Gametime Affiliate Program MLB Tickets
Gametime Affiliate Program MLB Tickets

Red Sox Seating Guide: Find Your Perfect View at Fenway Park

Are you planning a trip to the iconic Fenway Park to cheer on the Red Sox? Choosing the right seat is crucial to maximizing your game day experience. This comprehensive Red Sox Seating Guide is designed to help fans, whether first-timers or seasoned regulars, navigate the unique layout of Fenway and discover the best seats to match their preferences and budget.

If you’re new to Fenway Park, it’s essential to read this entire guide. Selecting the ideal seating location at Fenway is unlike any other ballpark – it significantly impacts your enjoyment of the game. Even if you’re a frequent visitor, you’re likely to uncover valuable insights here to enhance your future game days.

(Looking for more Fenway Park tips? Explore our complete Fenway Park guide for everything you need to know. Need parking assistance? Check out our guide to parking at Fenway. Hungry? Take a peek at the Fenway Park food menu. And of course, don’t miss our tips on saving money on Red Sox tickets!)

Here’s a breakdown of Fenway Park seating areas:

This is a comprehensive guide, so feel free to jump to sections that interest you. Every section provides valuable information to help you make informed seating choices.

Score cheap Red Sox tickets on Gametime, offering a lowest price guarantee, panoramic seat view photos, and incredible last-minute deals – even after the game begins!

(Discover why Ballpark E-Guides trusts Gametime here!)

Fenway Park Seating Chart + Layout

Fenway Park is known for its unconventional and quirky seating arrangement. It features a diverse range of seating options, from luxury boxes to budget-friendly bleachers, catering to a wide spectrum of fans. You’ll find premium areas for corporate entertainment, lively sections for college students, seats incredibly close to the action, and some, shall we say, with a more “unique” perspective due to support poles.

The ballpark’s premium and hospitality areas are primarily located on the second level. Sections like the Dell Technologies Club, luxury suites, the Roof Deck, and Green Monster seats are generally priced higher than many lower-level options.

Your ticket will indicate the most convenient gate for accessing your seats. Within any section, Seat 1 is always situated on the right side as you face the field. The Red Sox dugout is positioned on the first base side of the field.

While we won’t delve into the extensive amenities of suites, we will touch upon the perks associated with various high-end premium seating choices.

Fenway Park Seating: Dugout Box Seats

Dugout Box seats are the prime field-level seats closest to the action. Designed for discerning fans, they offer valet parking (a significant perk in itself), padded seats with seat warmers, in-seat wait service, and private restrooms. The front row even boasts TVs for instant replays.

Despite the luxurious amenities, the high price point might not be justifiable for all, especially considering food isn’t included. However, these seats are highly coveted. Note that Infield Dugout Box seats, especially those near the Red Sox dugout, command a much higher price than the “Extended” Dugout Box seats further down the line.

Dugout Box ticket holders enjoy access to the exclusive, climate-controlled Ford Clubhouse located on Brookline Avenue. This premium space features upscale dining options and displays of Red Sox memorabilia. You can even order from the clubhouse menu and have your meal delivered directly to your seat.

Club + Pavilion Fenway Park Seating

The Dell Technologies Club seating is an exclusive, members-only area located on the mezzanine level behind home plate. Members enjoy access to a climate-controlled club lounge featuring a high-end restaurant with an executive chef and wine list, high-definition TVs, and three full-service bars. In-seat food ordering is also available for those who prefer not to leave their seats.

Additional benefits include complimentary game day programs and a private entrance. However, for the substantial cost, the perks might not seem exceptionally exciting to everyone. The club enforces reservations and a dress code, adding to its exclusive atmosphere.

As with most premium seating at Fenway Park, if you need to ask about the price, it’s likely beyond your budget. Nevertheless, it’s always worth checking for deals on platforms like Gametime. When selecting Club seats, try to avoid Sections 1 and 6, as luxury suites adjacent to these sections can slightly obstruct the field view.

