Among the additions, there will be an updated pavilion level at Fenway Park this yeargetty images
Red Sox President Sam Kennedy says he "remains focused on improving the experience" at Fenway Park this year, as fans can expect "larger beers, one-pound cookies, a revamped pavilion level and the return of Heinz tomato ketchup" at Tuesday's home opener, according to Lance Reynolds of the BOSTON HERALD. Fans of all ages "trickled out into the cold, misty weather" Saturday to "take in the sights of Fenway, strolling around the field, dugouts and concession stands, and finding warmth in the fourth and fifth levels of the ballpark," now called the Aura Pavilion. Aura, a Boston-based software company focused on online safety, secured naming rights to the pavilion after State Street held the sponsorship since 2006. Fans will "have the option to sip on a cold one in a 25-ounce can or cup," an increase from the 16-ounce maximums in past seasons, though Kennedy said he "doesn’t anticipate much change in alcohol consumption at the ballpark" (
BOSTON HERALD, 4/6).
BITTER END: In N.Y., Bill Madden wrote that late baseball exec Larry Lucchino "had a falling out" with Red Sox owner John Henry and Red Sox Chair Tom Werner, who "blamed him for the disastrous hiring of Bobby Valentine as manager in 2011 and the loss of Jon Lester in 2014." Werner was said to have "long been jealous of Lucchino getting all the credit" for the Red Sox successes, and "with Henry’s blessing was able to push Lucchino out." Friends said Lucchino "died a bitter man after the way things ended for him in Boston." Madden: "I would add it’s no coincidence the Red Sox ownership/front office has been a dysfunctional mess and the team has gone backward since his departure" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 4/6).
WINNING ATTITUDE: SBJ Exec Editor & Publisher Abe Madkour writes Lucchino was "genuine, yet complicated." Madkour: "I was struck that someone not from Boston or New England so understood Red Sox Nation and the market like he did." Madkour added Lucchino was "one of the more effective communicators I have seen in that role; he loved sparring with the media but always got his point across." Madkour: "Aggressive and intense, he would go overboard at times. But fans knew he cared" (SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL, 4/8 issue).
