Fenway Park Reviews (Boston, Massachusetts)

Catching a Game at Historic Fenway Park

Kingston, Saint Andrew, Jamaica

August 23, 2012

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Best of IgoUgo If you’re going to experience one MLB game in your life, there is probably no better choice than to watch the Red Sox play at home in historic Fenway Park.Fenway, which celebrated its centennial in 2012, is the oldest Major League ballpark still in ...Read more If you’re going to experience one MLB game in your life, there is probably no better choice than to watch the Red Sox play at home in historic Fenway Park.

Fenway, which celebrated its centennial in 2012, is the oldest Major League ballpark still in use (the Minor League Rockwood Field in Birmingham, AL dating from 1910 is the oldest in the world) and arguably the most famous sporting venue in the United States.

Located just south of the Charles River Basin between the Downtown and Brookline areas Fenway shows its age by having no parking facilities worth mentioning. Drivers can get parking in private garages and supermarket parking lots for anywhere from $25 to $50 depending on the proximity to the ballpark.

We were lucky to get a lift to the corner of Boylston and Yawkey which is about as close as you’ll get to the stadium on game-day since all streets adjacent to Fenway are cordoned off for the duration of the game. Each corner has several lines for ticket and bag checks but they move pretty rapidly and shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes or so to get through.

The concession stands outside the park and inside, below the stands offer a wide range of beverages and snacks. Onion Rings were good, Fries average but we didn’t much care for the Italian Sausage which was bland. I’ve been told that Fenway Franks are the way to go and I’m sorry we didn’t try those instead. Be prepared to pay a premium; Fries, Rings, Sausages, Bottled Water and a 100 Year Fenway keepsake cup of Soda set us back nearly 50 bucks.

If you’re a little late getting into the ballpark and your seat is near one of those support columns that hold up the upper deck, you might find that the person who booked the spot behind the pole is occupying your seat (as we did) but you should be able to sort that out with a minimum of fuss.

It is obvious from the cheers of encouragement, the roars of approval and the occasional cat-calls directed at the visiting team that Red Sox spectators are die-hard baseball lovers and it’s hard not to get caught up in their enthusiasm. Pretty soon you too will be participating in the Mexican Wave, whistling at an unpopular call and yelling for that potential homerun ball to "Get out of the park!"

Spectators in the bleachers and on top of the Green Monster are particularly dedicated, braving 3 hours of searing heat while cheering on their teams. It is no surprise that MLB’s cameras, which take time out to zoom in on fans during the interludes between innings, pay special attention to those folks out in the sun.

Being from Europe and used to seeing football fans separated by fences and police I was surprised to notice the Lighter Blue of the Texas Rangers fans dotted around the stands, surrounded by a sea of Red, Kelly Green and Navy. Unmolested, even when the game ended with the Rangers up by one point, opposing team supporters smiled, shook hands and filed out of the ballpark. True sportsmanship which, unfortunately, seems to be becoming more and more unique to fans of baseball.

After the game we initially joined the shuffling throng bound for Kenmore Station (Green Line) but after a few steps down the subway stairs we decided to about turn and head for fresh air. (Just after a ballgame conditions in the nearby T stations are cramped, hot and sweaty.)

TIP: If you have the time, the weather is cooperating and you don’t mind hoofing it a bit consider walking to a station further away from the Stadium to avoid the press. Since we were headed South, we instead made our way to the Orange Line at Ruggles, a pleasant walk of about 15 minutes. Close

From journal 2012 Massachusetts Summer Vacation

Home of the Boston Red Sox

by RoBoNC

Indianapolis, Indiana

June 14, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo Yankee Stadium may be "the house that Ruth built", but it is Fenway Park as a Red Sox that Ruth first rose to prominence in the majors. Any baseball fan knows about the Curse of the Bambino. The Red Sox was one of the most successful franchises ...Read more Yankee Stadium may be "the house that Ruth built", but it is Fenway Park as a Red Sox that Ruth first rose to prominence in the majors. Any baseball fan knows about the Curse of the Bambino. The Red Sox was one of the most successful franchises winning the first World Series in 1903 including four more titles with Babe Ruth. The Red Sox owner decided to sell Babe Ruth to the mediocre New York Yankees and in 1920, Ruth donned the famous pinstripes and the curse was born. The Red Sox did not win another World Series title until 2004, ending an 86 year old drought. The Yankees, on the other hand, became one of the most successful franchises in baseball, winning a record 27 World Series titles, the first one in 1923. The curse also led to one of the biggest rivalries in all of sports.

Although I am an Orioles fan and forced to share the same division with both the Yankees and the Red Sox, I would never pass on an opportunity to visit Fenway. However, acquiring tickets to Fenway is another matter altogether. The Red Sox has a loyal fan base, nicknamed "Red Sox Nation", and they are responsible for helping the Red Sox sell out every home game since May 15, 2003. In 2008, the Red Sox set a Major League record with its 456th consecutive game sold out. I was ecstatic when I found out a friend of a friend has season tickets and since she knew that I would be in town, she offered me her two seats.

