Fighting Fenway Fees

Many Red Sox fans are not able to afford a chance to take photos of the monster from their seats at Fenway.

Despite the steady rise in ticket prices, and the fall of the economy, the fans remain supportive. The only difference is the ways which they show their support. Red Sox fans continue to search for other ways to show support, even when buying a ticket to a game at Fenway becomes a challenge.

Thanks to the new Yankee Stadium, Fenway is now ranked No. 2 in highest average price tickets. No. 2 out of 30 teams does not mean cheap tickets. With the average price of a ticket at Fenway Park $50, many fans need to find an alternative way to enjoy the Red Sox.

The average price for a ticket increased 0.3% between the 2008-2009 seasons at Fenway Park. Fans find themselves paying an average of $25 for bleacher seats if they are able to find them at face value.

Many fans have to result to online sites such as StubHub or Aceticket.com where prices for that same ticket could be more. This forces many fans that would go to multiple games to result to attending fewer games if any.

This does not leave members of Red Sox Nation discouraged though. They just become creative, and find other ways to support their team.

Many fans make the decision to go to Fenway Park, even if they are not able to get into the park. Walking around Fenway Park before the game is considered a must by many fans. Some enjoy it so much they decided to hang around Yawkey Way during the game. Sometimes this decision pays off in a big way.

Fans rejoice outside of Fenway Park. Even while the game is going on, many find it fun to hang around and show their support on the other side of the green monster.

“I decided I was just going to hang around Fenway, maybe find a bar to sit at when I was just given tickets,” said Aaron Soucy, a longtime Red Sox fan. “This guy came running up to me saying he needed to leave now and would sell me his two tickets for $30. They were worth $50 each.”

While some fans would prefer not to hang around Yawkey Way, the idea of watching the Sox in the bar suits them perfectly. With many people wanting to enjoy the game in groups, but the cost of going to Fenway being too expensive many fans result in their local bars to watch the Red Sox.

“I used to go every now and then, but lately I realized I have more fun going out with friends to watch the game,” said Michael Madson, a Worcester native. “It still gives me a chance to meet new people, and the cool part is I do not have to leave immediately after the game here.”

Bars such as the Brewery provide several big screen TVs so fans are able to witness every second of the game with friends and drinks, yet not have to pay the price of a ticket.

For those fans that have the need to sit in a stadium to watch, an alternative is to watch the future stars of Red Sox Nation. Three minor league teams for the Red Sox play home games in New England. Fans in southern New England have a chance to attend a game at McCoy stadium to witness the Pawtucket Red Sox.

Tickets to a Paw Sox game are $6 for adults, and the highest they go are $10 for box seats. With many of the Pawtucket Red Sox one step away from joining, or rejoining the major leagues the price is one that can not be beaten.

For the neighbors to the North, the Portland Sea Dogs, The AA affiliate of the Red Sox, offer tickets at $7 for general admission, and have no seats priced higher then $9.

With tickets as low as $4 and no higher then $8 the Lowell Spinners provide fans the chance to see young talented players who may find them playing in Fenway.

The Spinners have developed current Red Sox stars such as Justin Masterson, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jonathan Papelbon, and Kevin Youkilis, as well as other major leaguers such as Hanley Ramirez and David Eckstein.

LeLachuer Park and the Lowell Spinners provide a chance for the fans of the Lowell area to see the stars of tommorow for the Red Sox play today.

If it is not the Red Sox organization, but more just a chance to see a baseball game altogether, the Worcester Tornadoes are the chance for any fan of the national pastime from central Massachusetts. Tickets to see the former CanAm league Champions start at $6 for General Admission, and go as high as $18 for luxury seats.

Just outside of Downtown Worcester, The Tornadoes offer a quick ride to see a baseball game for any fan around the Central Massachusetts are, at low prices.

While Fenway Park has high prices to see a game, several stadiums within a day’s worth of driving provide many fans a chance to see the game along with taking a mini-vacation. Divisional rivals Toronto and Baltimore offer tickets for as low as $15.

