2002 Improvements to Fenway Park
(Already Implemented)

In their first season of Fenway stewardship, the new Red Sox owners instituted several significant improvements to the ballpark.

First, after years of neglect, Fenway got a little tender loving care. This included some fresh paint, power-washing of the seats and floors, removal of vinyl column wrappers from the 1999 All-Star game, and a new logo commemorating Fenway Park's 90th Birthday, displayed prominently on the Green Monster and both dugouts.

Second, 400 standing room slots were converted to new seating for the 2002 season. Two rows of field box seats (aka "dugout seats") were added to the front of the grandstand, running from each side of the backstop to the dugouts (160 $200 seats total). These required new construction, but blended in surprisingly well. A new back row of roof box seats was added above the first and third base lines, in the form of stationary barstool-style seats, with foot rails and small bar rails (for food/drink) and 4 wheelchair positions (149 $60 seats total). There are also new standing room benches at the back of the walkway behind the right field grandstand (91 $18 seats).

Third, more food and dining options were added. New food options included "Cool Dog" ice cream, fajitas, and fish & chips. Twelve new food and drink kiosks (a 14% increase) were added and there were more vendors in the stands. A new in-ballpark sports bar, initially called "The Diamond Club," but renamed mid-season as "The Players' Club" is now open to all fans after the 7th inning and during rain delays. It's located beneath the outfield end of the third base grandstand, and features 12 hanging and 3 big-screen TVs, and is decorated with scenes and memorabilia from Red Sox history. The Club area also contains two live-broadcast studio rooms for sports radio WEEI, including one facing out onto Lansdowne Street. The Fenmore Room, a dining room open to season ticket holders who pay an annual $250 fee, was added to the lower level of the .406 Club (the former "600 Club," renamed in honor of Ted Williams' historic 1941 batting average).

Fourth, substantial improvements were made to the formerly cramped player clubhouse. These included renovating the dressing room, including improved ventilation and the removal of old refrigerators, tables, mailboxes and lockers to free up space. A new player interview room and a player lounge are already in use, and a new players' wives room is under construction.

The team also initiated a series of wildly successful "Fenway Magic" events, which involved opening the ballpark, including the field itself, to fans on Fathers' Day and Halloween. Other special events included the Boston High School All-Star Game and Season Ticket Holder's Night.

In September 2002, the team experimented with putting up turnstiles on Yawkey Way, converting the street into an outdoor extension of the ballpark concourse, including picnic tables, a stage for live acts, new concessions and other amusements.

During the 2002 post-season, the team has expanded on the field box seat concept, converting an additional 235 standing room slots into two rows of seats at the front of the backstop, and from the dugouts to the start of fair territory in the outfield. Included in this are the Fenway's first front-row handicapped seats.

There is still a lot to be decided about Fenway's future, but overall these initial changes have contributed to a sense of vitality, liveliness, and renewal at the old ballpark, pleasing fans and players alike.

The team has also submitted a proposal for 2003 ballpark improvements to the Boston Redevelopment Authority.