Restrictions for Fenway area tonight

Access to the area around Fenway Park will be restricted after the beginning of the seventh inning of tonight's Red Sox game, said Edward Davis, Boston Police commissioner, at a press conference this afternoon.

Fans waiting to get inside crowded bars and clubs on Lansdowne Street, Yawkey Way, and Ipswich Street will be asked to leave the area until the game is over, Davis said.

Davis and Mayor Thomas Menino said at the conference that extra officers will be on patrol around the park this evening in preparation for the game, in which the Sox will challenge the Cleveland Indians in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series.

Streets around the park will be in under video surveillance, said Davis, and Boston and campus police officers will be using additional cameras to "have a full record" of the postgame festivities.

"It is no doubt a time for celebration," Davis said. "We ask you not to ruin the celebration by hurting yourself or others."

Officers on duty will be equipped with pepper spray and will mostly patrol the area on foot, Davis said.

Pepper-pellet weapons, like the one that killed 21-year-old student Victoria Snelgrove in the aftermath of the 2004 series finale, will not be used.

"Regardless of the outcome, expect the full cooperation of the police department," Menino said. "They will ensure we have a fun and safe night in the city of Boston."