6 Changes You Can Expect To See At Fenway This Season

6 Changes You Can Expect To See At Fenway This Season

Major League Baseball's oldest and smallest ballpark has several new changes to unveil at their 2018 opening home game against the Devil Rays Thursday.

Not only has the park undergone repairs and improvements to enhance the fan experience, there is also an exciting new partnership with one of Boston's most beloved local companies.

 Check out these 6 revamped features you can expect to see this Spring at Fenway.

1. Jim Beam Fan Dugout

Image Credit: RedSox.LB.com

The Red Sox crew were quite busy sprucing up the park during the offseason! The most major change fans will notice is the addition of a fan dugout along the first-base line just beyond the team's own dugout.

Before you get too excited about reserving your field level tickets, the 25 new seats in the Jim Beam sponsored dugout are sold as a premium package for private parties. Pricing runs from $12,500 to $22,500 depending on the game.

 

2. New Left Field Seating

 

A more affordable new option is the row of 30 additional seats that have been added in left field just past the visitors' dugout between field box sections 72 and 79.

 

3. Protective Netting

 

The ballpark also expanded the protective netting beyond the dugouts and into right and left field to protect fans from foul balls. The net, which stands 12 feet, 8 inches above the warning track, is a “field green” color intended to blend into the backdrop.

The long-awaited decision proved quite controversial to many die hard fans and season ticket holders - including author, Stephen King. Despite offers from the team to allow ticket holders impacted by the netting to relocate their seats, only a handful opted to move.

 

4. Park Security

 

In addition to the cosmetic improvements, the Boston Police are beefing up security on Landsdowne Street and the intersection of Van Ness and Ipswich located outside Gate B. According to the police commissioner, barriers will be put in place to prevent a vehicle from plowing into a crowd of fans.

 

5. Food

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The 2018 season will also feature a majorly revamped concessions menu including a pulled chicken taco trio; tater tots; specialty Regina's Pizzeria pizza; as well as clam chowder, chili and chicken noodle soup to be sold during April's colder games at the ice cream stands.

Select weekday games will feature, of all things, crème brûlée French toast and fans can sample the new "Jane Dough" cookie dough ice cream at the grandstand behind home plate. In addition, you can now find Table Talk Pies and healthy options like an expanded build-your-own salad bar, plus a new deli and veggie stand offering veggie dogs and burgers.

 

6. New Official Beer

 

The Budweiser logo that once donned the right field deck has been replaced by a 74 foot-by-10-foot neon Sam Adams sign in honor of the Red Sox's new partnership with Boston's favorite beer. 

 The rebranded “Sam Deck" features a large bar, lounge seating, a variety of beers - including several Sam Adams options - and even Samuel Adams inspired food, like nachos smothered in beer-infused beef chili.

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