Red Sox Tickets

[robinb]

Honestly, I would never buy tickets through ebay and I can't believe people sell them. With the Sox, if you're a season ticket holder and are caught selling your tickets on ebay, your season tickets are revoked immediately and you won't be able to get them back. Same thing with the Patriots. My husband and I work at Gillette Stadium and they have an even better policy set-up. I'm not sure exactly how it's done, but every game there is a list of the tickets that were resold on ebay and those tickets are blocked. I can't tell you how many people we've seen show up for games who bought their tickets off ebay and they are denied access to the game. They're out the money that they paid for the tickets with virtually no recourse. And if they are season tickets, the season ticket holder also loses their tickets. It's just not worth it.

There are different rules for different teams and venues. I don't sell Red Sox tickets, but it's good to know that it's not safe to buy them from eBay. Unfortunatly, as a buyer you are stuck buying them from ticket brokers who will charge you a LOT more than someone on eBay just trying to get rid of their extra tickets.

 

[kelleigh1]

There are different rules for different teams and venues. I don't sell Red Sox tickets, but it's good to know that it's not safe to buy them from eBay. Unfortunatly, as a buyer you are stuck buying them from ticket brokers who will charge you a LOT more than someone on eBay just trying to get rid of their extra tickets.

I'm lucky enough to know the right people, so I have a somewhat easier time getting tickets than the average joe. One friend in particular is always looking to give my husband and I tickets when the Yankees are in town since hubby is a Yankees fan and I'm the Sox fan.

I know StubHub is a legal option. And I think the Red Sox had something set-up before also for season ticket holders to sell tickets that they weren't going to be using - for face value. Here in Massachusetts, scalping is illegal so it's good that they've at least come up with some options. But I'm still glad that I know the right people.

 

[robinb]

I know StubHub is a legal option. And I think the Red Sox had something set-up before also for season ticket holders to sell tickets that they weren't going to be using - for face value. Here in Massachusetts, scalping is illegal so it's good that they've at least come up with some options. But I'm still glad that I know the right people.

Hmm ... I'm curious why Stub Hub is considered "legal". Perhaps they work as a legal broker in MA. I know that they take a 25% cut of the sales price, which is one of the reasons why they are more expensive.

 

[kelleigh1]

Hmm ... I'm curious why Stub Hub is considered "legal". Perhaps they work as a legal broker in MA. I know that they take a 25% cut of the sales price, which is one of the reasons why they are more expensive.

I wonder the same thing! But I'm cheap so I'll never buy tickets from StubHub.

I got a job at Gillette so I could be paid to see the games. I certainly can't afford those tickets and I don't know enough Patriots season ticket holders who'd share them with me...so I'll work there instead.

 

[bscs]

Thanks for all the responses. We broke down and bought our tickets through StubHub. Now hopefully the weather will cooperate. We can't stay for the next day or go back if it gets postponed. We will be taking a bus to Boston, it says it stops at South station then we plan on taking a taxi to the Howard Johnson Inn which is said to be right next to Fenway. Does anyone know of this hotel? Is taking a taxi to & from the bus stop going to be a big thing? We come from a small town that doesn't have taxi's so this is all new to us. Let me know if this plan sounds good and if there are any suggestions for anything else to do walking distance from Fenway before the game. Also how long before the game should we show up? Thanks again to everyone.

 

[robinb]

I don't know about the location of the bus station and Fenway, one of the locals will have to tell you if it's a good taxi ride. I do know that the MTA Subway Green line goes right to Fenway. So, you don't have to stay right next to Fenway. It appears that the HoJo does not get very good reviews http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re..._Johnson_Inn_Boston-Boston_Massachusetts.html
.

 

[kelleigh1]

Thanks for all the responses. We broke down and bought our tickets through StubHub. Now hopefully the weather will cooperate. We can't stay for the next day or go back if it gets postponed. We will be taking a bus to Boston, it says it stops at South station then we plan on taking a taxi to the Howard Johnson Inn which is said to be right next to Fenway. Does anyone know of this hotel? Is taking a taxi to & from the bus stop going to be a big thing? We come from a small town that doesn't have taxi's so this is all new to us. Let me know if this plan sounds good and if there are any suggestions for anything else to do walking distance from Fenway before the game. Also how long before the game should we show up? Thanks again to everyone.

