Maybe we were very lucky with our two kids, I dunno. I have come across so many families who say things like, “You took your kids where? We could never take our kids to a movie. …or out to a nice dinner. …or to the beach. …or for a 2-hour drive to the city, let alone a baseball game!”
I never really understood it. I wasn’t willing to stop living my life just because I decided to have kids. And I certainly wanted to enrich my kids’ lives with as many different experiences as we could possibly give them.
We’ve never been the type of family that had shied away from doing things with our kids. Being Red Sox fans from Massachusetts, we liked going to games as often as we could, which is an expensive proposition on its own. Add kids into the mix? We needed to come up with a strategy for going to games on the cheap. It’s not easy, but it can be done.
… And here’s where I give away most my secrets.
I started regularly attending games when the company that I worked for had season tickets; 2 four-packs of field box seats near home plate. (That’s where we were when I took that photo above). We’d get offered them every so often, maybe 2 or 4 times per season. It turned into a regular family activity from that point forward.
Unfortunately, we stopped working for the company with the tickets in May of 2004, so we had to come up with a plan B. We never considered staying home.
I happened to be lucky, because the reason I left the company with the great season tickets was to quit my job and become a full-time ticket broker. I started by buying and reselling concert and sports tickets on eBay. Then on StubHub. … Then I added my own website, where I became connected with Ticketnetwork. Since buying tickets had become a full time job of mine, I learned all the secrets and became very good at getting great seats.
Looking back, it was Game 4 of the 2003 American League Championship Series that started my ticket-buying career. For some reason, I had absolutely no problem getting through the automated phone line to buy tickets for both the ALDS and the ALCS.
It was the most intense game I’ve ever attended, by far (and I’ve been to some big games). ALCS Game 4 literally changed life. Right in the very heart of the Sox/Yanks rivalry. The previous game was the infamous bench-clearing brawl where Pedro pushed down Don Zimmer. The atmosphere was absolutely electric, and the tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Wake pitched a gem against Mike Mussina. Every single person in the park was on their feet, glued to every pitch from the mid 4th inning on. Well… Except for my kid, passed out in the grandstands. Strangers were hugging and high fiving, while my kid was asleep and oblivious! Nobody around us could comprehend that anyone could sleep through what we just witnessed.
Like I had mentioned, I was able to get tickets to both playoff series in Boston. I had tried to get Red Sox World Series tickets and was unsuccessful. I tried, just for the heck of it, to get tickets to the World Series in Yankee Stadium. My thinking was that if the Sox lost the ALCS and it was the Yankees who went to the WS, I could sell the tickets and I could ease the pain of a Sox loss by making a little money. Sure enough, I grabbed a 4-pack of crappy Tier Reserved WS Game 6 tickets, which I sold for $1000. Those profits were reinvested in other tickets, and within 6 months, I had a profitable enough side hustle where my wife and I could quit our real jobs and turn it into a living.
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, and I no longer deal with tickets. In fact, there were several very lean years after the 2008 recession. So many people were getting involved with buying and re-selling tickets that most markets became so saturated that one needed to have hundreds of thousands of dollars in ticket inventory to make it worthwhile. We still did make it to Fenway Park a handful of times each year though. And here’s how I did it….
Timing Matters
One of the main things that I learned dealing with the red Sox was that many brokers own full season tickets. They also buy tickets off of other season tickets holders because, let’s face it, unless you’re Dennis Drinkwater, you aren’t making it to all 81 home games. In fact, he doesn’t always make it to them all.
So, most season ticket holders choose what games they want to go to, and then sell the rest to brokers. The real money is made on the hot games. If you followed the ticket market as deeply as I have, you’d notice that ticket prices skyrocket in the summer. There are two main reasons for that. First, kids are out of school, so it’s much easier for families to attend games. Second, Fenway Park is a very historic place. There’s a large market in baseball tourism, and many people travel each year to various ballparks. The uniqueness and history of Fenway Park make it a must-see venue for most die-hard baseball fans. Prices skyrocket for the perpetually sold-out Red Sox/Yankees, interleague games, and weekends in the summer.
Because of this, the absolute best time for seeing games reasonably is in April, May, early June, and September. Brokers practically give these games away, most times at a severe loss because demand is low, and they make their money on the premium summer games. It’s odd. The Red Sox can be right in the hunt for the American League East Division title, and still, September prices are extremely low.
