Pass the peanuts and Cracker Jack
Amid Baseball 2.0, Sox fans can still savor season
“Take me out to the ball game … kinda”
Boston is a true baseball city. We’ve survived the Curse of the Bambino, losing Nomahhhh and more, and we still love our sport and our team. But this year? It’s a different ball game for the fans.
And while watching games on TV is great (doesn’t it feel so … normal?), part of being a fan is the true game experience. The hot dogs, the sounds, the buzz of the city and crowd.
We won’t have all of that this year. But thankfully, there are some fun ways to make your game day an adventure. From the fun zone the city has created around Fenway on game days, to a way to host the home team in your own backyard, to an over-the-top posh game viewing experience in Boston, we’ve got options.
It won’t be like the game when I caught a fowl ball from Mike Lowell and Peddy in the same inning but, hey: We will take it. Consider these:
Head to Fenway
Remember when you were young and could not afford even bleacher seats? It was always fun to get near the park for the vibe. And that can still be done, even in a 2.0 kind of way.
The lights will still glow from inside the park. Foul balls (and home runs!) will still bounce out of the park. And while the noise of the cheering fans may be piped in, from the street it feels real.
This year, you can even meander along Landsdowne Street, which is closed to vehicles and only open to foot traffic during home games this season.
There you can settle into — with a reservation — the famed Bleacher Bar, or choose the new-this-season pop up “Under the Green Monster Restaurant” located, you know already — under the Green Monster.
There are also airstreams selling fun food and other surprises. Social distancing and masks are required (you can take them off when you sit down). And while outdoor big screen plans did not come to fruition, you’ve got a smart phone in your pocket — watch and savor.
Invite Sox to play in your own backyard
Did you know you can rent an outdoor projection TV screen? Here in Massachusetts, Fun Flicks (funflicks.com) has just what you need and can help you set it all up.
Here’s the scenario: Rent the screen, make the kettle corn, prepare the Fenway Franks (Steamed! Always steamed! And with Gulden’s Mustard, for goodness sake. Be a purist Sox fan). Don your favorite Sox gear and invite a few friends.
Set up socially distanced picnic tables or blankets (or just ask all to bring a chair) and have at it.
If you’re lucky, you have a talented friend to sing “Take
Me Out to the Ball Game” and “Sweet Caroline.”
To top it all off, make it a special “giveaway game.” Surprise your guests with team bobble heads or a fun little surprise. Sounds like a memorable night.
Go all out with the gang
Since you can only dream of being actually at the game, why not enjoy a game in a dreamlike fashion?
The Boston Harbor Hotel is now taking reservations for folks to cheer on their favorite team (we assume it’s the Sox, but all fans are welcome) by reserving their City of Champions Presidential Experience.
Up to eight guests can enjoy over-the-top game viewing in their 5,000square-foot, four-bedroom presidential suite with a ridiculously breathtaking 1,000-square-foot terrace (talk about city views!)
You will arrive through a private elevator and be treated to an indoor tailgate stocked with game-day snacks and a full bar, including celebratory bubbly on ice to toast the first pitch or clink to your win.
The state-of-the-art space embraces the latest in technology, including surroundsound and televisions galore — even a 93-inch Samsung within the sound-proof media room.
Award-winning chef Daniel Bruce will provide a pregame dinner menu and private morning brunch. Guests arriving by land or sea also reserve complimentary parking or docking at the 34-slip marina. The City of Champions Presidential Experience accommodates up to eight guests for $10,000 per night. You can learn more at bhh.com.