South Station to Fenway...not exactly close. But, you can take the Subway. You might want to look into getting an all day pass for the T. You can find info on it at www.mbta.com as well as the subway system maps.

South Station is in downtown Boston. I take the train to work through there everyday. You can catch a Red Line subway train at South Station and then switch to the Green Line to take you to Fenway. If it's a nice day and you don't mind taking a little walk to stretch your legs after the long bus ride (and if you don't have too much luggage), I'd suggest taking a walk over to Fanueil Hall to grab a bite to eat and then going over to Government Center to just catch the Green Line instead of switching trains.

You should be able to catch a cab at South Station. Just ask at the information booth as I'm not positive where the cab stand is. Personally, I hate taking cabs in this city. Most of them don't know where they are going and don't speak English well enough to either convey that they are not sure or to comprehend where you want to go. And then it just ends up costing you more money than it is worth because they take the longest route possible to get there.

If you take the green line to Fenway, you'll have a relatively short walk to Howard Johnson's. I have stayed there myself and it is right next to Fenway. There is a McDonald's across the street and an Osco Drug right next door. (Hubby and I actually stood right in that area for the World Series parade last year.)

Let me know if you need more info!

 

[salmoneous]

I'd just take a cab from the bus station to your hotel. If you are a "small town girl" with apprehension about taking a taxi, I'm not sure you are up for the MBTA. Considering that you need to (1) transfer and (2) get a green line train (there are 4 of them, the Fenway stop is on the (D) subline, it's going to be overwhelming.

Never stayed by that HoJo, but I pass by it all the time. I suspect it will be fine for a 1-night stay, and the location really is perfect for Fenway. (The Trip Advisor reviews are kinda funny - I especially like the guy who has stayed there 8 times, but hates it.)

As for what to do, it depends upon how much time you have. As this is your one trip to Fenway, it wouldn't be out of line to show up 2 hours before game time, watch batting practice, tour the stadium, visit the shops, etc.

Best of luck (and go SOX),
Sal

 

[can'twait]

METS??!!! WHAT??!! Althought they do look good this year don't they- they made some great trades. We will be watching but still cheering on our YANKEES!!!

Hey, the Mets are lookin' good this year! Finally made some good trades. Yippee!!


Congrats to the OP - have fun! Boston is a great city with lots of history.

 

[BostonTink85]

Also, the green line is going to be packed, as it always is, but especially on a game day, not sure if you'd want to try and figure it out for the first time then.

 

[bscs]

Well we are now taking the Amtrak down instead of the bus. So this means we will need a taxi from North Station to HOJO. We mapquested it and looks to be about 2-3 miles. We should arrive in Boston around noon. Game starts at 7pm we will go to Fenway @ least 2 hrs prior. So need some ideas on what to do walking around HOJO and Fenway between noon and 5pm. Also I'm worried if we can't check in early, we will have our backpacks with us, is this a dangerous area to be walking around w/ our bags? I know I know I'm a small town girl that sounds like she is panicing about going to the city. It's just all new to me. Thanks again for all the help so far.

 

[kelleigh1]

Call the hotel and explain your anticipated early arrival and ask for early check-in. With your train arriving at noon, I don't think you'd get to the HOJO before 1:00 (traffic and construction and just finding a cab could eat up more time than you expect), so it's possible they could have your room ready upon arrival.

There is a shopping mall and movie theater down the street from Fenway. You'd come out the hotel, take a right (I think it's Boylston Street) and then another right at the Osco onto Yawkey Way. This will take you right past Fenway. At the end of that street (you'll be directly across from a parking lot), take a left and walk down the street until you get to the mall. (Sorry, I don't remember the name of it, but you really can't miss it.) It will be on the right-hand side of the street.

It's really not the nicest neighborhood, but I've never really felt unsafe there during the day. It's too bad you won't get to see more of the city because if the area around Fenway is all you see, it can leave the wrong impression.

I'm going to see if I can find you a good online map of the Fenway area so you can get your bearings a bit.

Maybe someone else knows some other places within walking distance. I don't spend as much time in that area as I used to.

OOOHhhhh....don't miss the Ted Williams statue out behind Fenway. There is a street between HOJO and Fenway where the players parking lot is. If you walk along Fenway down that street towards Landsdowne Street, you'll see the Ted with the little boy statue. I think it's a must to get a photo.