If you find it hard to get tickets, the only other alternative is auction sites like Ebay, Stubhub, or you can depend on the old-fashioned scalpers outside the stadium. There also a limited number of tickets sold two hours before each home game at Gate E. The line begins five hours prior to game time and line jumping or holding a spot is strictly prohibited and enforced. If you would rather avoid waiting in line, then online sites is the best bet.

Visiting Fenway Park is like taking a step back in time for a number of reasons. First, Fenway is the oldest ballpark in the majors. It opened in 1912 and unlike more modern ballparks, the seating capacity is limited to 39,928 making it the fourth smallest in the majors. Attempts have been made over the years to increase the attendance, however limited, which has added unique features to the ballpark. Towering over the left field wall is the dreaded Green Monster, a 37 foot wall that is the highest of any Major League team and has denied many a players a home run that would have been one in any other ballpark. Located next to the Green Monster, is the "Triangle" where the center field walls meet forming a triangle, making it 420 feet from home plate. Located down the right field foul line is Pesky’s Pole named for Johnny Pesky. The foul pole is only 302 feet away from home plate, making it the shortest in the majors. It may seem like hitting a home run would be easy except for the fact that the fence curves away from the pole sharply.

Fenway Park has not sold out to Corporate America like most other teams. Stadiums nowadays are called Petco Park, PNC Park, US Cellular Field, but only a handful has managed to avoid selling out. As I sat there in the stands watching the game, I couldn’t help but think that this same stadium has been home to the Red Sox for nearly 100 years, mostly unchanged.

Although, most of the seats in the ballpark provide good views of the field, there are a number of seats that are obstructed because of concrete pillars, which is common among old baseball stadiums. The tickets are sold as such so there should not be any surprises. Although all of the home games are sold out, that doesn’t mean that every seat is filled unless maybe their arch nemesis, the Yankees are in town. I found that it was easy to move around as I abandoned my seats in the right outfield for a pair of seats behind home plate. You may find that your seat is a little different than the others if you are sitting in Section 42, Row 37, Seat 21. This seat is known as the "Lone Red Seat" and it signifies the longest home run ever hit at Fenway, 502 feet by Ted Williams.

Getting your tickets to the game is only half the battle. The other part is getting to the stadium. If you are staying in Boston, public transportation, bus, taxi, or subway is the best option. Since I was driving up from Hartford, Connecticut, I had to decide whether to park at the ballpark or take the subway. Parking in Boston can be a nightmare as well as costly. I noticed rates around the ballpark for $30 and then not to mention traffic after the game. I opted for the subway and drove out to the end of the Green Line, the Riverside Station, where I could park my car for $6. The subway fare was $2 and it is about a 25 minute ride to the ballpark. The Green line has four different lines, B, C, D, and E. All of the lines, except for the E will take you to the ballpark. There is a Fenway stop on the D line, but the best stop for the ballpark is the Kenmore station which is serviced by B, C, and D.

While most other ballparks strive to be the most modern with all the new high tech gadgetry, it appears that Fenway Park is content with its role to keeping the spirit of baseball just like it was at the turn of the century. While the stadium has progressed with technology in most areas, it still uses a manual scoreboard in the outfield, the last one in Major League Baseball. To some it may seem like Fenway Park lags behind the other ballparks, but its originality is what makes this "America’s Most Beloved Ballpark."
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From journal Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Must-See in Boston

by spinge_ta

Somerville, Massachusetts

March 10, 2010

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If you're in Boston during the spring, summer or fall - Fenway Park is a must-see...especially on a game day. Oldest ballpark in the major leagues (built in 1912) - they offer daily tours that give you behind the scenes access. Walk down Lansdowne ...Read more

Chicago Family Enjoyed Trip to Fenway

by sandyjtc

Plainfield, Illinois

June 7, 2008

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The tour was about 45 minutes long and was very interesting. My 9 & 10 year old girls enjoyed it along with our French Aupair. My 6 year old son was a little bit bored with the tour. You sit in the stands for most of the time so not a lot of ...Read more

Fenway Park

by RBT331

Medfield, Massachusetts

October 23, 2006

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Best of IgoUgo Having grown up about a half hour from its hallowed ground, and having attended many a Red Sox game there, I decided it was about time to review Fenway Park.Home of Boston's professional baseball teams since 1912, this classic ballpark offers much ...Read more Having grown up about a half hour from its hallowed ground, and having attended many a Red Sox game there, I decided it was about time to review Fenway Park.

Home of Boston's professional baseball teams since 1912, this classic ballpark offers much vintage charm along with modern day flare.

The seats are packed in, leaving not much by way of leg room. However, the 36,000+ seats create a homey experience. Some of the seats do have obstructed views by green painted 'I' beams that hold the balcony seats up. Given the age of this field, this park was not built with a suspension system.

The Green Monster is perhaps one of the most recognizable symbols of the park. The 37-foot high wall is the home of perhaps the last manually operated scoreboards in the country. Cards with the numbers are slid ino each hole and hung as the scores change. Yes, there are people behind the wall that have to change the score. In recent years, they have utilized some of the space for advertising. They have to make money somehow. However, rather than just slapping tacky logos on, they have tastefully painted them on in the same colors that are already present on the wall. Above the scoreboard, they highlight some of their charitable work done through the Red Sox Foundation.

