There are a few different options for getting tickets to see the Boston Red Sox play at Fenway Park. The best way will depend on your budget, how many tickets you need, and whether you want the flexibility to choose your seats or are fine with whatever seats are available. The main ways to get Red Sox tickets are directly through the team, on the secondary ticket market, or through ticket packages and tours.
Buy from the Red Sox Directly
The most straightforward way to get Red Sox tickets is to buy them directly from the team through redsox.com or calling their ticket office. This ensures you are getting authentic tickets sold at face value prices without any markup. Here are some key things to know about buying direct:
Single Game Tickets
Single game tickets go on sale in February for the upcoming season. Games against premium opponents like the Yankees will sell out very quickly. Weeknight games in April and May will have more availability. You can choose your exact seat locations if you buy early. By mid to late season, it becomes more of a ‘best available’ situation.
Mini Plans
If you want tickets to a select number of games, mini plans that include a set group of games are a good option. You’ll save around 10-20% compared to buying individual tickets. The Sox offer a variety of mini plan options based on promotional themes and matchups with rivals.
Full Season Tickets
Season tickets guarantee you tickets to all 81 home games and give you the most flexibility in seat options. There is a long waiting list, so most people split season tickets with others or buy packages of 10 games or more from current season ticket holders. Expect to pay a premium for high demand season tickets on the secondary market.
Buy on the Secondary Ticket Market
If single game tickets are sold out or you want better seat locations, the secondary market is another way to get Red Sox tickets, but usually at inflated prices. Here are some tips for finding deals:
Use Ticket Resale Sites
Stubhub, VividSeats, and SeatGeek are reputable sites to compare Red Sox ticket prices across multiple sellers. Sort by price to find the best deals and check for seller ratings. Prices will drop as it gets closer to game time.
Check Gametime App
The Gametime app offers last minute tickets up to an hour before first pitch at big discounts. You won’t know the exact seat location but can score great deals on good seats.
Buy from Scalpers
Scalpers outside Fenway sell tickets right before games. This is risky since prices are high and legitimacy isn’t guaranteed. But it’s an option for last minute tickets. Negotiate prices and check the tickets carefully.
Ticket Packages
Some tour companies and hotels sell Red Sox ticket packages that bundle tickets with other activities. This can save you money compared to buying separately.
Hotel Packages
Many Boston hotels offer packages with discounted rooms and event tickets. The Lenox Hotel and Hotel Commonwealth are popular options. Expect to pay around $300-500 per night including tickets.
Tour Packages
Boston tour companies like Boston Duck Tours and VIP Boston offer combo deals of city tours and Red Sox tickets. Tours run $50-100 plus the cost of tickets.
Meal Packages
Packages like Tasty Escapes include a Fenway tour, meal at a nearby restaurant, and game tickets. Cost is usually $150-200 per person.
How Far in Advance Should I Buy?
To get the best seats at face value prices, buy as far in advance as possible – up to 6 months before the season starts. At least 2-3 months ahead is best for lower demand games. Last minute tickets will be limited to what’s left over at inflated costs.
Which Games Sell Out Fastest?
The Red Sox schedule has high demand games that always sell out months in advance. The top games likely to sell out quickly are:
Opponent | Series |
---|---|
New York Yankees | Always the biggest series of the year |
New York Mets | Only visit to Fenway Park for the season |
St. Louis Cardinals | World Series rematches |
Chicago Cubs | Historic interleague rivalry |
Los Angeles Dodgers | Always a top ticket when West coast teams visit |
Single game tickets for these series often sell out within hours of going on sale to the general public.
Which Games are Easiest to Get?
April and May games against non-rival teams on weeknights have the most availability. Lower demand opponents where tickets last longer include:
Opponent | Notes |
---|---|
Baltimore Orioles | With no superstar players, an AL East foe but not a huge rival |
Kansas City Royals | Not historically strong opponents |
Cincinnati Reds | Usually an easy interleague sell |
Pittsburgh Pirates | One of the lower demand NL opponents |
Buying single game tickets to these matchups a few weeks in advance usually gives a good selection of affordable seats before they sell out.
How Much Do Red Sox Tickets Cost?
Red Sox ticket prices vary widely based on the location of the seats, day of the week, and opponent. Here are some average costs:
Seat Location | Average Price Range |
---|---|
Bleachers | $20 – $60 |
Grandstand | $40 – $100 |
Right Field Box | $60 – $175 |
Infield Box | $125 – $325 |
Dugout Box | $200 – $500+ |
Premium games can be 2-3 times regular prices. The secondary market has an even wider range based on demand. Cheapest bleacher seats for Yankees games can run $100+.
Where are the Best Seats at Fenway?
Fenway is known for its old school charm and unique dimensions. The best seats depend on your priorities:
Most Comfortable
The wider seats of the infield grandstand (sections 14-29) have more legroom than cramped bleachers. Field boxes along the lines are spacious.
Best Views
Sections in lower rows down the baselines like field box 79 provide closeup views of the infield with the Monster in sight. Upper bleachers see the whole field.
Most Atmosphere
The right field roof deck (section 42A) hangs over the field. Bleacher seats are rowdy. Field boxes let you see players up close.
Shade
Morning games have sun along third base line. For afternoon games sit third base, upper deck or field boxes on first base side which stay shaded.
Foul Ball Opportunities
Lower rows along first and third base lines see the most fouls. Field boxes 1-9 and grandstand seats in sections 11, 14, 15, and 30 frequently get balls.
Can you Get Autographs at Fenway?
Getting autographs at Fenway is a challenge but possible in a few spots:
Behind Home Plate
Before early weekend games, a few players may sign along the back wall behind home plate from dugout to dugout. Arrive 90 minutes early.
Near Dugouts
You may be able to hand items to players along dugout walls during batting practice. Seats near dugouts increase chances.
By Team Buses
After weekend games, some players sign at barriers near team buses down Van Ness or Yawkey. Usually 5-10 signatures.
Getting autographs requires showing up very early, persistence, and luck. Bring your own marker and be prepared to compete with aggressive autograph seekers.
Conclusion
While getting tickets to Red Sox games, especially big matchups, can be tricky, there are still ways to get affordable seats. Buy early directly from the team, check secondary sites for deals, or consider bundling with tours and packages. Show up early and you may go home with more than a win to remember. With smart planning and flexibility on dates, seeing the Sox at the historic Fenway Park can fit many baseball fan’s budget.