Be a True Boston Sports Fan

Obviously you’re a Red Sox fan. You are a Bostonian afterall. You know how hard Red Sox tickets are to come by, but you also know how completely possible it is to get them (hi, Craigslist, scalpers, StubHub). You do whatever it takes to get to a game. Or 10.

New England Patriots

While we didn’t see the most fantastic end to the 2007/2008 season, the New England Patriots did make some records that will go down in history. And hey, as Bostonians, we’re used to last-minute disappointments.

The Boston Marathon is held on Patriots’ Day every year, and it’s a favorite holiday for many Bostonians. First held in 1897, it’s the world’s oldest annual marathon and more than 20,000 people run in the race.

Of course, to many Bostonians, Marathon Day means a day off from work, a early afternoon Red Sox game, and a day filled with spring weather and drinking. But really, we do watch and cheer on the runners too.

Head of the Charles Regatta

Another Boston staple, the Head of the Charles Regatta is a rowing race held on the Charles River every October. The event is the largest 2-day regatta in the country, with more than 8,000 athletes rowing.

300,000 spectators come out to watch the event, and enjoy the last days of nice autumn weather before the cold hits.

The Boston Cannons

Did you know Boston has a professional lacrosse team? Well, we do. The Boston Cannons is one of the original six teams of Major League Lacrosse. They play right in Harvard Stadium, and tickets to the games are easier to get than to say, a Red Sox game.

The Boston Lobsters

If you didn’t know Boston had a lacrosse team, you probably didn’t know we had a tennis team. The Boston Lobsters were actually owned by Robert Kraft from 1974-1978. The team then folded, but returned to the league in 2005.

Best Boston Sports Blogs

Buy Boston Sports Gear

You’re not a true Boston sports fan unless you’re donning lots of gear.

The Garden

We really don’t know what it’s called anymore, so most of us just refer to it as “The Garden.” Built in 1928, Boston Garden was demolished in 1997, becoming the Fleet Center. Many Bostonians had a difficult time no longer referring to it as the Garden. But just as we were getting used to it, it underwent another name change and is now the TD Banknorth Garden. Which means we can call it the Garden again.

Not only do the Celtics and Bruins play all their home games at the Garden, various concerts and events are also held here. Among the many I’ve seen include Dave Matthews, Ricky Martin (yes, Ricky Martin), Mariah Carey, and Maroon 5.

I used to not care very much for basketball (watching it on TV annoys me…the squeak of the sneakers and the shrillness of the buzzer drive me crazy). But then I went to a couple of Celtics games and had a blast. The energy in the Garden during the games is amazing.

It doesn’t hurt that the team is having a fabulous season, with a speical thanks to Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen. Boston is loving this year’s Celtics success!

Ahhh the Bruins. Hockey is a New England staple, so most of us can’t help being fans, though they seem to bring us down time and time again.

The Bruins actually had a better than usual season this year. Maybe it will just keep getting better? Fingers crossed.

Not very well publicized, the Sports Museum is pretty tiny, but full of gems for any Boston sports lover. In fact, currently at the museum is the Ortiz Red Sox jersey that was excavated from the foundation of the new Yankee Stadium.

Also at the museum is the old Boston Garden penalty box, Larry Bird’s locker, the shoes Adam Vinatieri was wearing when he kicked the winning field goal of Super Bowl XXXVI, Ted Williams’ locker, and more.

Best Places to Watch the Game(s)

NESN

NESN (New England Sports Network) is the go-to television station for Boston sports coverage.

“For forty years the Boston Ski & Sports Club has excelled in providing activities that make it easy to play sports, be adventurous, ski, travel, and connect with other enthusiasts in the Greater Boston area. Over 30,000 active professionals participate in BSSC’s incredible lineup of year-round dynamic, affordable, and well-organized activities for members, non-members and corporate groups.”