is running really late since MBTA stops running shortly after midnight.
Have a good time - will be happy to offer specific Boston suggestions if you have questions.
Rows are long - each time you get up to buy food or beer, you will disturb an entire row of people - or they will do the same to you if you are seated near the end. Just deal with it - it is part of the charm. They do not sell beer in the stands and only limited food. Before the game Yawkey Way has slightly better food (within grounds of ballpark - after ticket check).
Batting practice is fun. Often they let you onto the Green Monster seats during batting practice and you have a good chance of getting a hit ball.
It will be freezing cold - since only April, May and September games have gone on sale yet. Subtract 10 to 20 degrees from what you expect. But if you are guys, it will not matter as much. Guaranteed for the April and May games for which we have tickets I will be in winter coat, hat, gloves.
The "Sweet Caroline" sing thing. Love it or hate it, it is a tradition. In the 7th inning they play it, everyone sings, acts like it is a great song. Story is that it was a random song played by some intern many years ago and it just stuck. Not sure why - but it is one of the strangest sports traditions I have ever seen.
Fans know baseball and they pay attention to the game. They will be tolerant of you if you root for your team (since it is not the Yankees). Just don't go overboard. Few people leave before the end of the game, even in a blowout - unless it is running really late since MBTA stops running shortly after midnight.
Have a good time - will be happy to offer specific Boston suggestions if you have questions.
Dec 23rd, 2009, 09:20 AM
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The park opens 2 hours before game time, when you can watch the visiting team take batting practice. Another pre-game option is to go the Bleacher Bar on Lansdowne street, which has a view into centerfield, so you can watch BP from there as well (tends to be crowded, of course).
You should absolutely, positively stay somewhere you can walk or take the t. Preferably walk, because the Kenmore t-stop is an absolute zoo after the games.
The story I heard about Sweet Caroline is that the pr director for the Sox in 2003 or 2004 had a baby girl named Caroline, and asked them to play it the night she was born. It caught on as some kind of good luck thing and they've been doing it ever since. I guess we should be happy, it replaced Kevin Millar's "Rally Karaoke Guy" video from 03.
Let me also emphasize what Gail said about temperature. It will most likely be cold and wet. And if you are sitting somewhere that gets a breeze, it can be winter-like (I've stopped buying upper-bleacher tix in April, I can't stand how cold it is). Bring warm things to wear...long johns, gloves, hats. If it turns out nicer, you are lucky. If not, you will be sorry if you don't have warm gear.
You should absolutely, positively stay somewhere you can walk or take the t. Preferably walk, because the Kenmore t-stop is an absolute zoo after the games.
The story I heard about Sweet Caroline is that the pr director for the Sox in 2003 or 2004 had a baby girl named Caroline, and asked them to play it the night she was born. It caught on as some kind of good luck thing and they've been doing it ever since. I guess we should be happy, it replaced Kevin Millar's "Rally Karaoke Guy" video from 03.
Let me also emphasize what Gail said about temperature. It will most likely be cold and wet. And if you are sitting somewhere that gets a breeze, it can be winter-like (I've stopped buying upper-bleacher tix in April, I can't stand how cold it is). Bring warm things to wear...long johns, gloves, hats. If it turns out nicer, you are lucky. If not, you will be sorry if you don't have warm gear.
Dec 23rd, 2009, 10:09 AM
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OK, gail, I'm sure you don't mean it this way, but you come across as a bit of a Debbie Downer when it comes to Fenway. Every time an out of towner posts about Fenway you give the same answer and I think it serves as a bit of a buzzkill for someone who is excited. Everyone knows that Fenway is an old ballpark and therefore not shiny, new and luxurious. That's why people like to go to Fenway, after all.
Anyway, I've been to plenty of games in April, May and Sept that have been quite warm. It's not guaranteed to be freezing or wet, really far from it. April carries the greatest bad weather risk, of course. And Sweet Caroline is sung in the 8th inning, not the 7th.
I'm sure you're going to have a great time, A game at Fenway is one of the most fun things to do in Boston. Enjoy it!
