Each year Jays fans from all over Canada travel to Boston to take in a Red Sox game at nostalgic Fenway Park. If this is your year here’s a step-by-step guide to assist you in planning your Toronto Blue Jays travel package to Boston. But, before we jump in here is some interesting trivia about the stadium:
- Built in 1912, Fenway Park is the oldest major league ballpark.
- The manual scoreboard in left field has been in use since the park opened. It takes 3-4 people to operate it.
- The lone red seat in right field indicates where the longest home run in Red Sox history was hit. The batter? All-time great Red Sox player Ted Williams.
The first 3 things to do when planning your Toronto Blue Jays travel package to Boston
1. Book your accommodations and flight
By booking your flight and hotel accommodations for Boston at the same time you will save money. To do this we suggest using Expedia. There are a few reasons why:
- The Expedia booking platform is simple and easy to use.
- By bundling your flight and hotel purchase on Expedia you can save an average of $600.
- When you sign up and become an Expedia member (it’s free) you will earn rewards points on both flight and accommodation bookings. You can then use these points to reduce the cost of booking flights and hotels for your next Toronto Blue Jays travel package.
- As an Expedia member you will save an additional 10% on select hotel accommodations.
To book your accommodation and flight at the same time go to the Expedia website. On the home page, click on “Packages” which is displayed in the main menu. (Don’t forget to sign in so you can earn your rewards points.)
A few hotel suggestions near Fenway Park
Music-themed Verb Hotel (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor): This cool boutique hotel boasts vintage 60s and 70s décor, and a music theme, complete with record players and vinyl records in each room, and walls decorated with pics of rock-and-roll legends. The Verb Hotel’s amenities include an outdoor pool, fitness center, on-site restaurant, and a complimentary continental breakfast each morning.
Sports-themed Residence Inn Boston Back Bay/Fenway (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor): Throughout this hotel, sports-themed artwork and memorabilia grace the walls and halls. Best of all, every room in the Residence Inn Boston Back Bay/Fenway is a suite which means they come with a fully equipped kitchen and separate living areas. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast each day, indoor pool, the rooftop terrace, and fitness room to work off those Fenway Park beers.
2. Buy your tickets to the game
Being a bucket list ballpark to visit for both diehard and casual baseball fans, tickets for Fenway Park sell out fast—whether they’re playing the despised New York Yankees, an up-and-comer like the Baltimore Orioles or the Toronto Blue Jays. Avoid any disappointment by planning to purchase your tickets well in advance of your game at Fenway Park. This can be done on the Boston Red Sox website or use a reseller like Stubhub or SeatGeek.
Seating suggestions for your Jays vs. Red Sox game at Fenway Park
Deciding where to sit at Fenway Park is one of the first things to do when planning your visit. Here are a few suggestions:
- Most affordable ticket: The Grandstand. Seats are covered too so you’re protected from the sun and rain.
- Most iconic ticket: The Green Monster. Sit atop the famous, 37-foot-2-inch left field wall at Fenway Park.
- Catch-a-home-run ticket: The Right Field Box seats.
- See the players up close: Dugout Box seats.
- Splurge: EMC Club seats. Right behind home plate with upscale food and drinks to be had.
3. Book a Fenway Park tour as part of your Toronto Blue Jays travel package
The behind-the-scenes tour of Fenway Park is a not-to-be-missed experience to include when planning your visit to Fenway. You’ll hear great stories and get a sense of what it’s like to be a player in a game at Fenway Park by sitting in the dugout, stepping on the field, and getting up close and personal with the Green Monster i.e., the massive left field wall.
- When: Daily, year-round. During baseball season (April 1 – Oct. 31), tours run from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Last tour departs at 5 p.m. on non-game days. On game days the last tour departs 3 hours before game time.
- Length: Approximately 1 hour.
- Tour tickets: https://www.mlb.com/redsox/ballpark/tours
Plan to arrive a few hours before your game at Fenway Park
When you’re putting together your Toronto Blue Jays travel package to Boston, you’ll want to make your way down to Fenway Park an hour before game time. Prior to a game, the atmosphere outside Fenway Park is electric. The place is buzzing with people, food, music, and souvenirs to check out.
