116 replies to this topic

[alrusso]

Last off season we had a lot of posts with pictures updating the progress of the renovations/improvements to Fenway Park. Fenway has gotten better and better each year and this off season should be no different. What I have heard is the the lower box seats are being taken out and new industry standard seats are being put in. This means the isles are going to be a little smaller to make this happen. (I thought I heard this) Also, most of the lower bowl is going to be waterproofed as was the bleachers last off season. So jump in people with pics and opinions of Fenway Park Improvements for this off season and what might be in store for future off season improvement projects at Fenway Park building up to the 2012 100th year anniversary.

[CTballfan]

Last off season we had a lot of posts with pictures updating the progress of the renovations/improvements to Fenway Park. Fenway has gotten better and better each year and this off season should be no different. What I have heard is the the lower box seats are being taken out and new industry standard seats are being put in. This means the isles are going to be a little smaller to make this happen. (I thought I heard this) Also, most of the lower bowl is going to be waterproofed as was the bleachers last off season. So jump in people with pics and opinions of Fenway Park Improvements for this off season and what might be in store for future off season improvement projects at Fenway Park building up to the 2012 100th year anniversary.

Personally I'm still a big fan of the blue upper grandstand seats that are narrower than my fat middle-aged caboose and which seem to have last been painted when lead was still in the formula [/SARCASM]. I realize they can't replace them without cutting a good 2000 or so out of the park's capacity, but with millions going into the park every year, a paint job shouldn't be out of the question. I am curious though, just how old are they? The 1934 Yawkey rebuild? Later? And when exactly WERE they last painted? Wondering if they are the oldest seats in the major leagues. Or in OB. Good trivia questions, hope somebody here knows the answers.

[meghan]

I know I posted pics a few times last year that I took while on tours...unfortunately, for the off season this year, the tours will only consist of watching a video in a room, so I don't how often people will be able to get pics.

If I recall correctly, they were going to be upgrading the large scoreboard this off season too, but I haven't heard anything about that lately so I'm not sure if they are still planning on that or not.

[fenwaypaul]

Personally I'm still a big fan of the blue upper grandstand seats that are narrower than my fat middle-aged caboose and which seem to have last been painted when lead was still in the formula [/SARCASM]. I realize they can't replace them without cutting a good 2000 or so out of the park's capacity, but with millions going into the park every year, a paint job shouldn't be out of the question. I am curious though, just how old are they? The 1934 Yawkey rebuild?

Bingo. The wooden grandstand seats date to 1934. Broken slats are replaced as needed -- I noticed that the park maintenance crew had gone around either before or during the playoffs and replaced quite a few. At ALCS game 3 my friend's seat had a brand new, still-unpainted slat in it that was not there at the end of the regular season.

Later? And when exactly WERE they last painted? Wondering if they are the oldest seats in the major leagues. Or in OB. Good trivia questions, hope somebody here knows the answers.

It's been a few years since they were last painted, and it's time for a fresh coat. That would also provide an opportunity to repaint the row numbers on the end seats, some of which were beginning to fade this past season. Those were a major improvement over the ambiguously-positioned row numbers on the risers. Of course, people still sit in the wrong seats anyway.

[Mr. Baseball]

The whole park could use a fresh coat of paint. I had 3rd base pavilion seats in the ALCS and noticed how shabby the whole press box/EMC area looked up close. Seems like it'd be relatively inexpensive, and when done nicely, would make a big difference.

edit: typo

Edited by Mr. Baseball, 06 November 2008 - 08:00 AM.

[maristfan]

ESPN and the AP is reporting 560 new seats down the first base line and waterproofing/repairing the lower deck along with fixing the roof. In preparation to keep the masses dry during those fall showers like we saw this World Series?

[SemperFidelisSox]

This bit of news doesn't really deserve its own thread, so I'll just place it here since it pertains to the ballpark and all of its recent renovations.

The Red Sox have put in a request to host the 2012 All Star Game.

[fenwaypaul]

ESPN and the AP is reporting 560 new seats down the first base line and waterproofing/repairing the lower deck along with fixing the roof. In preparation to keep the masses dry during those fall showers like we saw this World Series?