While the cost may be more to travel to the game, if it is incorporated into a vacation with many people, the costs can be cut down to the point where the trip equals the price of a seat at Fenway purchased on an online site.

As mentioned in previous entries, Stadiums such as Camden Yards (shown above) offer low prices on several seats, and draw attention to many Red Sox fans who wish to travel in support of their team.

“I went to Toronto with a group of friends, we each got tickets for two games, and ended up at a cheap hotel outside of town,” said Jimmy Mueller. “It would have cost the same to see a game a Fenway in any seat not bleachers, and we earned two games, and a mini vacation out of it.”

No matter where they are members of Red Sox Nation will continue to support Boston, and find a way to be at Fenway by any means possible. For the times when they are not able to they will always have a backup plan to see the Sox.

“There is no way to take the passion and desire to go see a game out of a die hard Red Sox fan,” said Mueller. “The only thing that will happen is they will become creative, and find other ways to watch them win.”

The Spirit of Boston

A Happy Patriots Day, the holiday meant for Massachusetts, hope it went well for all. This day, along with the events of the past week have brought about the joy and spirit of Boston, not this one. Even with a few letdowns it has been an upbeat glass half full week for Boston sports fans.

After a rough beginning, and the loss of Dice-K the Red Sox righted their ship, (more boat puns). With a sweep of the Baltimore Orioles capped off by a 12-1 beat down on Marathon Monday, the Red Sox bring momentum into the week which concludes with their first series of the season against the Evil Empire.

Down South in Foxboro the Patriots' official 2009-2010 NFL schedule was released. With a healthy Tom Brady this could be an easy schedule for the Patriots. An absence of the usual Steelers and Chargers, and in place a Denver team in the midst of a personal crisis, as well as a Ravens team who seems to have lost all of their defensive stars. The NFC South is a conference that is always unpredictable. One year 10-6 may not be good enough, the next 9-7 is the clear cut Divisional Winner.

To the ice, the Bruins have made it look easy in the first three games against the Montreal Canadiens in the Playoffs. Even with the questionable suspension of Milan Lucic, the Bruins handled the Habs, 4-2, in Montreal. Proof that the last regular season game between the two did not get into the Bruins' heads. A lot of credit deserves to go to Phil Kessel and mark Savard, with five points each this postseason.

In an optimistic view give credit to the Celtics for fighting against the Bulls, and do not hit the panic button yet. Even in a horrible performance by Ray Allen, and just about every Celtics player it still took overtime for the Bulls to sure up a game one victory. The Celtics would not let up twice as they defeated the Bulls 118-115 despite 42 points from Ben Gordon.

Give credit to Rajon Rondo for stepping up big for the team without Kevin Garnett. Rondo is averaging a triple double for the team this postseason with 24 points , 10.5 rebounds, and 11 assists a game. Look for the Celtics to try to avenge that home loss.

It seems as though this entire decade has been the time for Boston fans to celebrate and hold their heads up high. This past week has given hope that that feeling is not ready to leave just yet. At least not until something bad happens soon.

The Quest for Stanley

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are ready to begin Wednesday. Four games are scheduled for tomorrow, Flyers at Penguins, Rangers at Capitals, Devils at Hurricanes, Blues at Canucks. With the push for the Stanley Cup about to begin Hard Knox Sports makes its predictions along with help from our good friend John. Let us see who shall become the best.