Intertwined amongst the charm of this old-time park are the touches of the 21st century. They do have a few ATMs on-site. The food is not stuck in the 1900s either. Now, you can get steak tips, personal pan pizzas, sausages, and of course, the famous Fenway Franks. Add to that, they serve peanuts, and popcorn, and Cracker Jacks, you won't care if you ever get back. However, be forewarned, as with most sporting and concert venues, the food is pricey. A Fenway frank was $4, beer was $5.50 or so, and steak tips were $9.

Note to the wise: buy your food outside, rather than from the friendly folks who roam the stadium. Prices from them, while being the same exact food, is about 25 cents more expensive.

The nice thing about Fenway is that they do offer tours. Visit www.redsox.com for more information. These tours allow to visit and get a feel for Fenway, while not having to pay top dollar for a ticket to a game.

People have asked for years for a new Fenway. I am on the fence. At this point, I believe that Fenway has a great deal of history, and it really is one of the last great old parks out there. I think that the park is in a good place right now, location-wise and amenity wise. Sure, newer, bigger, brighter parks may mean cheaper seats, but what do you sacrifice in return?

Overall, if you are in Boston, and even if you don't have a great affinity towards baseball, you have to make a visit to Fenway Park part of your trip. Close

From journal Fenway Park

Fenway Park

by 1229

Lexington , Kentucky

September 25, 2006

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Fenway park was built in 1912, the oldest continuous running ballpark in Major League Baseball, also the most expensive. The Boston Red Soxs is an American League Team. When I was there, they were playing against the Cleveland Indians and it was a ...Read more

From journal Fenway Park

Fenway Park

by Itsbiscottinow

Chester Springs, Pennsylvania

September 4, 2006

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Awesome. Just awesome. If you ever have a chance to go to Boston, make sure you stop and see Fenway Park. Even if you don't have tickets to the Red Sox. The atmosphere outside is outstanding.

From journal Weekend at Fenway Park

Fenway Park

by jcurrent

Miami, Florida

June 3, 2006

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Fenway Park Tour. How can you go to Boston and not see that big Green Monster? Saw all parts of the park and was a great was to see Boston’s baseball culture without going to a game. Unfortunately, the games were sold out. ...Read more

From journal Weekend in Boston

Fenway Park

by notso62

Boston, Massachusetts

October 17, 2005

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Best of IgoUgo Take me out to the ball game! As long as you're in Boston for a stint in the spring, summer, or fall, why not try to grab tickets to see the Red Sox in Fenway Park? This historic ballpark is a one-of-a-kind national treasure.Fenway seats ...Read more Take me out to the ball game! As long as you're in Boston for a stint in the spring, summer, or fall, why not try to grab tickets to see the Red Sox in Fenway Park? This historic ballpark is a one-of-a-kind national treasure.

Fenway seats approximately 35,000 people, which is tiny in comparison to every other stadium and ballpark these days. That means that there are no real "bad" or "nosebleed" seats. You can see the details of the field from almost anywhere you sit! You'll feel like you can reach out and touch the players, even from the top of the rightfield roof deck.

Because Fenway is so small, the tickets to the home games sell out almost immediately. To get tickets ahead of time for your planned trip go to www.redsox.com. If there aren't any available for the games you want to see, you may want to try www.ebay.com or www.acetickets.com. If you buy them anywhere, but through the box office, expect to pay exorbitant scalper's fees.

On game day, sometimes remaining tickets go up for sale at 2pm before the game at the Park's ticket sales office. If you aren't lucky enough to score these tickets at face value, there are always people selling tickets outside the stadium around game time. Keep in mind that a pair of good seats for a key game (like against the NY Yankees) could set you back for over $500. Seats on top of the "green monster" or field boxes could be expected to top $1000. Don't say you weren't warned!

If you can't score tickets anywhere or don't feel like spending quite that much money, there are tours of Fenway available on a daily basis. These take you through the only manual scoreboard in all of major league baseball, as well as other historic landmarks within the park. Check redsox.com for seasonal tour schedules.

Food and beer within the ballpark are a bit pricey, but excellent cheaper fare can be had at the surrounding neighborhood sports bars like the Cask n'Flagon. Look for the best ballpark food at the "Sausage Guy" stand on Yawkey Way.

On game day, don't pay for parking by Fenway. Instead take the Green line of the T subway system to Kenmore square for a fraction of the price!

Seeing a game at Fenway is a life experience that should be had by any fan of the Red Sox or fan of baseball in general. The fans here are passionate, the seats are great, the aptmosphere is euphoric, and sights and sounds are amongst the most memorable of Boston's landmarks.

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From journal Boston - Tourist in My Own City

Fenway Park

by jpeterson424

West Chester, Pennsylvania

September 24, 2005

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Best of IgoUgo Fenway Park, the most famous American ballpark, is definitely a must see when traveling to Boston. Fenway is still an amazing place to see a baseball game. With the addition of the Monster seats and other new seating locations, there are still new ...Read more

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