As a couple of posters pointed out in the main board discussion of this topic, the new round of renovations spells the end of both the few remaining right field box seats and the Conigliaro's Corner bleachers. Those aluminum bleachers were neither comfortable nor well-situated for viewing, but I have a soft spot for them because the one time I sat up there happened to be for the Buchholz no-hitter. The RF boxes were decent seats (if it wasn't cold or windy), but I feel detached from the crowd when I sit in any of those upper-tier locations; instead of surrounding you, the cheering wafts up from somewhere down below.

Roof repairs: I remember sitting in the worst seats in the house -- last row of section 5 -- for a game against the Orioles in the early 80s and being subjected to a slow but steady drip from a roof leak all afternoon. As unpleasant as that was, what I found even more disturbing was the fact that it hadn't rained in weeks.

[fenwaypaul]

Nice sequence of graphics on boston.com this morning showing the yearly improvements to Fenway Park since 2002, ending with the projected 2009 renovations.

[alrusso]

Last off season we had a lot of posts with pictures updating the progress of the renovations/improvements to Fenway Park. Fenway has gotten better and better each year and this off season should be no different. What I have heard is the the lower box seats are being taken out and new industry standard seats are being put in. This means the isles are going to be a little smaller to make this happen. (I thought I heard this) Also, most of the lower bowl is going to be waterproofed as was the bleachers last off season. So jump in people with pics and opinions of Fenway Park Improvements for this off season and what might be in store for future off season improvement projects at Fenway Park building up to the 2012 100th year anniversary.

I was just reading some Fenway improvement posts from Red Sox Forum. As a person that has sat in all sections of Fenway Park, the improvemements and renovations to the park are welcome and are making a big difference for the comfort of the fan. The Grandstand seats not being wide enough has always been a complaint that comes up year after year. They Sox are finally doing something about that and making the seats 18 inches wide and people are still complaining. For a park that is almost 100 years old the Sox brass have done a wonderful job improving it for the fan. Enjoy Fenway Park for what it represents to the area and to Major League Baseball in general. You have a jewel right in your own back yard that is getting better and better each year. Try to enjoy it.

Edited by alrusso, 07 November 2008 - 04:20 PM.

[meghan]

Herald had this picture of the renovations today:

[alrusso]

Personally I'm still a big fan of the blue upper grandstand seats that are narrower than my fat middle-aged caboose and which seem to have last been painted when lead was still in the formula [/SARCASM]. I realize they can't replace them without cutting a good 2000 or so out of the park's capacity, but with millions going into the park every year, a paint job shouldn't be out of the question. I am curious though, just how old are they? The 1934 Yawkey rebuild? Later? And when exactly WERE they last painted? Wondering if they are the oldest seats in the major leagues. Or in OB. Good trivia questions, hope somebody here knows the answers.

The blue grandstand seats will be referbished and widened to the industry standard of 18 inches wide. I don't know if they are the oldest seats, but they are the only remaining wooden seats in Major League Baseball.

[NoShirtNoShoesJustSox]

The blue grandstand seats will be referbished and widened to the industry standard of 18 inches wide. I don't know if they are the oldest seats, but they are the only remaining wooden seats in Major League Baseball.

My apologizes if I am incorrect, but weren't the seats put in, in the 1930's? I believe there was a fire in 1926 that destroyed the bleachers along the left field line. John Quinn decided not to rebuild and just leave it the way it was. When Yawkey bought the club in 1933, he remodled the stadium a bit and it re-opened in 1934 with an entire new look. I'm guessing this is when the seats were installed.

http://mlb.mlb.com/b...ark/history.jsp

[fenwaypaul]

My apologizes if I am incorrect, but weren't the seats put in, in the 1930's? I believe there was a fire in 1926 that destroyed the bleachers along the left field line. John Quinn decided not to rebuild and just leave it the way it was. When Yawkey bought the club in 1933, he remodled the stadium a bit and it re-opened in 1934 with an entire new look. I'm guessing this is when the seats were installed.

http://mlb.mlb.com/b...ark/history.jsp

Yes, the wooden seats date to 1934. I mentioned this in post #4 above.