Eastern Conference:

Canadiens @ Bruins: Montreal always give Boston fits when they are the lower seed, but this time it will not lead to a major upset. Despite what John says Habs didn't get in Boston's head enough.
Hard Knox: Bruins in 6 John: Habs in 7

Rangers @ Capitals: i would love the Rangers to pull the upset for a chance at four Original Six teams in the Conference Finals.....but I can not do it. Sorry John. At least Avery will make it interesting.
Hard Knox: Capitals in 6 John: Rangers in 6

Hurricanes @ Devils: The Devils have struggled lately, but that is still Martin Brodeur in goal for the Devils. Only thing to save the Canes is if they move back to Hartford NOW!!!
Hard Knox: Devils in 5 John: 'Canes in 6

Flyers @ Penguins: Great Keystone State battle. Crosby is every one's favorite pick, and the Penguins are on fire lately. However, it has to come to an end sometime, and the Flyers want revenge for last year's Conference Championship.
Hard Knox: Flyers in 7 John: Flyers in 5 (That's all upsets so far John.)

Western Conference:

Ducks @ Sharks: Sharks are always famous for collapsing early in the playoffs, and this year is going to be no exception. Maybe next year San Jose. I doubt it though.
Hard Knox: Ducks in 6 John: Sharks in 4

Blue Jackets @ Red Wings: Detroit is famous for either reaching the Stanley Cup or being upset in the first round against a no name team. This team is still good, and does not seem willing to start golfing early.
Hard Knox: Red Wings in 5 John: Blue Jackets in 6

Blues @ Canucks: An unimpressive 3 seed against an unimpressive 6 seed. A dud of a division got Vancouver there, and it can not keep them there for much longer.
Hard Knox: Blues in 5 John: Blues in 5 (Hey we agreed on one)

Flames @ BlackHawks: All year I have made the Flames my sleeper pick for the West. A man has to know when to cut their losses.The Flames are 2-7-0 in their last nine against playoff teams. Sorry Calgary, but there are no Stars or Avalanche in the playoffs.
Hard Knox: Blackhawks in 5 John: Blackhawks in 5

There it is, the first round picks. Keep an eye on the Stanley Cup playoffs, and feel free to call us idiots when the picks go horribly wrong. This shall continue in the Second Round.

A Masters Piece

This year's Masters was by far one of the more exciting tournaments in quite a while. While there may not be an image that stands out quite like Tiger at the 16th hole in 2005, or Phil's reaction after winning his first major. This however, had tension and drama all the way to the final shots, and story lines galore.

The story lines began before play on Sunday did with the final round pairing of Tiger and Phil Mickelson. While most would prefer to see them as the leaders on Sunday, the chance to see them paired together, and trying to one up each other hole for hole was amazing.

Phil had the clear advantage early on, tying a record low with 30 strokes on the front nine. No matter what trouble he got into he hit out of it just fine. He lost some of that gift on the back nine though as he missed a few key putts that would have given him a fighting chance for the win. Still a good score despite a 69% Greens in Regulation and only hitting 61% of the fairways.



Tiger remained steady throughout the day until the end. Although it is rare to see him struggle on the final few holes of a major, it showed that even the great Tiger Woods can not accomplish every miracle.



His collapse on the final holes was forgotten as soon as Kenny Perry arrived though. With a two stroke lead into the final two holes Perry bogeyed both holes after going 22 straight without one. He lost his lead and went into a three man playoff with Chad Campbell, who was stuck between the lure of Tiger vs. Phil and the final pairing, and Angel Cabrera, the eventual winner.

It seemed as though every time Perry had an opportunity to seal the victory he pulled his shot left. The most remembered images of the final round were the pained look on his face after every poor shot. With Cabrera in front of a big oak tree on the first playoff both Campbell and Perry had a chance to knock him out: both hit their ball far right. Angel is saved and eventually wins.

This Masters will be remembered as the one Kenny Perry lost not Angel Cabrera won. That is a shame as Perry is known as the nicest golfer on the whole tour. However, congratulations to Angel Cabrera, (also a very nice man), who never took himself out of contention and gets to bring his second major home to Argentina. Feliicitaciones Angel.

A Sports Holiday

After a long winter extended by a rainy day in Boston, Opening Day for the Red Sox took place last Tuesday at Fenway Park. The rain delay may have been a savior for many fans as the game was moved to 4:00 p.m. This gave many fans and students a better chance to watch the game.