Also, ususally in December, the Red Sox will offer multi-game ticket packs for sale. Usually there’ll be 9 different 4-game packs available, and they’ll usually include a great matchup or two (like Opening Day, Patriot’s Day, Sox/Yankees, etc). They’ll also include some very low demand games in the early season or in September. Since many people buy these packs just to attend the better games, there’s a ton tickets listed for resale for the April/May/September games. Sometimes 10-15% of the entire game’s tickets are listed for resale.
The resale ticket market is completely driven by supply and demand, and this is the perfect storm for ticket prices to tank as the games get closer. In fact, today is March 3rd, 2023. Already these games have thousands of tickets listed, many as low as $17 for bleachers, which is almost half of face value! They’ll dip down to around $10-12 per ticket in a few weeks.
I’ll pick a mid-week, night game in May that I might want to attend. I’ll follow the number of tickets available for resale, and watch the prices drop. I won’t bite on actually purchasing them until the afternoon of the game, around 1-2pm. That’s when I find the best bargains. I’ve bought Field Box seats for $35/each. I’ve bought Pavilion Club, Row 1 tickets for $40each.
Search TicketNetwork for Fenway Park Tickets
I also look at games that have been rained out and re-scheduled. Many people buy tickets for a game and cannot attend the make-up game, and prices crash. I picked up these Field Boxes below for $25ea.
Day of Game Sales
Another thing that most people don’t know is that the Red Sox offer a limited amount of tickets for sale on the day of each game. You can start lining up on Lansdowne Street up to 5 hours ahead of the first pitch, and you must immediately enter the park. I’ve scored tickets for many sold-out games this way, including Game 1 of the 2004 World Series.
There used to be online lotteries for tickets to premium games like Opening Day, Sox/Yankees, and premium locations like the Green Monster, Right field roof tables, etc. Along with the online lottery sale, there was a concurrent phone sale “for those without internet access.” I have scored RF Roof Tables, Green Monster tickets, and others using this method. Unfortunately, they no longer offer this option.
Ticket Deals and Packages
It’s a sad fact that currently the Boston Red Sox have been having a tough time putting a competitive team on the field over the past few years, and tickets aren’t quite as in-demand as they once were. Because of that, it’s great for those of us who are looking for bargains! There was a time not that long ago where the Red Sox didn’t need to sell discounted tickets to fill the park with fans. Now, they offer all kinds of deals.
It’s a great idea to sign up for their mailing list. I get offers all the time. For example, a few weeks ago there was a Valentine’s Day special where you could buy a package that included 2 tickets to select April/May games, 2 dogs, and 2 sodas for $49. Ticket locations included some pretty prime Grandstand sections.
They’ll also offer 4-packs that include dogs and drinks for $99. These sell quickly, so if you see a game that you’d like to attend, you’ve got to act quickly.
Last-Minute ticket releases
Tickets to every game are broken up into several allotments. Like all other events, when tickets originally go on sale, not every ticket is available. Along with those that belong to season ticket holders, and groups, there are tickets that are held back. These can be for the opposing team, for sponsors, etc. Typically, there’ll be tickets that are returned back for whatever reason, and these are usually released approximately 2 weeks before the game. I used to have a special computer program that would monitor the Red Sox’s ticketing website for changes, so I would know exactly when tickets were put back in for sale to the general public. (Yeah, ticket brokers use some pretty unfair techniques). There were usually the same seats, like Loge Boxes in left field. This still happens, but it’s tough to gauge exactly when, as it varies. And you’ll be fighting with ticket brokers for those releases, especially if it’s a high demand game.
Best seat location values in Fenway Park
Originally, I was going to title this section “Best Seats in Fenway Park,” but those are definitely not the best value. I mean, if you want to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience, be sure to grab Dugout Box seats, or front row seats on the Green Monster in Section M3 or 4, where you’re closer to the left and centerfielder than they are to each other. If you’re up there though, keep your eyes on the game! Balls can travel up there very quickly. I’ve seen people get hurt.
If being on the Green Monster is important, definitely consider getting Standing Room Only tickets up there. There are only 3 rows of actual seats, and SRO Monster tickets are a great way to experience the vibe up there. Get there early, as seating locations are first-come, first-served, and you’ll want to make sure that you’ve secured a spot right along the counter.