I've been trying to figure out if my friend's season ticket seats in sec 14 are among those to be replaced. I can't quite tell from the picture posted last week by Lose Remerswaal in the main board thread on this topic:

[alrusso]

After next year, the whole lower bowl will have been refurbished with widened grandstand seats, along with the relacement of all the other seats in the lower bowl. Together with all of the other improvements to Fenway Park over the years, Fenway is going to be around for a very long time and in my opinion is a beautiful place. Not building a new park was a great move. Fenway is a historical landmark where people come from all over the country to see. A new ball park would not have the same interest after the novelty of a new park wore off. Keep the updated pics coming

[alrusso]

Last off season we had a lot of posts with pictures updating the progress of the renovations/improvements to Fenway Park. Fenway has gotten better and better each year and this off season should be no different. What I have heard is the the lower box seats are being taken out and new industry standard seats are being put in. This means the isles are going to be a little smaller to make this happen. (I thought I heard this) Also, most of the lower bowl is going to be waterproofed as was the bleachers last off season. So jump in people with pics and opinions of Fenway Park Improvements for this off season and what might be in store for future off season improvement projects at Fenway Park building up to the 2012 100th year anniversary.

There are some great new pics of renovation contruction at Fenway Park on "Red Sox Forum" on this sight.

[Spinach312]

Any new photos or updates on the renovations?

[Spinach312]

I was just reading some Fenway improvement posts from Red Sox Forum. As a person that has sat in all sections of Fenway Park, the improvemements and renovations to the park are welcome and are making a big difference for the comfort of the fan. The Grandstand seats not being wide enough has always been a complaint that comes up year after year. They Sox are finally doing something about that and making the seats 18 inches wide and people are still complaining. For a park that is almost 100 years old the Sox brass have done a wonderful job improving it for the fan. Enjoy Fenway Park for what it represents to the area and to Major League Baseball in general. You have a jewel right in your own back yard that is getting better and better each year. Try to enjoy it.

I love it. But eventually, the Sox ARE going to have to build a new park. Compared to some of the other parks, I don't want a lot of bombass and needless glitz. But at the same time, there are some parts of Fenway that are still stuck in the eighties. And the unsightly poles need to be taken down or moved back considerably. I think that if Fenway is going to outlast Wrigley, then they need to do a LOT of work still. Which is partially why Fenway Ticket Prices are so high. It costs a lot to keep the Park going for so long. But it's my home never the less, and I'll leave it at that.

[SSK99]

Fenway is going to be around for quite sometime. I wouldn't expect them to entertain the idea of a new park in quite some time.

[alrusso]

I love it. But eventually, the Sox ARE going to have to build a new park. Compared to some of the other parks, I don't want a lot of bombass and needless glitz. But at the same time, there are some parts of Fenway that are still stuck in the eighties. And the unsightly poles need to be taken down or moved back considerably. I think that if Fenway is going to outlast Wrigley, then they need to do a LOT of work still. Which is partially why Fenway Ticket Prices are so high. It costs a lot to keep the Park going for so long. But it's my home never the less, and I'll leave it at that.

Eventually is 30-50 years from now. There has been too much work done and Fenway Park has become a "must see" tourist attraction locally and nationally. After next year the whole lower bowl will have been renovated along with a virtually "new" upper deck. Fenway will be a a very new old ballpark. The poles and some of the discomforts of Fenway is part of what makes Fenway "Fenway". The ownership has done a great job and some people are still posting about a new park. They have worked on Fenway park the last 8 years for 5 months each time. That's 3.5 years of renovation work with 1-2 years left before it is complete for its 100th birthday celebration. Like I've said in previous posts, enjoy Fenway Park for what it has been, and what it will be in the future. It is a beautiful ballpark.

[Spinach312]

Fair enough. But I feel sorry for the poor souls who have to sit in front of those poles. Never the less, if they can renovate the concession stands below the lower bowl, then I will have my crow and eat it. It would be great to remove the poles somehow, but if they're able to fix up the whole park, then I'm sure that it WILL last for a long time.


Speaking of that, depending on time this week, I might try to get over to the park and get some pics of the construction. I'll post them for you if I should get a chance.

[alrusso]

Fair enough. But I feel sorry for the poor souls who have to sit in front of those poles. Never the less, if they can renovate the concession stands below the lower bowl, then I will have my crow and eat it. It would be great to remove the poles somehow, but if they're able to fix up the whole park, then I'm sure that it WILL last for a long time.


