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 Submitted By:
George Grade:
A
Pros of the ballpark: Fenway is one of a handful of ballparks that
every baseball fan should put on their bucket list. The ballpark
oozes history and tradition. To call it a shrine is an
understatement. And the displays n the concourses under the stands
basically amount to a Red Sox hall of fame. There are very few bad
seats. Some don't have the best sightlines and some are behind posts
but none are far from the field. For the price, I recommend sitting
in the bleachers as there are more hardcore fans there. And Red Sox
fans are some of the best and most knowledgeable in baseball. It's
also worth noting I went when the Phillies were in town, was wearing
a Phillies t-shirt and didn't have any problems. But I still
wouldn't recommend wearing any Yankee gear.
Cons of the ballpark:
The only real negative was the narrowness and
discomfort of the wooden grandstand seats. During the ballpark tour
our guide pointed out they were grandfathered in to 1934 building
and fire codes (the last major renovation prior to John Henry's
group buying the Red Sox). I understand the argument that replacing
them with modern seats would reduce seating capacity by 3,000 and
the tradition factor of being able to say you sat in the same seats
as your father, grandfather and great grandfather. However if you're
larger than 5'10", 180 pounds, I don't recommend them. Tickets are
pricey because of demand-you'll pay $100+ on the secondary market
for the better seats. Also I don't recommend driving under any
circumstances as what little parking there is is very expensive (I
walked past a lot on Boylston a couple of blocks away where they
were charging $45). Take the T. It's $6 to park and fare is $2.50
each way
Additional Comments:
For the first-timer, I recommend making a day of
it. Get up early, take the T to Kenmore (I parked at Oak Grove on
the Orange line and transferred to the green line at North Station).
NOTE: Do NOT take Green line E as it does not stop at Kenmore.
Arrive at the ballpark before 9:00 a.m. and take a ballpark tour.
After the tour, have lunch in the neighborhood and then enter the
ballpark at least an hour before gametime so you can walk around the
ballpark and take everything in. After the game, have a beer or two
in one of the sports bars nearby, or eat dinner in the neighborhood
so you can allow enough time for the crowds on the T to thin out. Of
course that's not an option for a night game as the trains stop
running around midnight. Still, the lines move quickly and there are
enough trains to handle the crowd.
Submitted By:
Ryan McNeil Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark: What's NOT a pro about this place? It's
the baseball equivalent of walking into a cathedral. Some of the
most passionate fans in baseball make the experience that much more
amazing, and the gameday vibe in the surrounding streets (many of
which are closed to vehicle traffic) makes for great anticipation as
you approach the park. Snacks are relatively cheap, and the vendors
going up and down the rows even sell Boston Clam Chowder. The Sox
have done an awesome job of keeping the shine on the old girl.
Walkways, bathrooms, and concourses have been given a great spit &
polish, which helps it avoid turning into a dank dirty relic.
Cons of the ballpark: If you aren't a fan of cramped seats,
give this park a skip - they pack 'em in tight! Oh, and lord help
you if your seat is behind one of the posts supporting the upper
deck. Driving there can be a pain...hell driving just about anywhere
in Boston can be a pain, but Fenway especially. Getting away by
public transit can be a pain too, as the local stations don't seem
to be staffed for a flood of commuters that late.
Additional Comments: As a Red Sox fan, this is as close to
heaven as I'll ever get. After getting a taste of them on the
ballpark tour, I would LOVE to go back and sit in the seats above
The Green Monster. Believe the hype - Fenway is a must-see for any
baseball lover.
Submitted By: Elias Grade: B
Pros of the ballpark:
1.
Great Hot Dogs! 2. Great atmosphere. Fans know their team in and
out, and are excited about them no matter what. It's a sellout every
night. 3. Full of history because its so old, and very intimate. 4.
Manual scoreboard
Cons of the ballpark:
1.
Very expensive to park at the games-- up to $50-100.
2. Some seats have views obstructed by large poles that hold the
upper deck up.
