The Red Sox unveiled three new ads on Fenway Park's
right-field wall, one above the centerfield "triangle" and
rotational signage behind home plate, at yesterday's home
opener. In Boston, Shira Springer writes that there were
"mixed reviews" from fans regarding new signage. Fan Steve
Varnum, comparing the ads to the Coca-Cola bottles above
Fenway's left-field wall: "I didn't notice the signs so much
as the Coke bottles. To me, the Coke bottles are the most
offensive part of the park" (BOSTON GLOBE, 4/14). Red Sox
VP/Sales & Marketing Larry Cancro: "You do what you can,
where you can, without trying to defeat the overall appeal
of the ballpark. And there could be more signs as time goes
on" (BOSTON HERALD, 4/13). In Boston, Howard Manly writes
that while the Red Sox control the rotational signage behind
home plate for now, those spots will be sold to the TV
carrier "on some occasions." For the upcoming Rangers-Red
Sox game, Fox will use the rotating signage to promote its
"Fox Sports News Primetime" with Keith Olbermann. Manly
adds that JCS New England Network, the team's broadcaster,
"has secured" Dodge, Southwest Airlines, Lycos and Budget
Rent-a-Car for "major advertising spots." JCS spokesperson
Kevin Dunn said that ad sales are "ahead of schedule," with
its inventory "about 50 percent sold." JCS receives 48 of
the 60 units allotted for each game, with the remainder
going to affiliates (Howard Manly, BOSTON GLOBE, 4/14).
THE NEW FENWAY: In Boston, Meg Vaillancourt writes that
MA Gov. Paul Cellucci "sent his strongest signal yet in
support" of a new ballpark for the Red Sox. Cellucci: "I
also understand the hard realities and economics of [MLB].
I understand the neighborhood's concern and support their
role in this process, but I defer to the Red Sox and look
forward to hearing their plan" (BOSTON GLOBE, 4/14).
