Citgo sign repairs won't leave fans at Fenway Park in the dark

Boston's iconic Citgo sign near Fenway Park will undergo a makeover, officials have announced.

But unlike last year, when the sign went dark during the American League playoffs -- leading some superstitious Red Sox fans to blame it for the team's loss -- the side facing the ballfield will not go dark until after the Sox season ends.

Citgo announced Friday it will renovate the sign to its "1965 glamour." Work began yesterday on the side facing away from Fenway Park.

"After all these years, we know how passionate Bostonians are about our sign, which is commonly referred to as a Boston landmark," said Citgo president and CEO Luis Marin in a statement issued Friday.

"That's why we designed our refurbishment plan to accommodate not only the baseball schedule, but also to ensure the sign is illuminated as quickly as possible once work begins."

The entire 60-by-60-foot panel on the side of the sign facing away from the park will be removed and restored, meaning that part of the sign will be turned off for about two and a half weeks.

The Fenway Park side of the sign will remain lighted until after the Red Sox season ends. Then, that panel will be removed and restored. Last night, the Sox clinched a playoff berth.

Last year, a malfunction caused the landmark to go dark during the playoffs. Mayor Thomas M. Menino called the Texas-based oil company asking if someone could flip the switch on the sign, even if the lighting was spotty.

Menino said the postponed renovation is one ingredient to helping the team win a World Series.

He applauded Citgo yesterday for investing in what he calls one of the city's famous features.

"It appears they understand the significance and importance to keep the sign lit," said Thomas Tinlin, deputy commissioner of the Boston Transportation Department. "Finally, this is the year the Sox reverse the curse. . . . I'm just hoping they keep it illuminated until after the victory parade. We need all the help we can get."