3. While we're talking seats...grandstand seats are very old, very
narrow, and made of wood. They are not close to comfortable. Upper
bleachers are VERY far away from home plate. Many of the seats are
not angled towards home plate (esp. down RF and LF lines), so you
will get a stiff neck...
Additional Comments: Good
ballpark if you can get tickets! Brokers are your best bet, or
StubHub, or eBay. Expect to pay a lot, even for the worst seats. You
will have a great time no matter where you sit, though. Fans can be
obnoxious if you don't root for the Red Sox, so be careful!
Submitted By: Sat Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark: The atmosphere
was amazing. It was my first time at Fenway and it was great. After
hanging out at the pub right behind the "green monster," tossing
back what else but the local libation favorite libation Samuel Adams
you just have a twenty feet walk right through the sea of Red Sox
nation till you get to the entrance. Once you get in its almost like
any other great baseball sporting event. If you are one of the lucky
ones and are able to attend highly sought after three game series
with the Yankees, then the intensity of Fenway Park is even greater!
The game that I caught was against a 2002 game against the Mariners.
Once you make your way to your seat, you're just amazed with how
intense Red Sox fans are about their team. There were many fights
and drunk people getting crazy everywhere and people just going nuts
about anything. Not matter where you're sitting, Fenway is
definitely a must visit ballpark.
Cons of the ballpark: At the time I
went, security was really tight. And maybe it can get annoying when
there are constant fighting going on during a game. During the game
that I went to there were five fights. Security was just nuts that
night.
Additional Comments: If you're planning on seeing a game at
Fenway there are couple of things that you have to do prior to and
after the game. First make sure you get to Fenway atleast three
hours before game time. Before the game, head over to the pub that
sits directly behind the Green Monster. You can't miss it. That bar
is just filled with nothing but Red Sox memorabilia so if you hate
the Red Sox this is definitely not the pub for you. After the game
is over, make sure you don't make any plans because all you need for
a awesome night is all right there. There are tons of clubs right
down Fenway as well as some kick ass bars. There is one mini brewery
that is adjacent to Fenway and is definitely the worst place you
could even think about going. There local concoction consists of
water down beer laden with raisins. Trust me, this is just
absolutely freakin' terrible. Other than that, the place is a pretty
nice place to hangout at. But just remember that there are just a
ton of things to do around that area. Plus if you're hungry there
are fastfood restaurants just right around the corner.
Submitted By: Mike Grade: B
Pros of the ballpark: The park is
beautiful. I went on a tour the morning of the game (Mets vs Sox-
6/27/06-I'm a Mets fan) and the history and views of the field are
stunning. The area around the park is great also, with a huge,
air-conditioned team store that spans about the whole block. Before
the game, at 5:00 when the gates opened, it seemed everyone was
already there. Because the seats are so close to the field, you are
practically touching the players. Finally, the history of the park
is dreamlike and a thrill to view.
Cons of the ballpark: I respect Red Sox
fans, but it was a little too crazy. Because the seats are so
close, you're practically on top of the person in front of you.
One person kept spilling her beer on me, while a gigantic man kept
falling asleep, and leaning back into me during the game. Also,
because the prices are so high, there were very few families and
kids there. Although the seats around the infield are great, the
many bleacher seats and the area around it are over expensive, and
its impossible to see home plate.
Additional Comments: Basically, Fenway is a beautiful park,
around a great area. I took the subway, and I easily got to the
park. I would recommend going no later than 5:00 to a night game,
because every game is sold out. I would definitely recommend a
tour, its great and you get to go everywhere around the stadium.
The Monster Seats are a rip-off, the view is the same as regular
bleacher seats, but they're $150 each. Also, unlike Shea, their
really aren't fun things to view/watch/interact with in between
innings.
Submitted By: Dex Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark: Nostalgia, the
intimacy of the park, not too many bad seats, MONSTER SEATS (the
seats on top of the right field wall added two years ago) but the
feeling of going to the same park you grandfather went to as a kid
is the best. Make sure you get a sausage with onions outside the
gate.