Speaking of that, depending on time this week, I might try to get over to the park and get some pics of the construction. I'll post them for you if I should get a chance.

I just heard an interview with Larry Lucinno (sp) and he stated the construction was at it's peak right now but the park would be ready for opening day. If you could get some pics it would be great. As soon as the park is done for this year, I'm going to get down to the park for a tour.

[Spinach312]

Outside shots of the park: I'm in a rush right now, as I was earlier, which would explain why I didn't get any inside shots. But I did get some good outside shots. Enjoy!

Game
Lansdowne
Yawkey
Gate A

Edited by Spinach312, 26 January 2009 - 04:13 PM.

[Gator's Inside the Parker]

A few posts noted that they are updating the blue grandstand seats, but the photos posted seem to indicate that it's being done in phases. Does anyone know what sections are being updated for this year? I've been getting wider for a few years now, and it's nice to hear that Fenway will be widening my seat for me. Now if only they could train people to exit the row from the side that will inconvenience the fewest people!

[Spinach312]

A few posts noted that they are updating the blue grandstand seats, but the photos posted seem to indicate that it's being done in phases. Does anyone know what sections are being updated for this year? I've been getting wider for a few years now, and it's nice to hear that Fenway will be widening my seat for me. Now if only they could train people to exit the row from the side that will inconvenience the fewest people!

The sections from third base to first base. I don't know what sections exactly. Amen on teaching people to exit the correct side of the row.

[fenwaypaul]

Well, I do know that sec 14 has been reconfigured, because my friend who's had 14/9/9-10 for the past 20 years is getting seats with different numbers this year.

[alrusso]

Outside shots of the park: I'm in a rush right now, as I was earlier, which would explain why I didn't get any inside shots. But I did get some good outside shots. Enjoy!

Game
Lansdowne
Yawkey
Gate A

Thanks for the pics. I'm feeling warmer already. Another bright note, we've picked up 47 minutes of light since the shortest day. Play ball!! Thanks again.

[Spinach312]

Thanks for the pics. I'm feeling warmer already. Another bright note, we've picked up 47 minutes of light since the shortest day. Play ball!! Thanks again.

Hey anytime. Word up on the extra daylight!

Edited by Spinach312, 27 January 2009 - 01:50 PM.

[Spinach312]

I'll try to get to the ballpark sometime next week. Tomorrow will be short on time and weather, and this weekend I'm going back for an impromptu college reunion in New York State. So, I will do my best to get more shots.

[alrusso]

I'll try to get to the ballpark sometime next week. Tomorrow will be short on time and weather, and this weekend I'm going back for an impromptu college reunion in New York State. So, I will do my best to get more shots.

Tough time of year to get pics and to travel for that matter. The people that are interested in Fenway really appreciate your pics. I remember when Foxboro statdium was complained about for years and years and they finally put up a great stadium in Gillette. But Gillette is not really talked about or discussed as Fenway is. If Fenway was torn down and another stadium built, I'm sure it would be a great stadium, but after the novelty went away, the new park would not be talked about the way Fenway Park is now. If the new ownership hadn't done the renovations I would agree that a new park was needed. However, with all the work that has been done, the new and improved Fenway Park is sort of like having your cake and eat it too.

[ghostrunneron3rd]

I remember reading something last season about a one-way window being put in the back of Game On in the wall it shares with the visitors batting cage. Has anyone else seen anything about that?

[Spinach312]

I remember reading something last season about a one-way window being put in the back of Game On in the wall it shares with the visitors batting cage. Has anyone else seen anything about that?

I didn't hear about that but if that were the case, then I'm down.

Edited by Spinach312, 01 February 2009 - 11:38 PM.

[SemperFidelisSox]

These are from the Truck Day photo gallery at Boston.com. It looks like they've added these retro World Series plaques on the outside of the park.

[Laser Show]

These are from the Truck Day photo gallery at Boston.com. It looks like they've added these retro World Series plaques on the outside of the park.

I believe those have actually been there for a little while... I remember seeing them last June when I went down to Fenway.

[Spinach312]

I believe those have actually been there for a little while... I remember seeing them last June when I went down to Fenway.