Anyway, I've been to plenty of games in April, May and Sept that have been quite warm. It's not guaranteed to be freezing or wet, really far from it. April carries the greatest bad weather risk, of course. And Sweet Caroline is sung in the 8th inning, not the 7th.
I'm sure you're going to have a great time, A game at Fenway is one of the most fun things to do in Boston. Enjoy it!
Dec 23rd, 2009, 10:18 AM
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I admit to being one of the regular Fenway fans who think it should be torn down - and have been to 10 other MLB parks. My comments are to give some advance warning about the difference in comfort and amenities at Fenway versus other more modern parks. We go to 6-10 games a year, and I have stated that in numb erous posts.
And as far as my answers being always the same - should I instead change my answer each time - making up something different with each response?
And about the temperature - I said cold, not wet (that was another poster). And I am actually laughing at your comment on that one - it is a male/female thing. My husband is rarely cold when he goes but our almost-adult daughter and I freeze to death. And since it seems that OP is most likely male, perhaps he will not freeze. (But that comment was also designed to prepare the game attendee - I wish someone had told me about the wind in San Francisco before I froze at a game there)
And as far as my answers being always the same - should I instead change my answer each time - making up something different with each response?
And about the temperature - I said cold, not wet (that was another poster). And I am actually laughing at your comment on that one - it is a male/female thing. My husband is rarely cold when he goes but our almost-adult daughter and I freeze to death. And since it seems that OP is most likely male, perhaps he will not freeze. (But that comment was also designed to prepare the game attendee - I wish someone had told me about the wind in San Francisco before I froze at a game there)
Dec 23rd, 2009, 11:09 AM
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I'm with Wyatt on this one. Sure, it's an old park. Sure, the seats are uncomfortable. Sure, it may be cold in April. But, in spite of all that, it's still a great experience! Tear down Fenway Park? That's sacrilege!
And, I agree with a previous poster: Definitely take the tour of the stadium.
And, I agree with a previous poster: Definitely take the tour of the stadium.
Dec 23rd, 2009, 11:16 AM
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To each his own. I love Oriole Stadium/Camden Yards and whatever Giants is currently called (used to be PacBell) - they are new stadiums with some character. Shea (Mets) was a disaster new or old. I must not hate it that much because we still go to games. But again, if I were a tourist I would want to know what to expect.
Dec 23rd, 2009, 11:31 AM
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I'm just saying that when someone posts all excited about coming to Fenway, your posts always sound pretty discouraging.
Again, people know it's old, people know it's not going to have the state of the art amenities like the new stadiums. That's part of the charm, that WHY people come to Fenway.
Again, people know it's old, people know it's not going to have the state of the art amenities like the new stadiums. That's part of the charm, that WHY people come to Fenway.
Dec 23rd, 2009, 11:40 AM
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I was the one who said cold and wet. Should have said "possibly wet". And I only added it, because when one is coming from Texas, one might not expect it, and its good to be prepared. The game is certainly more likely to be fun if you can watch it in relative comfort. If its a night game, its almost certainly going to be cold by the 7th inning or so, no matter how mild the weather was that day. And if the seats are in the top of the bleachers, or the uppper levels (pavilion box, right field roof box), they will be colder still.
Of course its still a great experience. I love Fenway too. I've only been to a couple of other stadiums, but when you add room to make wider concourses, and more comfortable seats, you definitely lose intimacy. There are no really terrible seats in Fenway.. you always feel like you are on top of the game. (okay...if you are directly behind a support pole, that's a pretty terrible seat, but other than that). I'd really miss that if they ever tore it down.
I also think the new ownership has done a great job making the park a better place to visit. The bathrooms are bigger, more numerous, and the plumbing works. There are more types of food, and more places to buy quality beer, than in past years. The Yawkey way carnival atmosphere before games is great, and there are often former players signing autographs in autograph alley. Lots to see and do on game day.
Of course its still a great experience. I love Fenway too. I've only been to a couple of other stadiums, but when you add room to make wider concourses, and more comfortable seats, you definitely lose intimacy. There are no really terrible seats in Fenway.. you always feel like you are on top of the game. (okay...if you are directly behind a support pole, that's a pretty terrible seat, but other than that). I'd really miss that if they ever tore it down.
