Boston Red Sox Tailgate | Fenway Park Stadium Guide

Red Sox Overview

Boston Red Sox National Anthem before Game six of the World Series

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Fast facts

League: MLB

Head Coach: Alex Cora

Team Mascot: Tessie the Green Monster, Wally the Green Monster

Year Opened: 1912

Capacity: 37305

City / State: Boston / Massachusetts

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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Red Sox vs Yankees

Rival Team: New York Yankees

Arguably, the most famous rivalry in all of sports, the rivalry between the Red Sox and Yankees dates back to 1919, when Red Sox owner Harry Freeze sold superstar Babe Ruth to the Yankees. The traded sparked the rivalry as Ruth went on to lead the Yankees to four World Series. From 1919 to 2003 the Yankees won 26 World Series to the Red Sox none, however, in 2004 the Red Sox captured their first World Series in 86 years after erasing a three game to none deficit in the ALCS. Red Sox-Yankees games are some of the best games of the season, so make sure to get tickets when the Yankees come to town.

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Red Sox vs Orioles

Rival Team: Baltimore Orioles

The Red Sox and Orioles have a fierce rivalry. The two AL East rivals have been battling it out since the inception of the American League, and things have been even tenser between the two since the Orioles moved to Baltimore in 1954. Red Sox and Orioles fans hate each other, and you’ll be in for a good time when these two AL East rivals face off on the diamond.

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Red Sox vs Blue Jays

Rival Team: Toronto Blue Jays

The Red Sox and Blue Jays have been battling it out for AL East supremacy since the Blue Jays joined the league in 1977. The Blue Jays have managed to be quite a thorn in the Red Sox side over the years, and you’ll be in for a good matchup when attending a Red Sox-Blue Jays game.

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Red Sox vs Rays

Rival Team: Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays may be the newest team in the AL East, but that doesn’t mean the Red Sox and Rays don’t have major beef. The two teams met in the 2008 ALCS where the Rays punched their ticket to their first ever World Series, and a few years later, in 2011, the Rays upended the favorite Red Sox for the Wild Card spot. There is plenty of bad blood between the Red Sox and Rays, so don’t miss it when Tampa Bay comes to town.

Red Sox Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

A unique feeling surrounds Fenway Park on game days as you’ll find an aura here that can’t be found anywhere else. Fenway is the oldest stadium in the country and as such, is filled with so much history. Unfortunately, tailgating is not allowed at Fenway, but there are a ton of bars lining Brookline Avenue and Lansdowne Street where you can grab a pre-game drink. Thousands of Red Sox fans wander throughout these streets, and the air is filled with Red Sox pride and a celebratory attitude every game-day.

Even though tailgating is not allowed in Fenway Park, that doesn’t stop Red Sox fans from having a proper and worthy pre-game celebration. For those in search of the tailgating atmosphere, Yawkey Way offers a block party-esque walkway with t-shirt and hot dog vendors lining the streets. Arrive to the area around Fenway to take in all the sights and sounds and experience Fenway Park to the fullest.

Boston Red Sox parade mascot Wally the green monster

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Boston Red Sox fans at Gate E of Fenway Park

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Traditions

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Game Day Premium Tours

For $25 a person, you can get a personal tour of Fenway, as well as meet Wally the Green Monster and pose on the warning track. There’s no better way to experience Fenway Park or learn about the park’s history, so book a tour when visiting Boston.

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Fenway Park Statues

Outside of Fenway Park are several statues honoring some of the greatest players in Red Sox history. The statues celebrate legends such as the Splendid Splinter and Yaz. Stop by and get a picture with each of the statues.

Where to tailgate

Brookline Avenue and Lansdowne StreetThere are many bars such as Boston Beer Works and Jillian’s to get the pre-game party started along Brookline and Lansdowne. A unique place is called Blazing Paddles at Game On!; it’s a ping-pong parlor that also serves as a bar. They even have a professional ping pong player on staff for pointers!
Cask'n FlagonRight near Fenway Park is the Cask'n Flagon, a fan favorite pre-game spot. You’ll always find fans floating in and around the bar, preparing for a day of Red Sox baseball, so stop by and grab a drink with some Red Sox diehards before the game.
Yawkey WayFully lined with vendors selling everything from t-shirts to hot sausages, Yawkey Way feels like an outdoor block party and makes for a great experience before catching a game at Fenway
The AlleyDuring home games, the alley is blocked off from traffic and only accessible to ticket holders three hours before game time. The party even continues in the alley after games too.

Red Sox Stadium Guide

In Game

Fenway Park is arguably the most recognizable baseball field in all of Major League Baseball and with good reason: not only is it the oldest ballpark, but the history and tradition of the Boston Red Sox is so deeply ingrained in the city that it’s hard to think of Boston without the Red Sox. Generations of fans have passed through the gates at Fenway, and they pride themselves on their knowledge, a seemingly endless database of Red Sox stats, and overall passion for the game.

The stadium is a source of pride for Boston and has been a staple of the community since it first opened in 1912. The deep-rooted history and tradition can be felt the second you walk into Fenway making a trip to see the Red Sox play a one of a kind experience you won’t find anywhere else.

No matter what team you cheer for, if you’re a baseball fan, then a trip to Fenway is a must so plan your trip to Boston today.