They have been there for a while. If you go through some of those truck day photos, you might get a glimse of some of the brick that's being replaced. Here are some more photos in the Globe today.



Concourse
Yawkey

Edited by Spinach312, 06 February 2009 - 08:57 PM.

[chester]

If the new ownership hadn't done the renovations I would agree that a new park was needed. However, with all the work that has been done, the new and improved Fenway Park is sort of like having your cake and eat it too.

It truly is amazing how they have refurbished so much of the park and yet it still carries the same feel to it that I got when I was younger. It certainly is like having your cake and eating it too, especially if they really are making the grandstand seats wider (Im excited to see how they come out) and they continue that trend of widening the smaller seats. I haven't gotten a chance to read this whole thread but are they removing some seats to widen the rest? Im a normal size and I find them small, I could only imagine how bigger people feel.

I also like the fact that if you watch any random game over the last 7 years and can pinpoint what year it was by what had been added and what had yet to be added to the park at the time.

[alrusso]

It truly is amazing how they have refurbished so much of the park and yet it still carries the same feel to it that I got when I was younger. It certainly is like having your cake and eating it too, especially if they really are making the grandstand seats wider (Im excited to see how they come out) and they continue that trend of widening the smaller seats. I haven't gotten a chance to read this whole thread but are they removing some seats to widen the rest? Im a normal size and I find them small, I could only imagine how bigger people feel.

I also like the fact that if you watch any random game over the last 7 years and can pinpoint what year it was by what had been added and what had yet to be added to the park at the time.

In a nutshell, yes, they are removing all of the seats in the lower bowl over a two year period. This year for the 2009 season, all of the seats from the first base to the third base line (which is the 1912 original lower bowl of Fenway) will be lifted up, and the whole original lower bowl will be waterproofed. The blue grandstand seats will be refurbished and widened to the industry standard of 18". All of the remaining seats (red) in the lower bowl will also be replaced. The box seats will have cushions and cup holders. This is all according to Larry Luchino in a recent interview on the day the improvements were announced. Next off season, the remaining seats in the lower bowl of Fenway Park will also be replaced, refurbished and the concrete waterproofed.

[Spinach312]

Question on the seat cushions. Is it wise to have cushioned seat out in the open air like that? If and when the rain comes down, wont those seats be ruined?

Edited by Spinach312, 08 February 2009 - 11:34 AM.

[alrusso]

Question on the seat cushions. Is it wise to have cushioned seat out in the open air like that? If and when the rain comes down, wont those seats be ruined?

They're not the kind of cushions that will be ruined by open air exposure. We sat is these same type of seats in the pavillion section last year. The outside material is coated with a protective material so moisture doesn't get to the cushion. The seat has slight give to it, not like a real thick cushion would have. It is a little better sitting on wood or plastic however.

[Spinach312]

They're not the kind of cushions that will be ruined by open air exposure. We sat is these same type of seats in the pavillion section last year. The outside material is coated with a protective material so moisture doesn't get to the cushion. The seat has slight give to it, not like a real thick cushion would have. It is a little better sitting on wood or plastic however.

So during a rain delay, the seats won't be totally ruined when they get wet. Right?

[fenwaypaul]

I'm going to miss the 1934 wooden seats... but I'm weird, and not very wide. For me the biggest comfort issue with the grandstand seats is legroom, which varies by location and is extremely tight in some spots. Here I'm ignoring the viewability issue -- seat orientation and presence of obstructions -- which I don't expect to be addressed in this round of renovations.

[Spinach312]

I'm going to miss the 1934 wooden seats... but I'm weird, and not very wide. For me the biggest comfort issue with the grandstand seats is legroom, which varies by location and is extremely tight in some spots. Here I'm ignoring the viewability issue -- seat orientation and presence of obstructions -- which I don't expect to be addressed in this round of renovations.

Comfort is so very important to a sporting venue. If you're in a crappy ass seat, then you're not really watching a game. The obstructions will be dealt with, but not this time around. Correct.

Edited by Spinach312, 13 February 2009 - 04:25 PM.

