Future of Fenway

[BSN07]

http://www.csnne.com/boston-red-sox/fenway-here-stay?p=ya5nbcs&ocid=yahoo

 

Interesting point. I don't think they would ever tear it down(I'm not even sure they are allowed to anymore), but I could see them moving into a new stadium if one was built for the Olympics. I would just hope after the Olympics are over the stadium would have some remodeling to make it a Baseball stadium.

[Bellhorn04]

It has to retain a lot of the features of the old Fenway, including the Monster, naturally. Like the Yankees did it.

[Spitball]

Fenway Park is on the National Register of Historical Places and can't be torn down unless it starts to fall down.

[a700hitter]

Fenway Park is on the National Register of Historical Places and can't be torn down unless it starts to fall down.

I don't know how the landmark laws work. There was a beautiful old stone church in my neighborhood when I was a child. I was disappointed to see that it had been torn down and replaced with a school. My research revealed that the Church was eligible for landmark status. Based on what I read, the pastor decided against pursuing the status because the church no longer had the congregation yo support the upkeep of the old church, so he opted to tear it down. I wonder who is responsible for the perpetual upkeep of Fenway.

[Youk Of The Nation]

I don't know how the landmark laws work. There was a beautiful old stone church in my neighborhood when I was a child. I was disappointed to see that it had been torn down and replaced with a school. My research revealed that the Church was eligible for landmark status. Based on what I read, the pastor decided against pursuing the status because the church no longer had the congregation yo support the upkeep of the old church, so he opted to tear it down. I wonder who is responsible for the perpetual upkeep of Fenway.

 

Millions of fans, the ownership of the stadium and team, and the city of Boston. I mean, the church may not have had enough members to justify staying open, but Fenway isn't lacking for visitors or money.

[sk7326]

Public money becomes another consideration. Boston, and the citizens of the area (blessedly) have not been in the business of giving charity to sports owners. While the Red Sox can surely afford to finance a XXX,000,000 dollar paradise, would they want to?

 

Also, usually what drives the need for stadiums (according to Judge Smails) is not seating - it's not season ticket holders, it's not normal gate - it's luxury boxes and club seats. If Fenway is maxed out there, then a new ballpark is at least on their radar.

[Kingface]

I go back and forth on this one. I absolutely love Fenway, it's dimensions and obviously the history........but it has got to be the most uncomfortable ballpark to watch a game....and I've been to a lot. Heck.....I'd rather sit on the old bleacher seats at the old Foxboro stadium then in those crappy seats at Fenway. The other thing is.....when I am paying $200 for 2 tickets....they had BETTER NOT BE obstructed.....and sometimes they are!!

 

I love the Park.....but by the 4th inning it makes me want to leave the park, go back into one of the bars and watch the game there.....

[a700hitter]

I was wondering who would be responsible for the upkeep of Fenway if the city of Boston finally got its act together so the Red Sox could get a state of the art facility. The Red Sox own Fenway. If the ballpark can't be torn down, they wouldn't be able to sell it. Boston is not going to add a second franchise. Would the city buy it from them? It just seems to me that ownership is tied to Fenway whether they like it or not.

[seabeachfred]

I was wondering who would be responsible for the upkeep of Fenway if the city of Boston finally got its act together so the Red Sox could get a state of the art facility. The Red Sox own Fenway. If the ballpark can't be torn down, they wouldn't be able to sell it. Boston is not going to add a second franchise. Would the city buy it from them? It just seems to me that ownership is tied to Fenway whether they like it or not.

 

On August 19th, 2000, I walked into Fenway Park on the tail end of a Sports Travel Tour as a non enthusiastic Mets fan and walked out three hours later as the beginning of a Red Sox fanatic that lives, breathes and often literally dies for that team. What is it they say, that converts are true believers? No, I love Fenway and I can take the uncomfortable seats (can't stand the cold up by the Coke bottle where RSD seats us), and in fact I don't feel that uncomfortable at all. Fenway reminds me so much of when I was a kid living in Queens and going to another neighborhood ballpark and feeling like it was a second home. Not only do I don't want to see Fenway torn down but would love to see baseball played there into the next century.