Cons of the ballpark: The ticket prices
($100-120 face for Monster seats, $80 face for box), long lines for
beer ($6 a plastic cup), the I beams that block the view of some
seats (don't complain b/c you're warned; your ticket will read
"OBSTRUCTED VIEW" in bold letters).
Additional Comments: Fenway Park isn't just a place to go for
a ballgame, it's a place you go for an experience. As a Sox fan I'm
a little biased, but it's definitely the best time I could ask for.
I make it a point not to get ketchup on my Fenway franks, as it's a
crime; Fenway only started giving out ketchup four years ago. People
who complain about parking obviously haven't spent too much time in
Boston as there's no where to park anywhere. Take the T
(subway/trolley) Green Line to Kenmore and walk a quarter mile
across the Mass Pike to Lansdowne Street. There's also some late
night clubs if you're into that type of thing. Some people swear by
the Cask N Flagon, some hate it-- hit or miss. I like the bar just
built into the park. The Henry Ownership has done alot for the park
and the team...just expect to burn AT LEAST $70 for two people on a
game at Fenway.
Submitted By: BGuy Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark:
Classic Ballpark, not much has changed since when it was built. The
concourses are basically identical to Wrigley. The food is good and
while there are poles in the lowers, I really didnt care
Cons of the ballpark: Red Sox fans. There's not a lot of real
ones. Most of the people there started being fans a few years ago.
The park is full of tourists. Ill admit, I was one in June of '04
but as a baseball fan I had to see this piece of history. Parking
wasn't a problem for us as we were staying 2 blocks away from the
park. Scalpers are everywhere around this are and for good reason.
Dumb tourists will pay $60-100 per ticket for pretty crappy seats.
Additional Comments: All
in all though, I had a good time. The Red Sox lost, but I was more
there for the experience.
Submitted By: Joe M. Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark: It's
a great atmosphere in general-the fans are focused on the BASEBALL
GAME, and they all know what's happening. the field is OUTDOORS, and
its got REAL GRASS, which is the way baseball was meant to be
played. its a beautiful place, and everyone should visit it.
Cons of the ballpark: Our tickets were in farthest possible
point from the field (top row, right center), and there wasn't allot
of leg room, but that doesn't matter so much, because you are
standing and cheering so much.
Additional Comments:
Anyone who thinks Fenway isn't a great park, (i.e. "MODERN
AMENITIES) you're not a true baseball fan. you're an idiot. Fenway
might be in need of renovations, but its a great park. you and your
jumbo TVs can go shove it-you're the reason baseball is having all
these problems-you're attention span is so short you need to be
constantly entertained with stupid little games and stuff on the
widescreen. baseball is the true American Sport, and shouldn't even
stoop to the level of the drunk apathetic football fans.
Submitted By: Fred T. Grade: F
Pros of the ballpark: Nostalgia can only do so much for a
place.
Cons of the ballpark: Everything! The place is disgusting,
run-down, putrid in nearly every way. Parking is a disaster within
miles of the park, you feel like you're going to self-combust
because everything is so small, and the colors of the interior are
hideous. Any talk of renovating this park would compare to the idea
of placing a Corvette engine in a Model T.
Additional Comments: People have this fantastic disillusion
that this is one of the greatest ballparks ever constructed. When
will they learn? If you sit on the first base side, you have a
fantastic view of an ugly green wall and an underachieving team for
three and a half hours. The dimensions are so quirky, you'd think
the place was designed by the stooges. Are you willing to tell me
that in the entire city of Boston there wasn't one other lot to
build this dump on? Don't even get me started on the smell of the
concourse or the lovely steel I-beams that block so many views. I've
been to some of the greatest and most amazing facilities in the
world and I had high expectations coming here. I left sorely
disappointed and wishing for something greater. I know one day the
Red Sox will finally come to their senses and tear down this dump.
Until then we are all forced to watch one of baseball's most
overrated teams play in a rat trap that suits them nicely.
