What Sports Fans Should Do When Visiting Boston
Boston has some of the most celebrated sports teams in the country. Fan or not, here’s how you can learn about their history.
Boston has arguably some of the best and loudest sports fans in the world. And it’s understandable, as the city has a team in every major pro sports league like the NFL, the NHL, the NBA, and the oldest, the MLB.
So if you want to go on a tour of sports history, Boston’s one of the best cities you can visit.
The city is accustomed to a winning culture through different periods. Although it experienced a semblance of a drought in the 70s and 80s, things have looked up since then. Since the turn of the millennium, 12 major American pro sports trophies have resided in Boston at one time or another, even simultaneously at times.
So how do you ensure you’ll make the most out of your trip? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Consider Visiting in the Spring
If you want to experience sports madness, make sure to come for the Boston Marathon. It’s Boston for sports fans at its finest after all. This legendary 26.2-mile race happens every year on St Patriot’s Day. Go in early, sign up, qualify, and test your resilience.
But if that doesn’t appeal to you, at least check out the runners from multiple locations, particularly between Hopkinton and Copley Square.
Check Out the New TD Garden
TD Garden replaced the old Boston Garden in September 1995. Although the old building hosted some amazing games over the years, the new arena looks more impressive. That’s even if it does not boast of all the amenities often found in the latest generation of US pro stadiums.
Today, TD Garden is the home stadium for the Celtics and the Bruins. The Garden also has memorabilia for both teams on display for everyone to check out – something no true sports fan should miss out on while visiting the city. As you may know, both the Boston Celtics and the Boston Bruins were among the founding teams in their respective league.
What’s even better about TD Garden?
It’s right next to North Station. This puts the venue in close proximity to public transportation and makes for very easy access from all over the city.
Book Your Ticket to the Beanpot Hockey Tournament
Bostonians are hot for hockey, making you almost feel like you’re in Canada. That’s why another great idea for a stop on your Boston for sports fans tour is the Beanpot Hockey Tournament that starts every year in October and runs through March.
Hockey is Boston’s main college sport, quite unlike the South and the Midwest where football is king by a mile. What’s interesting is that the tournament features teams from all major universities in the city. So you can just tell that the rivalry is going to be fierce in the matches.
Visit the Iconic Fenway Park
You can’t plan a trip to Boston and not put Fenway Park on your itinerary. It’s the country’s oldest Major League stadium after all and the site of the first World Series.
The city was under the Curse of the Bambino for some 86 years until it was broken by the Red Sox in 2004. You could say that Red Sox fans have become even more crazed since then.
Finding a ticket on game day is probably among the hardest things to do in Boston unless you’re willing to shell out on Stubhub. But with a bit of planning, you can enjoy a Red Sox game on your next trip. Also, there are plenty of tours of the park available should you want to go beyond the stands.
While in Fenway, give bowling a try, too. The Lucky Strike complex features a full bar, a game room, and 16 bowling lanes. The on-site brewery is a massive hit with locals and tourists alike, and the vast amount of entertainment is perfect for a night out.
Feel Some Thrills at the Gillette Stadium
Tom Brady may have left for fairer weather, but that doesn’t mean Boston sports fans stopped supporting their team.
Gillette Stadium in the Greater Boston area is something you don’t want to miss. A tour of this fairly modern football stadium is quite easy to arrange. But catching a game on your trip is definitely going to make for an amazing experience.
Don’t worry if the weather isn’t kind. The stadium is equipped with excellent heating, what with all the postseason games that the Patriots have hosted in the last couple of decades. Still, bring a blanket just in case.
Don’t Forget About the Local Sports Bars
Not everyone can get a ticket for the big game day. But don’t think that’s ever going to stop Bostonians and all other sports fans from rooting for their teams together.
Boston’s sports bar scene is amazing. And Bar Louie and the Scorpion Bar are two of the most popular locations. But you can also check out the massive screens in Foxboro. Meanwhile, Cask ‘n Flagon is a popular Fenway hangout, and Parlor Sports, Champions, and Tony C’s Sports Bar & Grill are also fan favorites.
If you’re traveling alone, hitting a sports bar is one of the best decisions you can make. Feel free to enjoy the atmosphere and endless beer on tap at any other sports bar near you. As long as you root for the home teams, Bostonites will show you a good time.
Respect the Tradition
It’s true that not everyone likes Boston sports fans. But the city’s rich sports history is the main reason why the city spawned generations of very loyal fans. And to the local teams, that means everything.
It also means that Boston can be a sports fan’s dream city. There’s a camaraderie around the city that’s hard to match anywhere else.