The Lansdowne Pavilion sections offer padded seating situated above the Dell Club seats behind home plate and in the lower portions of the upper level. Fans in these sections can stroll along the upper concourse and enjoy impressive views of the Boston skyline, along with potentially shorter concession lines. The elevated view of the field from this level is surprisingly good, closer than in many other ballparks. Legroom is also more generous here compared to many other Fenway seats.

Behind each Pavilion section, you’ll find a row of barstools with backs and a drink rail, a worthwhile option if you plan to enjoy a few drinks during the game.

Pavilion level ticket holders can also access a restaurant featuring a pizza counter and raw bar, as well as a lounge area with two full bars (a welcome amenity in Boston’s variable climate). The food quality is highly praised, as it should be for the price.

Similar to the Dell EMC Club, the Pavilion club offers a brunch service for afternoon games, and in-seat food ordering is available. Pavilion club tickets often include a parking pass (valued around $50, considering Fenway parking costs), and they are typically sold in “Sox Pax” packages, like many other seating areas.

Green Monster Seats at Fenway Park

One of the most notable renovations at Fenway Park in the early 2000s was the replacement of the net above the Green Monster in left field with several rows of barstool seating. These Green Monster seats command a premium price and offer a truly unique game day experience. They have their own dedicated concession area, separate from the rest of the ballpark.

Truthfully, sitting in the Green Monster is often more about the novelty than the optimal view. From this angle, the sightlines would be considered among the worst in most other ballparks. The seats are quite high, and unless you’re in the very first row, views of deep left field can be obstructed. During day games, sunlight can also be a factor.

The main advantage, beyond the experience itself, is the increased chance of catching a home run ball. However, be aware of sharply hit line drives coming your way.

The best way to secure Green Monster tickets is to subscribe to the Red Sox newsletter. Tickets are released incrementally, meaning tickets for September games might not go on sale until July. There is also typically a booth inside the concourse where you can enter a lottery to win Green Monster tickets.

The Red Sox newsletter often announces a “Monster Mash” package in October for a Yankees game in the following season. This package includes Green Monster tickets, jerseys, memorabilia, and a photo opportunity with World Series trophies. You even get a scoreboard message, although visibility from these seats might be limited. This package is a Red Sox Foundation fundraiser, but the value proposition depends on individual preferences.

If you’re set on experiencing the Green Monster but are comfortable standing, Standing Room Only (SRO) Green Monster tickets are available at a lower price, but the view remains less than ideal.

The Right Field (Ultimate) Roof Deck

The Ultimate Deck, formerly known as the Right Field Roof Deck, sits directly above the retired numbers in right field. It features picnic tables with four seats each, along with a full bar and concession area that is covered, offering refuge from rain or sun. Drink rails with stools are also available for a more casual baseball-with-drinks experience.

Each Roof Deck ticket includes concession credits, but arguably, the view is among the least desirable in the ballpark, making the price questionable for serious game watchers. Loge Box seats located between the bases cost only slightly more than Roof Deck seats (even considering the concession credit) and offer significantly better views. Plus, be mindful of the sun setting directly in your eyes from this location.

However, the Roof Deck isn’t about the prime view; it’s about the social atmosphere. Concessions and drinks are easily accessible, and it’s a lively, party-centric environment.

Similar to Green Monster tickets, Roof Deck tickets are sold separately from general tickets; monitor the Red Sox newsletter for release dates if interested. Tickets can also be found through Gametime and other third-party sellers. Buying pairs could mean sharing a picnic table with strangers, which can be a positive or negative depending on your preference.

Anyone with a game ticket can access the bar area (though game views from there are limited), but only ticket holders can access the seating area.

The small section of seats with drink rails at the far end of the Roof Deck, above the right field bleachers, is now called the “502 Perch.” It comprises 14 seats, one painted red to commemorate Ted Williams’ legendary 1946 home run. This is primarily a party zone, and while the seats are as distant as the upper bleachers, they come with a much higher price tag.

