Your Guide To Fenway Park, Home Of The Boston Red Sox
BOSTON (CBS)- If you come to Boston, Fenway Park – America's Most Beloved Ballpark - has to be on your list of places to see. It's the oldest stadium in Major League Baseball and it's an important piece of the city's rich history.
Fenway opened on April 20, 1912, the same week that the Titanic went down, and much of it remains the same – even the cramped seats. If you want to go to a game, be prepared to spend a lot of money. Fenway is the most expensive ballpark to see a game in the nation.
If you can't get tickets to a Red Sox game, there are tours available year round, and it's worth the $21 ($15 for kids).
COMING AND GOING
Your best bet getting to Fenway is public transportation. Not only can you avoid the traffic nightmare of Kenmore Square, but you won't pay an arm and a leg for parking.
Either way, leave early so you can have plenty of time before the game to sample the food stands on Jersey Street and walk through the park before settling into your seats.
By Subway:
Take the Green Line to the Kenmore stop.
If you're on the D line, you have the Fenway stop as an option as well.
Check: MBTA Subway Map & Schedules
By Commuter Rail:
This is a great alternative to bringing your car into the city. However, you're at the mercy of the train schedules. There are three options, depending on which direction you're coming from.
1. If you're on the Framingham-Worcester line, take the train to Lansdowne Station on Brookline Avenue, which is a short walk to the park.
2. If you're coming from the south, take a train to South Station then switch to the subway. Take the Red Line to Park Street and then hop on the Green Line to Kenmore.
3. For those of you coming from the north, take the train to North Station then get on the Green Line to Kenmore.
Check: Commuter Rail Map & Schedules
By Bus:
There are five bus routes with stops near Fenway Park: the 8, 19, 55, 60, and 65.
Check: MBTA Bus Routes To Fenway Park
By Car:
If you have to drive, plan ahead, leave early, and bring lots of cash if you want to park near the ballpark.
The Red Sox web site has a list of parking near the ballpark. There is also a way to reserve a parking spot.
Tip: The further away you are from the park, the cheaper it will be. You also have a shot at beating some of the traffic jams around the park after the game.
Check: Driving directions to Fenway Park
Leave It Home:
Fenway policy allows only bags smaller than 16"x16"x8" (the size of a large tote bag or backpack). All bags are subject to search. You also can't bring weapons (obviously), alcohol, noise making devices, masks, offensive clothing or offensive signs. You CAN bring one 16oz plastic bottle of water, and snacks that will fit in your small bag.
You're also expected to comply with Fenway's code of conduct.
Where To Meet:
There are several watering holes just outside the park if you're looking for a place to get together. Among the most popular are the Cask N' Flagon, Boston Beer Works, Game On, or The Bleacher Bar.
If you have no interest in going to a bar or restaurant, try meeting in front of the Fenway Park Ticket office on Jersey Street. Gates open 90 minutes before game time.
Check: Map of Fenway Park
TICKETS
Almost every Red Sox game sells out, so if you're planning a trip to Fenway, your best bet is to buy your tickets ahead of time on the Red Sox web site. Face value prices range from $15 for the upper bleachers, to more than $250 for club seats.
A limited number of tickets are available on game days at Gate E on Landsdowne Street, two hours before game time. But, be prepared to wait in line, with no guarantee you'll get in.
The quickest (and most expensive) option is to go through a ticket broker.
Tip: Scalping outside the ballpark is illegal, but it happens. If you choose this option, your best bet is to wait until the game starts. The ticket prices usually drop with each inning played.
Tip 2: Children age two and under don't need a ticket.
SEATING
There are very few bad seats – obstructed view seats – because Fenway is one of the smallest parks in the majors. The Red Sox website has an interactive map of all the seats and how much they cost for a single game. Upper bleacher seats are the cheapest, Club, Green Monster, and Dugout seats are the priciest.
Green Monster Seats
These are among the most popular seats in Fenway. They're also very difficult to get and very expensive.
The Red Sox have regular auctions on their web site for the chance to bid on these seats for specific games.
Club Seats
The Dell Technology Club and State Street Pavilion Clubs are two of Fenway's premium seating areas high above home plate and off-limits to the general public. If you're fortunate enough to be invited, there is a dress code.
They can also be rented out for non-game days. For more information, visit the Red Sox web site.
Dugout Seats
If you can afford the Dugout Club seats, you'll not only be up close to the field, you'll also have access to the Fod Clubhouse, which comes with a whole set of perks of its own.
FOOD AND DRINK
There's plenty of food at Fenway, where concession stands offer much more than peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and Fenway Franks. In addition to roaming vendors, there are stands around the ballpark offering everything from Asian cuisine to gluten free to lobster rolls and more. Rather than list them all out, here's a link to the Sox handy chart on their web site that shows which stands have your favorite foods.
If you're looking for beer, there's plenty of it and it's expensive. The Sox stop selling beer at the end of the seventh inning, or two and a half hours (150 minutes) after the start of the game.
So what can't be missed? The Fenway Frank is a must-have. We have a hometown bias for it. We also recommend grabbing an Italian sausage from the vendor carts outside the ballpark.
Tip: The MLB Ballpark app has a map to help you find what you need inside Fenway
A DAY AT THE GAME: WHAT IT WILL COST
Fenway is one of the most expensive ballparks to see a game in the nation. When you include four average priced tickets, some concessions, and parking, It costs well over $300 to take a family of four to a game at Fenway.
AT THE STADIUM:
Need Help?
There are thee customer service booths in the park: the big concourse, Gate D - home plate, and Gate E- third base concourse.
Souvenirs
The best place to go is the "Official Red Sox Team Store" on Jersey Street across from the Park. It's open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours are extended on game days, but you'll need a ticket to the game to enter Jersey Street.
Kid Friendly
Kids under two don't need a ticket, and if they get antsy during the game, head to Wally's Clubhouse. Kids can stretch their little legs and get the energy out with games and activities. You'll find it inside the Champions Club on the Kids Concourse, open from the third through seventh innings.
Scoreboard Message Requests
You can have a message posted on the center field scoreboard for everyone to see, but you need to plan ahead. Because demand is so high, you have to place your request several days before the game you'll be attending. There's also a $50 fee, but it's a tax-deductible donation that goes to The Red Sox Foundation.
To order a scoreboard message, visit www.redsoxfoundation.org or leave a message at 617-226-6377.
Tip: if you're looking to make a marriage proposal, that's a different department. Call 617-226-6831.
National Anthem
Think you could sing the National Anthem before a game in front of 35,000 fans? This might be your shot. The Red Sox ask that you send us a CD of you or your group performing The Star-Spangled Banner, a cappella, in 90 seconds or less.
Include your biographical information along with the CD. Make sure to put your name and phone number on the CD itself, in case the CD and case get separated.
Mail Your CD to:
Boston Red Sox
Attn: Anthem
4 Jersey Street
Boston, MA 02215