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Things to check out

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Manual Scoreboard

The manual scoreboard inside the Green Monster is run by two men who place 12-by-16-inch panels into the allotted slots each inning. You can also see the initials of former Red Sox owners Tom and Jean Yawkey in Morse code on the scoreboard as well.

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The Lone Red Seat

In Section 42, Row 37, Seat 21, you’ll find one seat painted red. Why do you ask? Red Sox legend Ted Williams hit a record-setting 502 foot home run here in 1946, and the team painted the chair red in his honor so be sure to check it out while you’re in Fenway.

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The Green Monster

One of the most notable features of Fenway Park is the massive green wall in the left field. Standing at thirty-seven feet and two inches high, the Green Monster has become a staple of Fenway over the years and is a must-see for anyone visiting Fenway for the first time.

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Pesky’s Pole

The right field foul pole is the name after former Red Sox player Johnny Pesky. The pole sits just over 300 feet from home plate, making it the shortest outfield distance in the MLB.

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Fisk Pole

he left field foul pole is named after Carlton Fisk who famously hit the pole with this walk off winner against the Cincinnati Reds in Game 6 of the 1975 World Series. If you’re sitting on the Monster, snap a picture of yourself with the pole while at the game.

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Tasty Burger

This nationally recognized local food chain had built a new Tasty Burger stand in the stadium and offer burgers with unusual toppings such as fries and mozzarella sticks (yes, not just the cheese, actual mozzarella sticks!)

Fight Songs

Sweet Caroline

Played during the eighth inning

Where it began,
I can’t begin to knowin’
But then I know it’s growing strong

Was in the spring
And spring became the summer
Who’d have believed you’d come along.

Hands, touchin’ hands
Reachin’ out, touchin’ me, touchin’ you

Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
I’ve been inclined
To believe they never would
But now I…

…look at the night
And it don’t seem so lonely
We fill it up with only two.

And when I hurt,
Hurtin’ runs off my shoulders
How can I hurt when holding you?

Warm, touchin’ warm
Reachin’ out, touchin’ me, touchin’ you

Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
I’ve been inclined,
To believe they never would
Oh, no, no

Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
Sweet Caroline,
I believe they never could
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
Sweet Caroline…
Dirty Water

Played after Red Sox victories

I’m gonna tell you a story
I’m gonna tell you about my town
I’m gonna tell you a big fat story, baby
Aw, it’s all about my town

Yeah, down by the river
Down by the banks of the river Charles
(Aw, that’s what’s happenin’ baby)
That’s where you’ll find me
Along with lovers, muggers, and thieves
(Aw, but they’re cool people)

Well I love that dirty water
Oh, Boston, you’re my home
(Oh, you’re the number one place)

Frustrated women (I mean they’re frustrated)
Have to be in by twelve o’clock (oh, that’s a shame)
But I’m wishin’ and a-hopin’, oh
That just once those doors weren’t locked
(I like to save time for my baby to walk around)

Well I love that dirty water
Oh, Boston, you’re my home (oh, yeah)

Because I love that dirty water
Oh, Boston, you’re my home (oh, yeah)

Well, I love that dirty water (I love it, baby)
I love that dirty water (I love Boston)
I love that dirty water (Have you heard about the strangler?)
I love that dirty water (I’m the man, I’m the man)
I love that dirty water (Ow)
I love that dirty water (Come on, come on)

Red Sox Bars & Restaurants

Cask’n Flagon

Raucous, TV-packed sports bar with a long beer list, pub fare & views of Fenway from the patio.

62 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA

617-536-4840

Bar website

sportsbar - $$
Game On!

Boston’s premier dining and entertainment venue.

82 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02215, USA

617-351-7001

Bar website

sportsbar - $$
The Citizen Public House & Oyster Bar

The bar features craft cocktails, world-class wines, a selection of over 200 whiskeys, including hand-selected single barrels.

1310 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215, USA

617-450-9000

Bar website

american - $$
Bleacher Bar

Beer-loving Sox fans at this unique bar beneath Fenway Park's bleachers have a view of centerfield.

82A Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02215, USA

617-262-2424

Bar website

american - sportsbar - $
El Pelón Taquería

El Pelón Taqueria offers authentic Mexican food in Boston. Their menu features Mexican favorites from light tostadas to burritos big enough to satisfy any appetite.

92 Peterborough St, Boston, MA 02215, USA

617-262-9090

Bar website

mexican - $
Regina Pizzeria

For over three generations, Regina's delicious brick oven pizza has been inspired by the love of good food and the special pride of the Polcari Family.

1330 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215, USA

617-266-9210

Bar website

pizza - $
Gyro City

All Gyros made hand-made and fresh, every single day!

88 Peterborough St, Boston, MA 02215, USA

617-266-4976

Bar website

european - $
Sal’s Pizza

Branch of a pizzeria chain offering 19-inch, 3-pound pies & specialty toppings, plus calzones.

51 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA

617-536-4444

Bar website

italian - pizza - $
Tasty Burger

A modern fast food neighborhood burger restaurant, Tasty Burger quickly became known as the city's favorite spot to grab a great-tasting burger.

1301 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215, USA

617-425-4444

Bar website

american - bbq - $$
Yard House

Always has that distinct sense of belonging in this place.

126 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA

617-236-4083

Bar website

american - sportsbar - $$