Field and Loge Box Seats

Field Box seats, with their cushioned comfort and field proximity, are naturally among the most desirable seats in Fenway. However, Loge Box seats offer nearly comparable quality at a considerably lower price, particularly when considering that both seat types often require alternative ticket acquisition methods due to high demand. Field Box seats typically see a steeper price increase on the secondary market compared to Loge Box seats.

Both Field and Loge Box sections generally have 12 rows per section. Most Loge Box seats provide excellent views and are worth the investment if you’re prioritizing a great game experience.

The primary drawback, aside from the limited legroom common throughout Fenway, is that the first three rows (AA through CC) are designated “walkway advisory” tickets. This means foot traffic in the aisle in front of you during the game is possible. However, baseball’s rules limiting seat returns during at-bats should minimize disruptions.

Pavilion Box + Reserved Seats

Pavilion Box seats are located in the upper sections flanking the premium Pavilion seating on the club level. They are significantly more affordable than club level seats but still pricier than Grandstand or Bleacher seating.

These are solid seating options, closer to the field than upper levels in many other ballparks, and for taller individuals, they often provide more legroom than many other Fenway seats. However, for those seeking closer proximity to the field, Loge Box seats are only slightly more expensive.

Pavilion Box seats have a roof covering the upper rows, which is beneficial in rain but doesn’t always provide complete sun protection. In Rows C and higher, you have a higher likelihood of being sheltered from the elements.

Pavilion Reserved seating consists of three upper-level sections beneath the Coca-Cola sign in left field. There’s a dedicated private concession area with picnic tables here, but it’s quite distant from the field. Located adjacent to and above the Green Monster, it offers a good vantage point for people-watching those in the coveted Monster seats.

Behind the Coca-Cola Corner is a designated standing room area. The Red Sox have transformed this into an upscale group party area called the Lansdowne Pavilion, but the added cost doesn’t improve the view.

Right Field Box + Upper Box

Right Field Box and Right Field Upper Box seats are numbered in two distinct series. Lower numbers (1-8) are closer to the field, while higher numbers (87-97) are sections situated behind them. The term “Upper Box” is somewhat misleading as these are still at field level.

As you move closer to the right field foul pole (Pesky’s Pole), seats become increasingly angled towards center field rather than home plate. This can result in neck strain throughout the game, a minor but noticeable annoyance. Additionally, frequent foot traffic can obstruct views. Sections 5 and 93, being directly behind Pesky’s Pole, can be particularly problematic.

Despite these drawbacks, these seats are close to the field and offer a direct, unobstructed view of the Green Monster. They can also be significantly cheaper than comparable Field Box seats on the left field side. Finding the right spot in this area can offer the best value for your money at Fenway Park.

A note about obstructed views: Support poles can occasionally be located in the last row of a Right Field Box section, typically Row XX. Sitting next to a pole can lead to significant leaning and discomfort. To avoid this, it’s best to steer clear of Row XX in Right Field Upper Box sections.

Right Field Roof Box

The upper-level seats along the right field line, positioned beneath the new scoreboard, are higher up, which mitigates the neck strain issue. They also have their own private concession area, a convenient perk.

These seats are still quite far from the action, but they are closer to home plate than the Roof Deck and considerably less expensive. They are also reasonably close to the Brewhouse if you’re looking for a drink. Like the Roof Deck, these seats are exposed to the sun, but at least you aren’t facing directly into it during sunset.

Due to the steeper row incline in this section, standing patrons in front are less of an issue. Therefore, there’s no real advantage to seeking out lower rows here, as the view difference is minimal.

Behind this section is a picnic area often used for high-priced private events. It includes tables, barstool seating, and a wooden floor that is easier on the feet. The Red Sox offer BBQ catering for private parties here, though the price likely outweighs the two complimentary parking spots included.

The Right Field Roof Terrace also provides standing room space, but tickets don’t guarantee a specific spot, potentially making it difficult to find a good view. It’s also uncovered, making it less desirable on rainy days.

Now, let’s move on to seating options that are more budget-friendly – the cheap seats at Fenway Park. But first, a quick word of valuable advice from our sponsor…

Never Drive To Fenway Park Without A Plan…

Book Your Parking Spot NOW With My Friends at SpotHero!