So, plan to arrive early to your Red Sox game at Fenway Park to give yourself plenty of time to take it all in. And don’t forget to make time for watching batting practice.
Generally, the gates at Fenway Park open at the following times:
- Mon. to Sat., evening games: 2 hours prior to game time.
- Sunday games: 2.5 hours prior to game time.
- Weekday day games: 1.5 hours prior to game time.
Don’t forget epic selfies as part of your Toronto Blue Jays travel package to Boston
Your Red Sox game at Fenway Park wouldn’t be complete without a memorable pic to share with family and friends. Here are some prime spots to snap a selfie before, during and after your trip to Fenway:
- The iconic Fenway Park Sign: located outside the stadium on Jersey Street.
- Ted Williams Statue: located at Gate B at Fenway Park. Get your pic with one of the greatest players in Red Sox and Major League Baseball history.
- World Series Trophies: located in the Red Sox Team Store across from the stadium on Jersey St.
- The Green Monster: the famous left field wall in Fenway Park. Take your pic from the seats or get even closer by taking the Fenway Park tour before the game which takes you onto the field.
First visit to Fenway Park? Pick up your free gift!
If you’re a first-time visitor to Fenway Park the Boston Red Sox have a free gift for you to mark the occasion. To get yours, head to one of the Fan Services booths. They are located at gates E, D, and B.
Check out the “Red Sox Hall of Fame” before your game at Fenway Park
Open during the baseball season and located inside Fenway Park, the Red Sox Hall of Fame takes you on a magical journey into the storied history of one of baseball’s most famous teams. Here you’ll find exhibits, a collection of artifacts including game-used equipment and jerseys, interactive displays and more.
Include the Red Sox Hall of Fame in your plans when visiting Fenway Park, and the experience will be even more rewarding.
Best places for autographs
If snagging a few autographs from players is at the top of your priority list for your game at Fenway Park, here are a few spots to head to:
- Along the 3rd base line: before a Red Sox baseball game players often stretch and warm up along the 3rd base line. Sometimes they will come over to the fans and sign autographs.
- The Players’ Entrance: Outside Fenway Park, located on the corner of Brook Avenue and Lansdowne Street, just outside the left field wall is the “Player’s Entrance” to the stadium. From time to time a Red Sox baseball player may stop and sign autographs at the barrier.
- At the Red Sox Team Store: Located across from Fenway Park at 19 Jersey Street. Quite often the Red Sox Team Store hosts autograph sessions with current and former Boston Red Sox players. Check the store’s website for the next session.
3 ballpark foods to put on your must-try list
- Fenway Frank: Sink your teeth into this mouth-watering, classic ballpark hot dog, made with a grilled Pearl frank and served on a New England-style bun.
- Lobster Roll: While attending a game at Fenway Park nothing hits the spot like fresh lobster on a scrumptious, buttered roll.
- Clam Chowder: If there’s a chill in the air when attending your Red Sox baseball game warm up with a Boston favourite—creamy New England clam chowder.
Shop for a souvenir of your Toronto Blue Jays vacation package to Boston
Visiting Fenway Park wouldn’t be complete without checking out the Red Sox Team Store located outside the stadium on Jersey Street. This place is huge and besides selling things you’d expect, such as t-shirts, jerseys and baseball caps, it also carries all kinds of unique souvenirs, including:
- Game-used and autographed items: baseballs, bats, jerseys, and photos, that are authenticated and certified by Major League Baseball.
- Limited edition merchandise: hats, jackets, and t-shirts, that were specifically designed for the Red Sox Team Store.
- Fenway Park memorabilia: bricks from the original stadium, Fenway Park seat backs, and replica Green Monster sections.
