As you guys know, we are proud members of Red Sox Nation around here. I grew up watching the Red Sox, Dr. G. adopted the team a long time ago, and we are definitely raising two little Red Sox fans. I still remember the look of pure delight (and maybe some disbelief) on Buddy’s face last year when he was watching batting practice at Fenway and saw his idol, Dustin Pedroia, walk by. And, of course, Mimi is the girl who hears the national anthem and calls it “the Red Sox song.”
So as a lifelong Sox fan and the mom of two fans, I’m thrilled to announce I was asked to join the Red Sox Moms blogger team for the 2015 season! As part of this, I will be sharing information about the team, events happening at Fenway Park, and various activities sponsored by the Red Sox.
I recently attended a kick-off luncheon at the ballpark where I got a glimpse of some of the ways they are making games (and Fenway) more family-friendly. The most exciting one, for me, is “Calling All Kids”— an invite for kids to join Red Sox Kid Nation, presented by Hood, for free.
For free?! Nice! Buddy has been a member of Red Sox Kid Nation since he was a toddler, and we still have the various lunchboxes, hats, backpacks, and jerseys he’s received over the years as part of the membership. Which we paid for annually. So I admit I was pretty psyched to hear it’s now free.
And not only is the program free, but the first 25,000 kids registered for Red Sox Kid Nation will receive a free ticket to a 2015 game. Trust me, we jumped all over that one because, as any Sox fan knows, its not cheap to go to a game. In fact, the Red Sox have the highest ticket prices in all baseball. So this is an excellent deal.
I heard they’re starting to get close to that 25K mark, and some games and/or seating are no longer available, so if you’re interested, definitely act soon and click here to sign up for Kid Nation.
But that’s only the start. I also learned that they are unveiling a new special entrance at Fenway dedicated to children and families known as Gate K(ids) & Kid Nation Concourse, located near the corner of Van Ness and Ipswich Streets (for those familiar with Fenway).
The gate will lead fans into the new Kid Nation Concourse featuring fun attractions for young fans. Think along the lines of a seven-foot giant Wally bobblehead, an interactive video wall, a balloon artist, stilt walker, face painter, etc. Oh, and kid-themed concessions including a $5 kids meal consisting of a mini hot dog, cotton candy, and a small juice — which just happen to be Buddy’s favorite baseball snack requests. Score!
In addition, the Red Sox Kid Nation Clubhouse — which I admit, I didn’t know even existed — is being transformed into the new “Wally’s Clubhouse.” Open from the third to seventh inning throughout the season, it provides families with an escape from inclement weather, a place to play and walk around, and a welcoming venue for children to meet Wally the Green Monster (so you don’t have to stalk him wander around for that photo opp).
Oh, and don’t worry, I checked — you can buy beer there and there are TV screens so you can watch the game while your little one plays.
Another cool feature: a new group of Fenway Park staff, Red Sox Kids Crew, will greet kids as they enter Gate K, lead children in games, and provide families with assistance and information about kid-friendly Fenway Park activities. Speaking of which, did you know that every Customer Service booth at Fenway has emergency diapers, wipes, and even sunscreen for families…for free??? No need to have to rush out of the stadium to CVS when you realize you forgot to stock the diaper bag!
Between the new look of the team and all these awesome family-friendly initiatives, we’re just itching for Opening Day. Stay tuned throughout the season for more events, information, and activities happening within the Red Sox organization. Go Sox!
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Angela @ happy fit mama says
So cool! My kids have yet to go to a game. Looks like this is the summer to make it happen!
Jessica says
These initiatives will definitely make it easier to take kids to Fenway … especially the Clubhouse. There’s no way my 3-year-old will sit still for 9 innings, so now she has a safe place to run around,
Maggie says
Thank you for sharing this great info!!