Cheap Seats at Fenway Park, Part 1: Grandstand Seats

Grandstand seats are located beneath the upper deck tier that encircles most of the field. A major advantage of most Grandstand seats is that they are sheltered from sun and rain. However, this benefit comes with the trade-off of potential obstructed views due to support poles.

Besides obstructed views, many Grandstand seats are only 15 inches wide, made of wood, and feature minimal armrests and legroom. This is a common complaint about Fenway, and for larger individuals, Grandstand seating can become quite uncomfortable over the course of a game. Bringing a cushion is advisable.

That said, if you can tolerate the tight seating and learn how to avoid obstructed views (explained below), Grandstand seats can offer good value for a Red Sox game, especially considering their often lower price point. The only Grandstand sections to avoid are those in the right field outfield. Due to space and view issues, bleachers are a better choice for less money in that area. Specifically, avoid Sections 2 and 3, where support poles are highly likely to cause significant obstruction, and views of the large scoreboards will likely be blocked.

Outfield Grandstand seats in Sections 32-33 are situated down the left field line, adjacent to the Green Monster, and are closer to the field. These sections face the field directly, so unlike right field seats, there’s no neck strain issue. These sections are designated alcohol-free family sections, so not ideal if you plan to enjoy alcoholic beverages during the game.

Try to avoid seats too high up in the Grandstand. The Red Sox have installed modern scoreboards designed to resemble the original hand-operated scoreboard in left field, but the upper deck overhang obstructs the view of these scoreboards for those in the highest rows. To compensate, the Red Sox have installed TVs atop the support poles, allowing fans to at least see replays.

How To Avoid Obstructed Views at Fenway Park

Most Grandstand seats have a support pole that obstructs some portion of the field. Here’s what you need to know to avoid this issue and enjoy your game.

The Red Sox do label some tickets as “OV” for obstructed view, but the obstruction must be quite severe for them to do so. Avoid “OV” tickets at all costs.

Support poles are typically located in the first or second row of a section, and often at the end of a row – either at Seat 1 or the opposite end, perhaps Seat 16 or 24, depending on the section size. There are also support poles at the back of Grandstand sections, sometimes with two or three rows behind them. The general rule is to avoid Seat 1 or the last seat of a row in these sections.

Notably, Sections 19 and 21 are generally safe regarding views, and the closer you get to home plate, the less of an issue obstructions become.

You are most likely to encounter problems in Rows 2-4 of a Grandstand section, especially in the lower or higher seat numbers within those rows. If you have seat number information available, you should generally be safe in most sections with Seats 5-12. Only in the outfield do these general rules become less reliable. In Sections 2 through 4, seats numbered lower than 18 are usually safe.

Occasionally, a support pole might be directly in front of a first-row seat, but in such cases, the Red Sox will typically mark those tickets as “OV”. So, if you can find a first-row seat in the 5-10 seat number range that is not marked “OV,” you’re likely to have an excellent view with no obstructions. For the price, that’s a great value seat at Fenway.

The Grandstand is also covered by the upper level, so the highest rows lose sight of the new Jumbotron scoreboards. If scoreboard visibility is important to you (as it is for many), avoid seats higher than Row 14 or so. Most Grandstand sections have 17-19 rows.

For simplicity, follow the “5-10 rule”: in most cases, rows 5-10 and/or seats 5-10 are usually the best bets in Grandstand sections. The pole will still be present, but it shouldn’t be too intrusive. You may have to climb over fellow fans to reach middle-row seats, but that’s preferable to sitting behind a pole.

Cheap Seats at Fenway Park, Part 2: The Bleachers

Fenway Park offers a substantial number of bleacher seats – up to 50 rows in some sections – in the outfield. A significant advantage of bleacher seats, especially compared to other budget options, is that obstructed views are unlikely. You also won’t have to crane your neck, and bleacher seats can be more comfortable than some of the narrow Grandstand seats.

