Red Sox Formally Announce Intention To Remain At Fenway Park

Red Sox Staying In Fenway With “No Strings Attached”

The Red Sox on Wednesday announced that they plan to make Fenway Park their “permanent home and stated bluntly that their decision comes with ‘no strings attached,’” according to Sasha Talcott of the BOSTON GLOBE. The team “ruled out public financing for improvements inside the ballpark,” which include a new playing surface, an expansion of the grandstand concourse area, a new sports restaurant and a number of clubhouse and player amenity changes. Red Sox President & CEO Larry Lucchino: “You will not find a government dollar in Fenway Park or for the exclusive benefit of the Red Sox. There has been no such ask.” Ballpark capacity will increase from about 36,300 to about 38,800 next year, but team owners said that they “will not expand Fenway’s capacity above 40,000 and that they do not want to add an upper deck.” The Red Sox are also planning a number of improvements around the neighborhood and are in negotiations to purchase three buildings near Fenway Park. Red Sox VP/Planning & Development Janet Marie Smith said that the external changes “are part of the team’s efforts to weave the ballpark into the fabric of the city year round.” Smith: “Our desire is to animate the streets, so there is more going on than just what we present at game time” (BOSTON GLOBE, 3/24).

COMPETITION FUEL: In Boston, Scott Van Voorhis reports the Red Sox confirmed total team revenue “has crossed the $200[M] mark.” Lucchino: “We are convinced that we can generate the revenue needed to be competitive” (BOSTON HERALD, 3/24).