After-the-game plans to include in your Blue Jays travel package itinerary
3 places to grab a bite
Whether it’s before or after your game, one of these three dining options located close to Fenway Park should be included in your itinerary:
Wahlburgers: Located at 132 Brookline Ave. Owned by Hollywood movie actor Mark Wahlberg, his brother Donnie Wahlberg, an actor on the long running TV show, Blue Bloods, and their chef brother Paul. Wahlburgers serves up burgers and other dishes inspired from the Whalbergs’ family kitchen. We recommend trying:
- The O.F.D. Burger: a mouth-watering burger featuring bacon, Swiss cheese, and a crispy onion ring all topped by Chef Paul’s sweet and tangy tomato jam recipe that is made in-house.
- Sweet Potato Tots: uniquely seasoned with cinnamon and sugar and served with a side of marshmallow sauce for dipping.
- Spiked Mudslide Milkshake: A classic chocolate milkshake except for the shots of Kahlúa, Baileys, and vodka!
Sweet Cheeks Q: Located at 1381 Boylston Street. Craving authentic, slow-smoked, southern-style BBQ before or after your trip to Fenway Park? Sweet Cheeks Q is the place. We recommend trying:
- Burnt Ends: charred and caramelized ends of beef brisket that are tender and flavorful; regarded as a real specialty item in the world of barbecue.
- Buttermilk Biscuits: made from scratch, they’re fluffy and buttery. A classic, southern comfort side dish.
- Glass of Bourbon: Sipping on a glass of bourbon can help cut through the richness of the meat and enhances the flavors of your meal.
El Pelon Taqueria: Located at 92 Peterborough Street. El Pelon Taqueria serves authentic Mexican street food made by following family recipes and techniques. We recommend trying:
- Al Pastor Tacos: Feature tender and flavorful pork that has been marinated in a spicy chili sauce and slow-roasted on a spit.
- Elote: this unique side dish is a must-try. Grilled corn on the cob smothered in cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime crema. Mmmmmm.
- Horchata: A traditional Mexican beverage with a creamy and slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with El Peon Taqueria’s spicy and savory dishes.
2 sports bar recommendations nearby
Cask n’ Flagon: Located across from Fenway Park. A landmark in the area for over 50 years, the Cask ‘n Flagon is one of the most iconic sports bars in the US. It has hosted Red Sox player appearances and appeared in Hollywood movies such as “Good Will Hunting.” This place is known for their burgers, 60 beers on tap and creative game-day cocktails inspired by the Red Sox and their opponents.
Bleacher Bar: Located under the center field bleachers at Fenway Park. Bleacher Bar features a large window that overlooks Fenway’s center field—so cool! Grab a craft beer and order the cheese-and bacon-topped Fenway Fries.
Other things to add to your Toronto Blue Jays vacation package to Boston
- Go see a Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics or New England Patriots game: purchase tickets from the teams’ websites or use a reputable reseller like StubHub or SeatGeek.
- Guided Tour of The Sports Museum: Located at 100 Legends Way, inside the TD Garden Arena. The Sports Museum is a celebration of Boston’s major league sports teams—the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots. Learn about the history and see artifacts such as Ted Williams glove, Tom Brady’s game-worn jersey from Super Bowl LI, the net Bobby Orr scored his famous Stanley Cup Winning goal in, and more.
- Take a Guided Tour of TD Garden arena: Located at 100 Legends Way. A guided, behind-the-scenes look at TD Garden. Only available during the off-season when the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics don’t play.
- Selfie with the Bobby Orr Statue: Located outside TD Garden arena. Take a selfie with the statue of the Boston Bruins legend and Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman, Bobby Orr, soaring through the air after scoring the Stanley Cup winning goal against the St. Louis Blues.
- Selfie with the Boston Marathon Finish Line: Located at Boylston Street near Copley Square. Stand at the spot where every year runners from around the world finish the challenge of competing in America’s oldest marathon (established in 1897) and one of the world’s most famous running races.
Plus, I would suggest checking Groupon and Viator for more money-save discounts on things to see and do in Boston. Enjoy your Toronto Blue Jays travel package to Boston, Massachusetts!
Photo Credit: MLB