Upper bleacher seats are the most affordable at Fenway Park, but they can be as far as 600 feet from home plate, and you’ll likely be positioned under the Jumbotron, unable to see it. Aim for lower bleacher rows if possible. Once you get 30-40 rows up, it becomes challenging to follow the game action effectively (even the sound of the bat hitting the ball takes a noticeable moment to reach you).

It’s worth noting that the Red Sox previously implemented a system where only digital tickets for upper bleachers were sold for high-demand games. This was intended to make these tickets more accessible to families and deter scalpers.

Historically, the bleachers had a reputation for a less family-friendly atmosphere, with boisterous language and occasional conflicts. However, with the significant increase in Fenway ticket prices, the bleacher environment is generally more tame now, and suitable for families. If you’re seated close to the bullpens, children may even have a chance to get autographs.

For day games in the bleachers, it’s essential to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. This is based on firsthand experience.

The famous “red seat,” marking the spot where Ted Williams’ monumental home run landed, is located in Section 42, Row 37, Seat 21. Good luck trying to snag that one!

Fenway Park Standing Room Tips

While not technically “seating,” Standing Room (SRO) is a popular and budget-friendly way to experience Fenway Park.

Fenway offers seven distinct Standing Room areas, ranging in price from most to least expensive: Green Monster; Right Field Roof Deck; Right Field Roof Box; Right Field Roof Terrace; Coca-Cola Corner; Pavilion; and General Standing Room.

While price differences aren’t vast across all SRO areas, all are pricier than Upper Bleacher seats, and most exceed the cost of outfield bleacher seats.

In 2017, the Red Sox introduced the Right Field Tavern, a full bar occupying space in the right field Grandstand area. It features drink rails, phone charging stations, large TVs, and a notably subpar view of the field (consistent with the general view quality from right field Grandstand seats).

Anyone with a ticket can access the Tavern, but the Red Sox sell drink rail spots at a modest price. This is a good value if you were considering basic standing room anyway, as you get a designated spot to stand, a drink rail, and phone charging. The view is poor, but not significantly worse than standard standing room behind the Grandstand.

Green Monster standing room is for those willing to stand behind three rows of seated barstool patrons. Even more so than Green Monster seats, SRO here is more about the experience than optimal game viewing, as you’ll miss a significant portion of the outfield, especially from behind the seated rows. There is a drink rail and separate concessions and restroom facilities for Green Monster SRO.

The Right Field Roof Deck SRO is very far from the action, but it includes a bar area with TVs and a social atmosphere. On the opposite side, the Coca-Cola Corner in left field offers a rail to lean on and place drinks, and tables for sitting, but as mentioned, it is relatively expensive for standing room.

If you opt for standing room, your best bet is often the upper-level Infield Pavilion SRO. Several factors make this a good choice: it’s less crowded, drink rails are available for your food and drinks, and since the seats in front are typically reserved for corporate ticket holders, there’s a chance you might be able to take an empty seat if they leave during the game. It’s higher up, but the view is surprisingly decent.

Lower-level standing room allows fans to watch from behind the Grandstand and is cheaper, but comes with drawbacks: you must stand in designated areas behind the concourse, and ushers often strictly enforce this. Also, scoreboards and other ballpark features are not visible from these vantage points.

Pavilion standing room is worth the slight extra cost over lower-level SRO. If you choose Pavilion SRO, the third base side generally offers a slightly better view.

Standing room is what it is – you usually need to stake out a spot and stay put, which isn’t ideal for movement. The main advantage is generally staying dry in case of rain. If you try SRO, spend a little extra for a better location, and you might get lucky and find an open seat later in the game.

Phew! Hopefully, this detailed Red Sox seating guide has given you a clear understanding of how to find the best seats for your budget at America’s oldest ballpark.

Now it’s time to get your tickets! My guide on saving money on Red Sox tickets will be a great resource. And be sure to check out all my helpful tips on getting to Fenway and ballpark food options in this complete Fenway Park guide.

Thanks for reading, and please support Ballpark E-Guides sponsors!

(Note: this article contains affiliate links. If you use an affiliate link to make a purchase, this website earns a commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!)

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *