Another fixup for a field of dreams

(Globe File Photo)
By Brian R. Ballou, Globe Staff
Fenway Park is receiving another nip and tuck that may be the last major improvement to the storied ballpark.
A swath of seats has been removed from the lower portion of the seating area from dugout to dugout so that the concrete underneath can be repaired and waterproofed, Red Sox officials said today. New, wider seats will then be installed.The work is part of a nine-year improvement plan that will cost more than $100 million.
"We are in the eighth inning of a nine-inning game with respect to improvements of Fenway Park," said Larry Lucchino, Red Sox President and CEO.
Lucchino said the team currently has no plans to build another stadium. But he said Fenway would probably remain viable for 30 or 40 more years, and that the front office has been keeping a close eye on what is going on in New York, where the Yankees this past season shuttered their own storied park and will begin play next year in a new stadium.
"We'll certainly keep a close eye on New York, watching closely to see what happens to revenue and their overall financial wherewithal. It may have some impact on us, but that's to be seen. But no thought has been given to a new ballpark," Lucchino said at a news conference underneath the upper deck near third base at Fenway.
Other improvements to Fenway this year include refurbishing some of the park's original wooden seats, adding wider seating in additional areas, and improving handicapped access. The Budweiser right field roof deck will also be expanded.
Lucchino said he hopes the improvements will help attract another All-Star game to Boston, particularly in 2012, when the park turns 100.



What about making all the seats wider? These seats were designed in 1912 when your average male was about 150 lbs. I'm a fit 200 lbs and don't fit in those God awful seats. Greatest ballpark in America, but the most uncomfortable seats anyone can sit in. When I go to games with my buddies, we have to take turns seating up or back in the seats just so we all fit in the row! That's just not right!
Losers
Wider seats in the front rows will only give reason to raise the price. The people who had the front rows for decades and are now in 3rd rows and more have to pay more and still have same seats.
I am small and uncomfortable. Big folks are in agony!
Entire park needs new seats which of course would cut down on the attendance numbers. Another reason to raise the prices.
hey Jimbo...if you actually read the article, then you would have picked up on: "A swath of seats has been removed from the lower portion of the seating area from dugout to dugout so that the concrete underneath can be repaired and waterproofed, Red Sox officials said today. New, wider seats will then be installed."
So to reiterate...the seats will in fact be wider.
This ownership has paid particular attention to the needs of one of the Last remaining Cathedrals in baseball, now, one of only 2 that have had the great Babe Ruth play a game in. They have the fans best interest in making the game as comfortable and enjoyable as they can. At some point in time I would hope all the seats are wider and more comfortable. And to Losers, you are just that Losers! Great Job Mr. Henry, Mr. Werner, and Mr. Lucchino.
Oh Great! Let's see if I have this right. People eat too much, become overweight and no longer fit into the seats at our beloved Fenway Park. The existing seats are replaced with fewer wider seats to fit wider bottoms and because there are fewer seats the price increases. So now it cost more to go to Fenway Park because of overweight people. Let's keep the price the same and require them to buy two seats, like on an airplane.
Memo to Jimbo -- lose some weight.
MT, you should have stayed in school, gotten a better education, and instead of working at McDonald's, you could have a better paying job. Then you could afford to buy better seats. Stick to sitting in Bleacher section 42, row 49....all the way at the top. My Yankee gaydar is beeping like crazy right now, and it's aimed at MT.
The Red Sox would be smart to hold ticket prices the same as last year. If they do not, you will see the sell out streak end this season. Mark my words.
The dump is a dump no matter what they try. The added seats are being put in another zip code. The wider seats are not only being put in so the fanatics can sit besides they are use to standing anyhow now it also for ease of getting to your seat without having to walk a tight rope.
A Cathedral is an edifice that stands out amongst other buildings. Your park looks like any park that has been around for 100 years old. Besides they will never tear it down because you are too busy trying to make it better.
Keep trying...
Keep trying...
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
INside Boston.com
LOCAL BLOGS
Universal Hub
The Chinatown Blog
CommonWealth Magazine
Red Mass Group
Blue Mass Group
Boston 1775
The Berkeley Beacon
The Daily Collegian
The Daily Free Press
The Harvard Crimson
The Heights
The Huntington News
The Suffolk Journal
The Tech
The Tufts Daily