The original time for the game was set at 1:00 p.m. on Monday. This time put a damper on anyone who either had classes or works morning shifts. Many students planned to take the day off from classes, and call out of work in order to see the game. This should not be necessary. There should be such a thing as a Sports holiday.

This is not calling for a day off from every day game in baseball. However, there should be recognized holidays for big moments in sports. An exampleof this being Opening Day in baseball. The annual start to the national past time should be observed as a national holiday.



While Opening Day would require that day off, other big events in sports should have the following day recognized as a holiday. There should be recognized holiday for the day after the Super Bowl. With the series finale of M*A*S*H* being the only show to produce higher ratings then the Super Bowl it is evident many fans are watching.

This along with a late start in the East create a time zone full of exhausted employees and students the following Monday. Rather then force everyone through a sluggish day, create a holiday and encourage people to come back ready for work Tuesday.



This rule could be the same for the National Championships in college football, and college basketball. While other championships such as the World Series or Stanley Cup have several days where a champion could be crowned, these championships have a day scheduled months in advance where the championship game will be played for.

The last event would be more of a regional holiday, but still a needed holiday as many people skip school or work for this occasion. Whenever a victory parade is being held in honor of a local team winning a championship, it would save many bosses and teachers a headache by having the day off rather then deal with every employee or student trying to make an excuse why they can not be there.

While some would argue that sports are not honored by all, the same goes for many holidays that are based upon religion. Several religious groups do not recognize days such as Easter, Good Friday, or Christmas, but are still willing to take the day off if given to them.

Not to mention there is constant mention of a separation between church and state. However, because of increase in television market and economy many states try to lure or hold onto professional teams. Instead of separation there is nothing but a correlation between sport and state.

If Christopher Columbus, a man who accidently sailed to America then wanted to capture the natives and sell them into slavery, can get a recognized holiday then an event in sports celebrated my millions in the country should be honored. It seems as if banks and school are always looking for another day to take off. This could be the opportunity for them.

Make sure to check this article and others in the next edition of the Connector or at www.umlconnector.com.

D-backs do it right

In his column coming out on April 20 for ESPN the magazine, Rick Reilly talks about how the Arizona Diamondbacks created a scholarship program, providing fans who are not able to attend baseball games due to the hardships the endured in this time period.

The scholarships provide season tickets for that fan and their family, and even extra circumstances such as free parking and food voucher for the games.

This is an article that I hope every other CEO and executive of every professional sports team reads, and has a desire to follow suit.

The fact is that the D-backs are doing things for fans right already. They have the lowest average priced ticket in all of Major League Baseball. This year the average price for a ticket to a game in Arizona goes for $14.31. Compare that to the average of $72.97 for the Yankees or $50.24 for the Red Sox.

When owners are willing to admit that tickets are overpriced, especially an owner like Hal Steinbrenner that is saying something. Of course his team, the New york Yankees, did just have a 76.3% increase in prices. New stadium or not that is far too large a leap. All that does is hurt the true fans at the game.

That is one of the key problems with these increases. The true fans are not able to attend anymore. Look at any big named program, Red Sox, Yankees, Celtics, Lakers, Patriots, etc; and the best seats are filled with big name executives, and company seats rather then the die hard fans.

This leaves the fans who are not able to spend $162 for premium seats for one game at Fenway to fight for the outfield grandstands, and bleacher seats. While the company seats sit there looking unamused, and barely excited to be there. They would rather brag and just say they can afford to own them while the average person is still counting the days down in May for a game in September they have bleacher seats.

Anyway, the point of this tirade is to give Arizona Diamondbacks CEO Derrick Hall a tip of my hat, and to give the rest of the owners a wag of my finger as Stephen Colbert would do. Now that Hall made it clear he is looking out for the true fans, hopefully all the other owners will take the hint.

Opening Day?

Just a quick post as the NCAA Men's Basketball championships are about to begin. Mother Nature once again decided that it is too early to be playing baseball in some cities. Both Sox teams were forced to wait at least another day for Opening Day.