SRO tickets in general can be very good, again, as long as you get there early enough to secure a good spot. In recent years, the Red Sox have designated certain specific locations behind the Grandstands. Your tickets will be marked Infield, Right Field, or Left Field SRO. There are typically 18 rows in the Grandstands, and often the last row has accessible seating. The ushers do a very good job of making sure that those seats, the aisles, and walkways aren’t blocked by people watching the game. While the SRO tickets are under cover, one drawback is that the location is so far under the overhang that it’s very difficult to see fly balls. Also, the infamous post locations can come into play.
Grandstands can be very good, or very bad. I do everything I can to avoid the grandstands in Right Field. Unless you have a low row with seat numbers in the middle of the section, you’ll have to contend with posts. I won’t buy a seat in Grandstands 1-12, unless it’s a playoff game. Grandstands 1-2-3, while they face home plate, are a million miles away. Grandstands 4-12 face either the bullpens or Right Field, and you’ll have a sore neck by the end of the game.
The same thing goes with Right Field Box seats. The park is old, and the seats in some sections face the wrong way. (They’re great for concerts, where the stage is in center field, though). The only time I’ll grab right field box seats is when I’m within 1-2 rows of the field, close to Pesky Pole. There is a large number of long-time season ticketholders there. The vibe is pretty neat, as everybody knows one another.
Infield Grandstands are a very good value too. Again, stick to low rows in Grandstands 14-28.
The Grandstands in Left Field are my favorite. The sections are actually angled towards home plate, and as such, don’t have as many pole obstructions. Low Rows are key! Note that Grandstands 32 and 33 are considered a “Family Section,” where alcohol cannot be consumed in the seats.
Grandstand seats are only 15″ wide. They’re old, wooden, and have a thousand layers of paint on them. They’re not the most comfortable, and they have very little leg room. If you’re a bigger guy like me, a great thing to do is call up the Red Sox Ticket Office and ask them for “Limited Mobility” seats. They’re usually in row 2 of the Grandstands, and they’re super wide. Compare the width of the Limited Mobility seat with the seats behind it.
Bleachers are also very reasonable, but you can be very far from the action. And, if it’s a day game, there’s no relief from the sun.
I can go into further details about the best and worst sections to sit in, but it’s already been covered elsewhere. Here’s a good additional resource on seat locations if you’re interested in it. I agree with 95% of it. Also, there used to be a phenomenal seat resource website called precise-seating.com, but it appears to be defunct at this point, which is extremely sad. For now, A View From My Seat is the best that’s out there. Definitely worth checking out.
Getting to Fenway Park without spending a fortune
Obviously, parking is tough around the Park, and the T is a great way to head into Boston to see a game. Parking at the end of the Green Line at Riverside is always a good option if you’re coming from farther away. Parking is far more reasonable than you’ll find closer, and the fare for the T is $2.40, so it’s definitely a bargain.
Alewife is another good location to park at, but it’s slightly more expensive and you’ll need to change trains. That’s why I like to drive down to the Riverside Station if I’m taking the T.
I have to say, though, that taking the T isn’t my first choice when heading in to see a game, especially if it’s a night game. First, who knows if the game will go into extra innings. I know playoff games usually start at 8pm, and the T stops running fairly early. I remember being at games that end late in extra innings, and seeing hordes of people leaving early because they have to catch the train. If I’m seeing a game, I’m NOT leaving early! For example, I attended 2 great games back in 2007. If I took the T, I would have missed the Manny walk-off homer in ALDS Game 2 where he stood at the plate forever, or when Papelbon danced his jig in ALCS Game 7! Why risk it?
A quick side-story: So yeah, I never leave early. I remember attending a game on Mother’s Day that was a complete blowout against Baltimore. The way I see it, my time at Fenway Park is very precious, and I try to savor every moment I’m within those hallowed walls. Because it was an absolute blowout (and the Sox were losing), probably 2/3 of the crowd left before the last pitch. I stayed, not only because my kids could run the bases with their mom after the game, but because I never, ever leave early. It turns out that game turned into the historic “Mother’s Day Miracle.”
The second reason I’m not a fan of taking the T, is how crowded the outbound trains are. The Kenmore Station is an absolute nightmare, and in this post-Covid world, I’m not a fan of subjecting myself or my family to being packed into a train like a can of sardines. Superspreader event? Quite possibly! Believe it or not, I much prefer to park in Boston.