I also think the new ownership has done a great job making the park a better place to visit. The bathrooms are bigger, more numerous, and the plumbing works. There are more types of food, and more places to buy quality beer, than in past years. The Yawkey way carnival atmosphere before games is great, and there are often former players signing autographs in autograph alley. Lots to see and do on game day.
Dec 23rd, 2009, 11:42 AM
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Thanks to all of the great ideas and suggestions......your comments in passion for the BoSox and Fenway Park is the reason for making this trip.
tchoiniere,
I am not sure if you have been to an actual BoSox vs. Rangers game in the Rangers Ballpark, but they tend to be the most hostile games(along with Yankees games.) There will obviously be alot of BoSox fans there, but the majority of the BoSox fans are ban waggoners....who were born and raised in the DFW area........who have decided to just go to Rangers games to cause trouble. (Ban waggoning Yankees are 10 times worse.) So I don't know what will annoy you more..... a guy wearing BoSox gear who can't name off five of the BoSox starters, or a bunch of riled up Rangers fans who have one playoff win in the history of their franchise. Haha! It makes for an interesting night at the ballpark, and great for people watching. Also, check out the new Cowboys stadium while you are here.....it is right next door.
Thanks again.......I look forward to reading more suggestions.
tchoiniere,
I am not sure if you have been to an actual BoSox vs. Rangers game in the Rangers Ballpark, but they tend to be the most hostile games(along with Yankees games.) There will obviously be alot of BoSox fans there, but the majority of the BoSox fans are ban waggoners....who were born and raised in the DFW area........who have decided to just go to Rangers games to cause trouble. (Ban waggoning Yankees are 10 times worse.) So I don't know what will annoy you more..... a guy wearing BoSox gear who can't name off five of the BoSox starters, or a bunch of riled up Rangers fans who have one playoff win in the history of their franchise. Haha! It makes for an interesting night at the ballpark, and great for people watching. Also, check out the new Cowboys stadium while you are here.....it is right next door.
Thanks again.......I look forward to reading more suggestions.
Dec 23rd, 2009, 01:38 PM
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>>The "Sweet Caroline" sing thing. Love it or hate it, it is a tradition. In the 7th inning they play it, everyone sings, acts like it is a great song. Story is that it was a random song played by some intern many years ago and it just stuck. Not sure why - but it is one of the strangest sports traditions I have ever seen.
Dec 23rd, 2009, 04:41 PM
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I haven't been to a game in Arlington yet but will soon. I will not be hostile in Texas as my dad grew up with Tom Grieve, a Rangers broadcaster and former player. Saw the new Cowboys stadium and its too big and obnoxious. Fenway is definitely a more intimate stadium, don't expect to be comfortable. That is due to the tradition of Fenway. Love it or hate it, Fenway is a noncomfortable stadium filled with history. Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing it torn down except for knowing the history that it is full of. Its essentially the same as when I went with my granfather 20 years ago to see the Rangers.
I hope you enjoy it, it truly is one of a kind.
I hope you enjoy it, it truly is one of a kind.
Dec 23rd, 2009, 07:58 PM
#20
I think that Gail gives very good tips for visitors. I would rather go all bundled up, knowing I should stock up on food and drink before I get seated, than go under-dressed and sit freezing in my seat waiting for the beer guys.
Trav is excited and has tickets. A few warnings will not dampen his enthusiasm, I'm sure. I don't even like baseball, but I love walking around the outside of Fenway during a game. Luckily we usually stay at the Commonwealth hotel so we can go get more clothes as I always freeze! I also love being on the T prior to games; the sea of Red and the excitement is contagious.
I'm guessing Gail and Mr Gail are BIG fans if they spring for 6-10 games a year!
Trav is excited and has tickets. A few warnings will not dampen his enthusiasm, I'm sure. I don't even like baseball, but I love walking around the outside of Fenway during a game. Luckily we usually stay at the Commonwealth hotel so we can go get more clothes as I always freeze! I also love being on the T prior to games; the sea of Red and the excitement is contagious.
I'm guessing Gail and Mr Gail are BIG fans if they spring for 6-10 games a year!