 

[TinkerPixxie]

The Hotel should be able to do an early check-in for you, call in advance. They may not be able to give you the room keys yet but they certainly should be able to take your bags and place them in a locked luggage room until you return.

 

[java]

OK IMHO Fenway area is a place you only want to be around either Game time or if you are really really drunk and looking for another bar....So if you want to walk around don't go there.(and I am a city girl) My advice is head over to the tourist trap of Faniel Hall for a while- cute shops places to eat.. Then I would just take the T to Fenway. I know others are telling you to avoid it but it really is the easiest and fastest way to get around town. But if you want to a cab ride from here will be cheap. The problem with getting cabs in Boston is that you generally need to call for them- unless you are near a hotel.(and in Faniel there are lots of them)
Another fun area to walk around is Newburry street(Copley stop off the green line T) Some fun outside restaurants and fancy stores. Much nicer than the areas around Fenway(Just like I wouldn't hang around Yankee Stadium except game time)
Oh I forgot I am pretty sure you there is a Tatoo Parlor so you could alway go for some Tatoos

 

[Pea-n-Me]

While I agree the OP is llikely to enjoy Fanuiel Hall and Newbury St (as well as the Boston Common and/or Public Garden), I want to assure them that the Fenway area is not a bad area. I work nearby and find it to be a perfectly safe and pleasant area, not one to be feared. There aren't a whole lot of touristy things to do, but besides lots of students and medical personnel from colleges and hospitals nearby, within walking distance is Kenmore Sq, Longwood Galleria, and shops and restaurants at the old Sears Building, not to mention Red Sox souveneir shops across the street from Fenway. If the OP didn't feel like going somewhere a cab ride away, this area would be perfectly suitable to spend a few hours browsing around. As with any city area, common sense is recommended.

 

[salmoneous]

The area around Fenway is perfectly fine. Directly around Fenway is going to feel a bit industrial to a family from Maine, but you are safe. And if you are up for any bit of walking, your are smack dab in the center of one of the great tourist areas in America. Here's a basic map of the area: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=42.347824,-71.093473&spn=0.025310,0.054142&hl=en (the HoJo is approximatly at the first "a" in Back Bay Fens).

Going from East to West on the map, you start with the public gardens (swan boats and all that) and then head down Commonweath or Boylston. Fantastic sighteeing, great historical buildings, shops and restaurants. Eventually you'll get to Kenmore Square and every Sox fans favorite Boston landmark, the Citco sign. If you haven't gotten enough Boston streetlife, you can head down Beacon street for more - and somewhat less hectic - sightseeing.

If you want some cutlure, you're a short walk from the MFA or the Christan Science headquarters and one of my favorite exhibits - the maparium (http://www.bostonkids.net/boston_attractions/maparium.htm).

Have a great trip...

 

[java]

Oh Bostoners I hope I didn't offend anyone. I just meant that it was kind of barren place to be during the day- not a lot of people walking around. It by no means is a dangerous area just not a place I would want to hang out for a few hours when there is so much more to the beautiful city of Boston. I would hate for the OP's only experience to be that area and the Amtrak station. I actually have told a friend heading to the Marathon that I have always felt safe walking around Boston alone- and I agree that with just some common sense you will be fine. Sorry to anyone I offended. I LOVE Boston.except for the Red Sox Although we could learn to love some fellow Red soxers- like Nomar and Johnny(he he he)

 

[Pea-n-Me]

LOL java, maybe you'll get Nomar but I thought I heard last night Johnny just signed a 4 yr contract.

 

[bscs]

StubHub Stinks! We ordered our tickets Monday morning. They said we'd get 2 e-mails confirming the purchase. We got the 1st but no 2nd one so we called tonight. They said they had our purchase in the records but the seller didn't have the tickets so they'd have to find us other ones! They said they'd look around to find us some at the same cost. Well we bought these cause we liked the seat and all the others we've seen at this price are seats we don't want. Also if they never find us any we like at the original cost we are out of Luck. We already booked and paid for the hotel and amtrak tickets. They'd better find us some tickets for the same game! Can anyone recomend what are good and bad seats? We've looked at the chart but it's not like being there I'm sure. We originally had section 24. For $78 plus S/H & fees. This weekend get away is ending up causing more headaches than our Feb.2006 ten day Florida trip.

 

[can'twait]

Oh no! I'm so sorry! I dunno what else to tell you. Why didn't the seller have the tickets? What kind of crock is that?!