[fenwaypaul]

Below are a few screen captures from last Sunday's edition of Red Sox Report on NESN. There was a five-minute feature on the state of the Fenway Park renovations, with Janet Marie Smith doing a standup at the ballpark. The segment appears to have been taped in late January; snow swirls outside.
[Edit: Dopes, I'm assuming that these images fall within fair use guidelines; if you feel otherwise, by all means take 'em down.]


What looks like a tarp is actually a heated (72F) tent with ample headroom for construction workers


A mason does some concrete finishing work. All the treads and risers were redone.


A section of new treads awaiting seat installation.


Janet Marie Smith in sec 15. The original seat ironwork was reused, repositioned at 18" minimum intervals.


Workers at the concrete forms.


A carpenter hammers the top rail of a row of seat backs through the ironwork.


These rows lack only the seats proper, which will be "self-rising" (spring up when unoccupied).


Closer view of the same row of seats.

A couple of additional notes of interest emerged from the report:

• By digging away multiple layers of ancient asphalt, the lateral walkways were lowered by 6". This should result in a (very) modest improvement in visibility for occupants of the first row of loge boxes and grandstand seats, and a more significant improvement for those sitting in the second row.
• The concourse under the stands is undergoing renovations too, but no details or pictures were provided.

Edited by fenwaypaul, 12 February 2009 - 11:33 PM.

[Spinach312]

Thanks for the pics fenwaypaul. For they are surely appreciated. I am in love today.


Guess what? My reservations have melted away after seeing that report. Keep Fenway going! I guess that it's so strange with me at least. For I am so fascinated by this renovation project. And I have no idea why? But for whatever reason, I am. To some, it sounds like I have no life. But to me, I cannot help keeping track of this in my free time.

Edited by Spinach312, 14 February 2009 - 01:54 AM.

[alrusso]

Thanks for the pics fenwaypaul. For they are surely appreciated. I am in love today.


Guess what? My reservations have melted away after seeing that report. Keep Fenway going! I guess that it's so strange with me at least. For I am so fascinated by this renovation project. And I have no idea why? But for whatever reason, I am. To some, it sounds like I have no life. But to me, I cannot help keeping track of this in my free time.

That is exactly how I feel. This is why I created this thread in the first place, I am facinated with Fenway Park and the renovation project. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Fenway Park will be a "new" old park when it is finally done next off season. (the big projects) Also, as mentioned earlier, if you added up all the time in the off season for the past 8 years, there has been over three full years of renovation work done to Fenway Park. That is very impressive. People will still complain, but I am like a kid in a candy store.

Edited by alrusso, 15 February 2009 - 04:08 PM.

[Spinach312]

What's the countdown to Opening Day at Fenway?

[fenwaypaul]

What's the countdown to Opening Day at Fenway?

I'm pretty sure it's a matter of public record that the home opener (also the season opener this year) is Monday, April 6, 2:05pm. By my reckoning, that's about 7 weeks, 5 hours, and 50 minutes (but who's counting).

(Edit: someone is arithmetic-challenged)

Edited by fenwaypaul, 16 February 2009 - 08:16 AM.

[Spinach312]

That's 48 Days from my understanding. Thanks Mr. Paul.

[bald bil]

Fenway needs to go. I am constantly amazed by how many people rise up and began reciting poetry about that lyric little bandbox every time renovations are underway. Until they rip out every seat in order to align them so that everybody can see the game and the entire field it all means nothing. John Henry himself has said that will not happen because it would affect the seating capacity negatively. Until they enlarge the concourses under the stands to more comfortably accomodate fans when they go for food, beer or the restroom it all means nothing. Fifty more years in that rundown, ramshackle albeit charming and historical log cabin of a ballpark? No thanks!

[Spinach312]

Fenway needs to go. I am constantly amazed by how many people rise up and began reciting poetry about that lyric little bandbox every time renovations are underway. Until they rip out every seat in order to align them so that everybody can see the game and the entire field it all means nothing. John Henry himself has said that will not happen because it would affect the seating capacity negatively. Until they enlarge the concourses under the stands to more comfortably accomodate fans when they go for food, beer or the restroom it all means nothing. Fifty more years in that rundown, ramshackle albeit charming and historical log cabin of a ballpark? No thanks!

Here ya go good sir...

http://www.bostonher...i...&position=0