[a700hitter]

On August 19th, 2000, I walked into Fenway Park on the tail end of a Sports Travel Tour as a non enthusiastic Mets fan and walked out three hours later as the beginning of a Red Sox fanatic that lives, breathes and often literally dies for that team. What is it they say, that converts are true believers? No, I love Fenway and I can take the uncomfortable seats (can't stand the cold up by the Coke bottle where RSD seats us), and in fact I don't feel that uncomfortable at all. Fenway reminds me so much of when I was a kid living in Queens and going to another neighborhood ballpark and feeling like it was a second home. Not only do I don't want to see Fenway torn down but would love to see baseball played there into the next century.

 

Fred, my Dad felt much the same way about Fenway. It reminded him of that ballpark.

[Kimmi]

On August 19th, 2000, I walked into Fenway Park on the tail end of a Sports Travel Tour as a non enthusiastic Mets fan and walked out three hours later as the beginning of a Red Sox fanatic that lives, breathes and often literally dies for that team. What is it they say, that converts are true believers? No, I love Fenway and I can take the uncomfortable seats (can't stand the cold up by the Coke bottle where RSD seats us), and in fact I don't feel that uncomfortable at all. Fenway reminds me so much of when I was a kid living in Queens and going to another neighborhood ballpark and feeling like it was a second home. Not only do I don't want to see Fenway torn down but would love to see baseball played there into the next century.

 

 

Fred, this is something we agree on. I understand the arguments for building a new ballpark, but to me, no matter how nice a new ballpark would be, it wouldn't be the same. I'm obviously not a Yankee fan, but I felt the same way about the old YS. There is just too much history and tradition there.

[Kimmi]

Fred, my Dad felt much the same way about Fenway. It reminded him of that ballpark.

 

Mine too.

 

And you should not change your avatar without warning. That kind of thing throws me off. LOL

 

Pretty dog.

[Spitball]

I agree, Fred. I love the old parks, and Fenway Park is the best.

 

A700, is that your dog in your avatar?

[Thunder]

I can't imagine the Sox without Fenway. It would take 20 years or so for me to get used to.

[sk7326]

Fred, this is something we agree on. I understand the arguments for building a new ballpark, but to me, no matter how nice a new ballpark would be, it wouldn't be the same. I'm obviously not a Yankee fan, but I felt the same way about the old YS. There is just too much history and tradition there.

 

I think there is no chance that there will be a Red Sox stadium anywhere but Fenway ...

[Palodios]

I am convinced that they should move the Pawsox up to Fenway for the novelty, and then build a new stadium, perhaps near seaport for the major league team. The city and stadium have never been equipped to handle the fans, and it is clear they haven't helped chip in to help maintain those green line trains.

[mvp 78]

If the Sox move to a new stadium, Fenway is gonzo. Too much $$$ to upkeep.

[Spudboy]

If the Sox move to a new stadium, Fenway is gonzo. Too much $$$ to upkeep.

 

That and the value of land.

[seabeachfred]

Fred, my Dad felt much the same way about Fenway. It reminded him of that ballpark.

 

My good friend, I knew you would understand.......and I wonder if some of our friends on this board knew what we were talking about. As corny as it may sound to some, but when I turn the corner and head up the street towards Yawkey Way and see that ballpark I am not only transported back in time but feel about 30 or so years younger. It's almost as if I have to run for all I'm worth to get there and not think I'm seeing a mirage when I see Fenway. My God Ted, I often think that some long time Red Sox fans have no idea of what they have in Fenway.

[seabeachfred]

Fred, this is something we agree on. I understand the arguments for building a new ballpark, but to me, no matter how nice a new ballpark would be, it wouldn't be the same. I'm obviously not a Yankee fan, but I felt the same way about the old YS. There is just too much history and tradition there.

 

Strange as it may sound Kimmi, I grew to really like the old Yankee Stadium. Strange you say. Not when you hear I saw five Red Sox-Yankee games there and the good guys won all five of them.