Heavy rain and bad weather in the beginning of April (who knew?) pushed the home opener for the Red Sox against the AL Champion Rays until Tuesday at 4 p.m. Whenever this series can get underway it is sure to be good. For the Red Sox there is no better way to kick off this season then with the team that ended their previous season.

Over to the Midwest the other Sox team are not just wet, but cold too. The Chicago White Sox home opener against the Kansas City Royals due to snow. That game will also be made up tomorrow.

This is not the first time that snow has played a factor in baseball. It seems every year for the past couple years the Cleveland Indians have had anywhere from a game to an entire series postponed due to snow. Midwest teams may need to start their home opener later as it still snows in this area this time of year.

Hopefully, the weather goes better tomorrow.

Who needs a degree anyway?

In college sports basketball is the one famous for having players leave school early to play pro. Lately it seems as if college hockey is following suit. Over the past couple weeks several players from Hockey East chose to give up their collegiate eligibility, and go for the big bucks.

Not a surprise to many that James van Riemsdyk, the second overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft, is leaving UNH early to play for the Philadelphia Flyers. JVR will play the remainder of this season for the AHL Philadelphia Phantoms, but expect to see him on the Flyers ice next season.

Following van Riemsdyk to the Keystone state is Hockey East Player of the year Brad Thiessen. In his blog Thiessen announced he signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Thiessen will forgo his Senior season and join teammate Joe Vitale with the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins for the remainder of the year.

Staying a bit closer to home (for now), are Nick Petrecki from Boston College and Joe Loprieno from Merrimack. Both chose to leave school early (Petrecki two years, Loprieno one) and sign with the San Jose Sharks.

Right now both are playing in Worcester in the AHL, and will try for the big time next season. Let's just hope Petrecki does not try to headbutt anyone in the NHL like he did against Maine.

Several big names from hockey east leaving early, and there is still the chance for more. What was once a sport that encourages athletes to stay and finish school is now seeing big name players go for the big bucks. Best of luck to all who leave for the pros.

Support The Devil

Not a line that parents love to have their children hear, but in this case it is a decision that students and hockey fans will regret if they do not do. Despite being in the midst of a playoff hunt with just a few games remaining, the Lowell Devils are not receiving the support from fans that other teams in the American Hockey League are.

As of the beginning of April, the Lowell Devils are in a four team battle for two playoff spots. They are three points out of a playoff spot, and five points away from third in the Atlantic Division. Despite the thrill of the push for the playoffs it is not bringing in more fans.


The Devils sit last in the American Hockey League in attendance. They are the only team in the American Hockey League yet to reach 100,000 fans all season. The Devils average 822 less fans then the second lowest, the Quad City Flames. Even in the midst of the playoff push the Devils saw 2,017 fans show up for Friday night's game against Portland, 150 less then their season average of 2,167.

It is clear that there are hockey fans around as UMass Lowell's attendance average went up to 4,404 fans a game this season. Although students can not get into games for free the prices for a game with a student ID are only $15. Still not an unreasonable price for the college student with a passion for hockey.

Fans should not take the team for granted and assume they will always be there. A similar situation took place in Worcester. After attendance declined, the Worcester Ice Cats were sold and moved to Peoria. The incident left many fans wishing they were more supportive of their local team.

"It was upsetting when the Ice Cats left," said Tony Bellizzi. "Not only was it something to do, but they were always entertaining."

The fans of Worcester were given a new team, the Worcester Sharks, a couple years later. Despite that fans still miss their former team.

"Although it is nice to have the Sharks, it is just not the same," said Ryan McPherson. "My memories are growing up watching the Ice Cats, and it still feels weird to not see them around."

Worcester was also lucky to get a different team. Many cities once they lose a team have a diffcult time of convincing another team to move their. Which is why fans are encouraged to support the Devils not just this season, but the following years. Because the sad truth is there is no guarantee that a local team is going to stay forever.