I’m not sure if I should mention this, as it’s truly my secret weapon when it comes to parking around Fenway Park…
Obtaining Season Ticket Parking Passes from Ace Tickets
Most of the time, right after I secure tickets in the mid-afternoon for a night game, I’ll call up Ace Tickets and see if they have any parking passes available. Since they’re buying tickets from season ticket holders, most of the time they’ll have parking passes available for sale. When it’s only a few hours before game-time, they’ll let them go for a steal. I’ve often purchased parking passes in the Brookline/Maitland lot for $20-30, which is right next to Boston Beer Works, and is the closest, most convenient parking available.
I live in Western Mass, and I’ll typically either take the Mass Pike or Rte 2 into the city. Either way, I’ll finish off the drive into the city using Storrow Drive, and I’ll get off the Kenmore Square exit. Ace Ticket is located right in Kenmore Square, near the McDonalds. As I’m in Kenmore Square at the light about to make a left turn onto Brookline, I’ll have my passenger get out of the car and head over to Ace to pick up the parking pass. Usually the light will turn green, and I’ll head through the intersection and pull over just past the crosswalk on Brookline, prior to heading over the David Ortiz Bridge that crosses the Mass Pike. I’ll hang out a moment or two until my passenger jumps back in the car with the pass. I proceed over the bridge and take a right into the lot. I hand the attendant the parking pass, and I’m all set to enjoy the game. I am always amazed that I paid like $20-30 to park, when the lot will usually have a sign for over $75 to park, if it’s not already sold out.
Other Parking Options
If parking passes aren’t available and I don’t want to take the T, there are a few other places that I find are great to park. The Prudential Center is very reasonable at $18 for games, and it’s very convenient right off the Pike. But my favorite is the Hynes Auditorium Garage at 50 Dalton Street. it’s usually the cheapest around, and it’s about a 10 minute walk to the ballpark. The walk involves heading down Boyleston Street, then Ipswich. This will dump you out right at Landsdowne Street, by the Lucky Strike bowling alley and the MGM Music Hall at Fenway. Ipswich Street, while off the beaten path, is never a problem because of the amount of pedestrians walking as well.
I like to pre-pay for my parking whenever possible. SpotHero is my go-to website, as you’re compare area lots, their prices, and distances from your destination.
Find Fenway Park Parking with SpotHero
Hotels in Boston
Boston, like most major cities, can be a pretty expensive place to spend the night. You basically have three choices. First, you can look for lodging close to the Fenway Park/Back Bay/Kenmore Square area. Another option, especially if you’re visiting Boston for more than just a Sox game, is to be closer to Boston Common and the heart of the city. This makes seeing other attractions much easier, and with the T, getting around is pretty easy. Lastly, is staying on the outskirts of the city. The four main lines of the T serve many areas outside of the downtown area, as well as the commuter rails (if you want to stay even farther out). Rooms here can definitely be more reasonable, but you’ll have to balance the cost of the room and transportation costs to and from the city and Fenway Park. …not to mention the additional time it will take.
- Compare Hotels around Fenway Park
- Compare Hotels around Boston Common
- Compare Hotels around Logan Airport
- Compare Hotels in the Suburbs
Of course, if you’re unable to attend many games, or if the time you’re in Boston doesn’t correspond with seeing games in April, May, or September, it’s OK. While you’ll definitely spend more on tickets, you can still save money by being smart about parking, lodging, and food at the ballpark. Sometimes the little things add up. I try to save money everywhere I can. Even buying food outside the park at a sausage vendor on Lansdowne Street or getting a good, quality meal at the Cask ‘n Flagon or Game On can save you money instead of spending a fortune on beer and snacks inside. Definitely be sure to grab your bag of peanuts from Nicky’s Peanuts on the corner of Jersey Street and Brookline. They’re cheaper and fresher than inside the park, and you get more!
Most people find that attending more than a handful of games each season can be extremely cost-prohibitive. Seeing a game at Fenway Park isn’t like attending a game at Baltimore or Miami, or really any other park. Between tickets, parking, food, souvenirs, etc, it can very easily run over $500 for a family of 4 to see a game. I find that unacceptable, and I hope you do to! Hopefully some of the insights that I’ve provided here are helpful for the average family to make it into town to see a game. It shouldn’t be for just for the well-to-do.
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