Submitted By: Joe Larrea Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark : Fenway Park is hands down the best
ballpark I've visited so far. It stands like any other building in
the city of Boston. There's no parking and from the outside looks
like a factory. Red Sox Fans walk down Ipswich past the old
buildings the we see throughout Boston, they turn on Yawkey Way and
see a huge crowd of Red Sox fans celebrating there team outside of
Fenway. You show your ticket at the front of the block, so no one
joins the party without a ticket. All concessions are sold outside
as well. A young man stands on stilts wearing a Red Sox uniform
entertains the fans outside the park. He calls himself Big League
Brian. This celebration and tradition reminds me that of the
Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field. And at the time i visited these
fans were unaware that in only four months they'll have a world
champion. I took my seat and listened to the old fashion organ
music. I noticed a program in the seat next to me in the seat next
to me. It said that Nomar Garciaparra would soon be leaving I
thought it was B.S. Suddenly the organ music gave way to Bubba
O'Riley one of my favorite songs. Right before the game started they
showed a montage of of the greatest players in Red Sox history. The
Red Sox beat the Athletics that night 11-0. It was the best game
I've been to.
Cons of the Ballpark: It's a small ballpark so it's hard to
get tickets in time. The Support beams are a problem but if you wait
a couple of innings you can probably find another spot. After it
rains the upper deck leaks onto the seats bellow. Also theres no cup
holders no you have to be careful with your drink.
Additional Comments: Dont come to Fenway if your rooting for
the opposing team, especially if its the Yankees!!!
Submitted By: Bill Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark: Step back in time at Fenway, all the
greats played on this very field. It seems nothing has changed since
then. Enter at Gate A and get a beer, it is dumpy all around the
concessions, but when you go to your seats and see that green field
it is incredible! I went to about 25 games to see Clemans pitch and
couldn't hook up for one reason or another, bought 4 tix for my
friends and I got the one behind the pole. Saw Pedro stike out 15
twice right behind the plate, you have got to go. Get one of those
sausages outside the entrance
Cons of the ballpark: The
Cask and Flagon next door, they have great pictures on the wall, but
the door people are dick heads and the staff treat you like
crap...Do Not go there and buyt anything. Boston beer Co.'s beer
sucks and is warm, and full of yuppies in suits. The downstairs bar
directly across from gate A is fun
Submitted By: Parker T. Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark:
Almost Everything, The History there is incredible, I am a young Red
Sox fan and Have been there 6 times by my count. Fenway is like a
giant neighborhood, Thankfully, All full of Red Sox Fans ( I am so
sick New Englanders calling themselves Yankee fans simply because
they win more).
Cons of the ballpark: The concession stand area feels like a
parking garage, very crowded parking garage. The bathrooms need to
be updated.
Additional Comments: If You are a Stadium Critic, Don't come
here. If you are a Baseball History Critic, your more then welcome.
Submitted By: Anthony Lorenzo
Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark: The History of Fenway and the Red Sox
can be appreciated by any baseball fan. The fans are knowledgeable
and the Park is something out of the 1920's. A Great place to
visit and spent the day. The seats are right on top of the field.
Cons of the ballpark: Be careful where you sit, some seats
are blocked by pillars and decks. Also, individuals were alot
smaller in 1918, when the ballpark was built, the seats can be
uncomfortable.
Additional Comments: Arrive at Fenway as early as you can. I
suggest parking at the Prudential Financial Center and enjoying the
10 minute walk to Fenway. There are numerous memorabilia shops and
some wonderful food vendors. You really get a feel for the history
and tradition of Red Sox Baseball after spending a day at Fenway.
Submitted By: Bob Patrick Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark: "Old School" atmosphere, meaning you
feel like you're at a very special place in baseball history. Good
food and great fans! Great sightlines, too!
Cons of the ballpark: The fence, with guards, preventing
anyone from getting to the "good seats" without a ticket. I wasn't
even allowed to browse the area for a few minutes. With Old stadiums
come plenty of cracks, rust and funky smells.
Additional Comments: If you love baseball, GET TO FENWAY
PARK! I give it an "A" simply for it's importance in baseball
history.
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