Fenway Park prepares for World Series in style

Before the Red Sox took on the Dodgers in the 114th World Series, Fenway Park opened its doors for a special night of food, drink, and celebration!

As we stood outside on Lansdowne Street shivering, waiting for the gates of Fenway Park to open for media, the crisp air of Boston felt different. A whole city was anticipating what was to come tomorrow. The Red Sox have made it to the World Series for the fourth time this century, and it was time to celebrate on Monday night.

We were peering into the ballpark with excitement, waiting for the World Series Gala to begin. We had no idea what to expect and were going in completely blind, with the hopes there’d be hot chocolate.

At 6:56 p.m., the media gates opened to reveal a smiling face, welcoming us to the park. We went through basic security precautions. Once we got through the metal detectors, our attention was immediately captured by a real-life statue of a player, who moved slowly through different poses and was completely painted a bronze color.

To our left was a bar with a DJ and dancers, with chairs and tables illuminated in red lights. It was remarkable how different the park looked. Through the access ramp to the field, we could just see the red seats on the pavilion boxes high off the field. Little did we know we would find ourselves up there in just a few short minutes.

We walked through the ground level, eyes wide, and then found an entrance to the field. At this time, guests weren’t allowed on the field because it happened to be in the middle of the Dodgers’ taking batting practice. The crack of the balls on the wooden bat resounded throughout the stadium with each player’s swing. We watched in awe as baseballs were launched through the cold night air, clearing the outfield fences with ease. We decided we were done ducking from fly balls and went back and found the main event.

We were ushered upstairs to the EMC level. On our way, we found Wally and Tessie, the Red Sox mascots, who were more than happy to pose for selfies with guests.

On the EMC level, it was a crowded room with the most elaborate spread of food that we had ever seen, which surrounded an ice sculpture reading “DO DAMAGE,” the Red Sox’ de facto rallying cry for the playoffs. This fancy food included massive shrimp, lobsters, and oysters.

We exited out the doors of the EMC level into the section of padded box seats with a stunning view of the ballpark and the city.

After eating, we decided to head down to the field itself and walk around the warning track. Life-size cardboard cutouts of the Red Sox players lined the outfield walls, and guests posed for photos with stars such as Chris Sale, Mookie Betts, and J.D. Martinez. We took pictures in the Red Sox dugout, a dream come true for many Sox fans around New England.

We made our way back up to the EMC level for the promised “special presentation” at 8:30. The lights of the field were shut off and the show began. Scenes from the previous seven Red Sox playoff wins were projected onto the infield. Ending the slideshow was the recurring catchphrase “Do Damage” as well as a call for “4 MORE,” meaning the four wins needed to claim the World Series title.

On the pavilion level, the real party began. A band played as neon lights flashed, and the guests filled the dance floor in front of yet another ice sculpture, this one commemorating the franchise-record 108 wins by the Red Sox in the regular season.

The fans have been enjoying every second of the World Series experience. With the Red Sox holding a 2-0 series lead, the party doesn’t seem to be stopping any time soon.

–Oct. 26, 2018–