[seabeachfred]

Mine too.

 

And you should not change your avatar without warning. That kind of thing throws me off. LOL

 

Pretty dog.

 

Kimmi, I might be sending you another SOS because I want to change my avatar. The old Sea World one I have is getting passé.

[seabeachfred]

I am convinced that they should move the Pawsox up to Fenway for the novelty, and then build a new stadium, perhaps near seaport for the major league team. The city and stadium have never been equipped to handle the fans, and it is clear they haven't helped chip in to help maintain those green line trains.

 

Party pooper!!!

[Bellhorn04]

I can't imagine the Sox without Fenway. It would take 20 years or so for me to get used to.

 

But what if the new Fenway looked almost exactly like the old Fenway?

 

The Yankees did it. Their new stadium looks like the old one except for the porch being even a little closer and all the empty $2,500 seats behind home plate.

[Kimmi]

Kimmi, I might be sending you another SOS because I want to change my avatar. The old Sea World one I have is getting passé.

 

 

Not a problem Fred. I'm happy to help out. Plus, it makes me feel like I actually know something. LOL

[Dojji]

At the same time how long do you pass up millions of extra dollars a year by sticking with the oldest, but also the smallest, most cramped, least comfortable stadium in major league baseball?

 

Things end. Sooner or later that includes Fenway Park. you put a 60,000 seat stadium somewhere easy to get to, with all the mod cons and as much individual character and you can preserve without sacrificing modernity and we will fill it. Fenway will always have a special place in the hearts of fans who've been there but let's be honest, they're walking away from money to keep that stadium in full operation as it is, sooner or later that changes.

 

And I do hope that when they build a new park (and they eventually will) they don't make the mistake of slavishly copying all of Fenway's flaws and quirks. Let Fenway be Fenway, and let the new ballpark have its own character as the new history unfolds on its own field.

Edited February 15, 2015 by Dojji

[a700hitter]

Mine too.

 

And you should not change your avatar without warning. That kind of thing throws me off. LOL

 

Pretty dog.

Yes, the dog in my avatar is my girl. A sweet dog with a lot of personality.

[a700hitter]

I agree, Fred. I love the old parks, and Fenway Park is the best.

 

A700, is that your dog in your avatar?

Yep. She's an Australian Shepherd.

[a700hitter]

I am convinced that they should move the Pawsox up to Fenway for the novelty, and then build a new stadium, perhaps near seaport for the major league team. The city and stadium have never been equipped to handle the fans, and it is clear they haven't helped chip in to help maintain those green line trains.

Pal, I think that is a great idea, but I don't know if the numbers would work and if the Sox would want competition from their own AAA team for ticket sales in Boston.

 

Te other issue that I am curious about is whether the Sox could walk away from Fenway.

[Ogden]

On August 19th, 2000, I walked into Fenway Park on the tail end of a Sports Travel Tour as a non enthusiastic Mets fan and walked out three hours later as the beginning of a Red Sox fanatic that lives, breathes and often literally dies for that team. What is it they say, that converts are true believers? No, I love Fenway and I can take the uncomfortable seats (can't stand the cold up by the Coke bottle where RSD seats us), and in fact I don't feel that uncomfortable at all. Fenway reminds me so much of when I was a kid living in Queens and going to another neighborhood ballpark and feeling like it was a second home. Not only do I don't want to see Fenway torn down but would love to see baseball played there into the next century.

 

 

I spent many a day at Shea, the old Stadium, and Fenway at various times of my life and Fenway is easily the most uncomfortable with seats irrationally positioned of any park I've been to. But I love watching games on TV from Fenway and letting other people sit in those foolish seats.

[Ogden]

But what if the new Fenway looked almost exactly like the old Fenway?

 

The Yankees did it. Their new stadium looks like the old one except for the porch being even a little closer and all the empty $2,500 seats behind home plate.

 

 

Theater seats with soft cushions isn't exactly reminiscent of the old Stadium. Are they trying to make people comfortable because the product on the field isn't worth the money and not very entertaining?