The history, passion, and emotion associated with the Boston Red Sox is unparalleled, and, as a result, their fans are a unique bunch. Here's how you can get in on the fun. (Or, heartache. Depending on the season.)
It’s imperative to get up off the couch and see a game live at Fenway Park, even if it’s only once. Sure, it’s small, old, and cramped. But that’s why we love it: the history and charm of this park add to it’s magic. The debate rages on about whether or not to build a new ballpark, but so far, the new owners have done a stellar job of adding onto the existing structure, as well as making it more fan-friendly.
It’s imperative to get up off the couch and see a game live at Fenway Park, even if it’s only once. Sure, it’s small, old, and cramped. But that’s why we love it: the history and charm of this park add to it’s magic. The debate rages on about whether or not to build a new ballpark, but so far, the new owners have done a stellar job of adding onto the existing structure, as well as making it more fan-friendly.
Ohhh, Right. You Need Tickets.
Well, they’re impossible to get. Let me re-phrase that. They can be got, but for a price. Here’s where:
If you’re looking for a spike in your blood pressure, drive to the game. But do yourself a favor and take the T instead. It’s easy and convenient, and a little research on the MBTA website will go a long way. Print out a map, check the schedule, and see how much it costs to ride the T so you aren’t fumbling around for money as the line of anxious and quite possibly drunk fans builds up behind you.
Take the Green Line to Kenmore Square. Fenway is a short walk from here, during which you’ll have about 37 chances to buy a program.
So you’re coming from out of town to see a game, and want the full Fenway experience? Splurge for these accomodations steps away from Fenway Park and you won’t be disappointed. There’s nothing like contrasting the grittiness of Fenway with a beautiful place to stay.
So you’re coming from out of town to see a game, and want the full Fenway experience? Splurge for these accomodations steps away from Fenway Park and you won’t be disappointed. There’s nothing like contrasting the grittiness of Fenway with a beautiful place to stay.
Dress the Part
The Yawkey Way Store.
Yawkey Way Store
19 YAWKEY WAY BOSTON, MA 02215
Prepare to enter the mecca of sports fan apparel when you visit this store right across from Fenway Park. I marvel at the amount of cash that’s transacted at this place on game days, but it’s no wonder: when at Fenway Park, wearing the team logo is a must.
Can’t make it to Fenway? Shop the store online so you can still say you bought it from the Yawkey Way Store.
...But Don't Be a Pink Hat
In other words, stay authentic. The Red Sox team colors are red, blue, and white. Stick with them. Otherwise, you’ll look like a bandwagoneer which will raise the ire of all Boston sports fans. Read more thoughts on the dreaded Pink Hats here:
A little cart with a big smell: a trip to Fenway Park would not be complete without a visit to the Sausage Guy. Treat youself to this tasty, greasy grub to absorb all of the beers you’ll be consuming.
There’s joy in numbers. Share the drama that is watching the Sox play with like-minded people and enjoy a camaraderie that is second only to being a Marine.
Steps from Fenway, this is THE pre- and post-game destination for rowdy fans everywhere. No tickets to the game? The Cask is the next best place to watch it.
Steps from Fenway, this is THE pre- and post-game destination for rowdy fans everywhere. No tickets to the game? The Cask is the next best place to watch it.
A recent addition to the Fenway re-vamp, Game On is still a sports bar, but it’s slicker than the Cask and has won the Best of Boston for 3 years going. Mingle with the loud crowd downstairs, or escape upstairs for something more low-key.
A recent addition to the Fenway re-vamp, Game On is still a sports bar, but it’s slicker than the Cask and has won the Best of Boston for 3 years going. Mingle with the loud crowd downstairs, or escape upstairs for something more low-key.
Call in sick, take a vacation day, do whatever you need to do. Opening day in these parts is a big deal and is always special and emotional. Whether you plant yourself in front of the TV or are lucky enough to see it live at Fenway, it’s a must-watch for anyone who calls themselves a fan.
After the Sox’ World Series Victory in 2004, Sox fans forgave Bill Buckner for “costing” the team the chance for victory in 1986 by letting the ball go between his legs. On Opening Day on April 8, 2008, Bill came back to a spine-tingling and very touching ovation at Fenway to throw out the first pitch.
Opening day 2008 at Fenway Park.
Be a Sports Media Sponge
Part of the responsibility of being a Red Sox fan is that you must immerse yourself in things like obscure stats, bitter rivalries, pie-in-the-sky trade possibilities, and constant managment critique. Fortunately, Boston is home to top-notch sports writing and complete media saturation when it comes to this team. Here are some good ways to experience information overload:
Local NESN broadcasters Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy.
Watch most of the games on this channel, and then bitterly complain when they’re broadcast nationally and you’re stuck with non-local broadcasters doing the play-by-play and color commentary. Tune in for excellent pre- and post-game coverage, too.
Boston is lucky to be the home of the top sports radio station in the country. Listen all day, every day, as hosts and callers dissect every play for hours on end and argue about how long is too long for a pitcher to stay in the game.
Bruce tirelessly collects and posts links to any and all media stories surrounding our teams. His commentary is level-headed and thoughtful and is a daily must-read for any fan.
How do you avoid talking to Boston’s omnipresent media? Start your own blog. Red Sox ace Curt Schilling writes insightful and honest posts that are always interesting.
A message board to top all message boards. Be a fly on the wall as passionate fans furiously post their opinons on all things Red Sox.
Try to Be Happy
“Yes, it’s true. We really did win the World Championship. Here, touch it.”
For 87 years, Red Sox fans lived with the torment of not winning a championship. I often wish a study was done during this time to compare the life span of a Red Sox fan to the average person – because the burden of this “curse” was too much to bear for most people in New England.
But the drought is over. The Sox won the World Series in 2004 and again in 2007. And even when they don’t win it all, there’s rarely a year when they aren’t competitive. Still, Red Sox fans live and die with their team, and take every loss hard.
So put on a happy face. They won’t win them all, but the legacy of the Red Sox is so rich and storied, you’ve got to be proud to call yourself a fan.
Brought to you by Guidespot.comCopyright 2008 - Local Matters Inc.
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