There’s nothing quite like Fenway Park. Tucked into the heart of Boston’s Fenway–Kenmore neighborhood, this iconic ballpark has been home to the Boston Red Sox since 1912—making it the oldest Major League Baseball stadium in America. But Fenway is more than a ballpark; it’s a pilgrimage site for baseball lovers, a living museum of sports history, and a place where Bostonians come together, whether their team is winning or losing.
If you’re planning a visit, here’s how to have the best possible experience at Fenway Park—from scoring the perfect seat to savoring the tastiest food.
Arrive Early, Soak in the Energy
The atmosphere around Fenway is electric on game day. Arrive at least 90 minutes early and take a walk along Jersey Street , where street performers, vendors, and food carts buzz with pre-game excitement. You’ll find fans in Sox jerseys ready for the game in the nearby pubs like Cask ’n Flagon and Bleacher Bar.
Around the stadium, take your time experience everything. Fenway is rich with history that you can see and feel all around the park. Keep your eye out for the vintage advertisements on the walls, the plaques and memorabilia on display honoring Red Sox history, and the old bullpen cart sitting near the park entrances that anyone can climb into. Stop for a picture with the Red Sox Teammates statue or banners from years of championship baseball. If you are attending the game with children, be sure to stop by the Kids’ Concourse, full of games and activities for baseball fans in training.
Most areas of the stadium are open and accessible through batting practice, whether your seat is in that section or not. Pregame is a great time to check out the Green Monster or get down right close to the field by the dugouts. Enter through Gate D on Lansdowne Street for a view of the legendary Green Monster, and catch batting practice if you can, especially during day games. Once the game starts, you’ll only be able to get into the section where your seat is located.
Choose Your Seat Wisely
- Green Monster Seats: Newer, bucket-list spots perched atop the iconic 37-foot-high wall in left field. Pricier, but unforgettable.
- Loge Boxes between Home and First/Third: Great views of the field and dugouts. Sit near “Pesky’s Pole” if you can – fans love to sign the right field foul pole named for beloved Red Sox player Johnny Pesky.
- Bleacher Seats: Located in right and center field, these seats are more affordable, sometimes rowdy, and full of character. Be prepared to stand and chant with the crowd at key moments. Bring your sunglasses and wear sunscreen for day games.
- Be aware of “obstructed view” seats. Fenway Park is smaller than most sports stadiums, so no matter where your seats are you will be pretty close to the field, but the park’s age means that sometimes seats may be angled awkwardly around the field and stadium support beams. These seats are rare, but they exist.
Eat Like a Local
Sure, the Fenway Frank is a must (get it with mustard and relish), but Fenway has seriously upgraded its menu in recent years.
- Lobster Roll: Because you’re in Massachusetts, and lobster is what we do.
- Sausage and Peppers: Grab one from the street vendors outside the stadium for an affordable and authentic experience.
- El Tiante’s: Offering Cuban dishes, as well as chicken and sausages. Named for Luis Tiante, a legendary and beloved former Red Sox player.
- Craft Beer, Cider, and Cocktails: Try offerings from local breweries like Harpoon or Samuel Adams.
- Dunkin Donuts: A Massachusetts staple, Bostonians will order iced coffee no matter what time of day it is or how cold it is outside.
On Non-Game Days, Take the Fenway Park Tour
For history buffs or fans who want to explore every inch of the park, the official Fenway Park Tour is well worth the time. Stops may include a trip to the press box, the Green Monster seats, the iconic red seat in right field (marking the landing spot of the longest-ever home run hit in Fenway Park – 502 feet, smacked by Ted Williams in 1946), and other insider access areas.
Tours run year-round, rain or shine. Purchase tickets ahead of time online or at the park gates.
Embrace the Rituals
Some things are sacred at Fenway:
- Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” in the middle of the 8th inning. Sing along loudly. Don’t worry if you don’t know the words – they’re easy to pick up. Originally the song was only played if the Red Sox were winning, but it proved to be so popular that now they play it no matter what.
- Standing for The Standell’s “Dirty Water” after a Sox win.
- Keep score the old-fashioned way, with pencil and program. Watch the old-fashioned, hand-operated scoreboard on the Green Monster for how plays were officially scored.
- Snap a photo with the Ted Williams statue on Jersey Street, or the famous Red Seat in Section 42, Row 37, Seat 21 before the game.
It’s not just about watching baseball—at Fenway Park, you’re part of it.
After the Game
Avoid the post-game traffic and explore nearby:
- Kenmore Square is your spot for bars and nightlife.
- Walk around the Back Bay Fens, part of Boston’s Emerald Necklace if you need a quiet stroll.
- For food and drink, Time Out Market Boston or Eataly at the Prudential Center are perfect for great post-game eats; or try Eastern Standard or Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. near the stadium.
Know Before You Go
Getting There: Driving is a headache and parking is pricey. There are a number of options when you take the T (Boston’s Subway).
- If you are coming from the west, there is parking at the Riverside stop on the D, with two stops near Fenway – Fenway and Kenmore.
- If you are coming from the west on the Framingham/Worcester Line, get off at the Landsdowne station.
- If you are coming from North Station, hop on an outbound B, C, or D Green Line train.
- If you are coming from South Station, take the Red Line to Park Street, then change to an outbound B, C, or D Green Line Train.
- From the outbound B, C, or D lines, the Kenmore stop is closest to Fenway Park – the Fenway station is a slightly longer walk but still an option.
Take the T (Boston’s subway) to Kenmore Station. Driving is a headache and parking is pricey. Don’t be fooled by the nearby “Fenway” Station – like Fenway Park this stop was named for the nearby Fens gardens. You can get to Fenway Park from the Fenway station, but it’s a longer walk.
Weather: Boston nights can be chilly, even in summer. Bring layers. Fenway is an outdoor stadium. Even the covered sections are subjected to open air.
Tickets: Purchase tickets ahead of time. Fenway Park is one of Major League Baseball’s smaller stadiums, and the Red Sox are a popular team. Games regularly sell out. Be sure you have the MLB app downloaded on your phone to expedite the ticket scanning process.
Root for the Home Team
Fenway Park is a living piece of Americana. The scent of roasted peanuts, the echo of the organ, the buzz of loyal Red Sox fans—it all combines for a magical, nostalgic, one-of-a-kind day in Boston. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the magic of baseball’s golden past, Fenway delivers an experience unlike any other. America’s most beloved ballparks simple is baseball; a uniquely American tradition that you won’t find anywhere else.
So grab your cap and glove—it’s time to go play ball.
