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Home , Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Kenmore Square, New England Revolution, TD Garden

You don’t need to ask someone from to learn how residents feel about their sports. People from all over the world know Bostonians are sport fanatics. The team doesn’t matter; the sport itself doesn’t even matter. What matters is Boston, and any team from Beantown is a of serious pride.

If you’ve never been to a Boston game, pick a game—any game.

We’ve got the information you need to look like a seasoned fan, which means all you have to do is sit back and enjoy. We guarantee you’ll be a rabid Boston fan, with foam finger, face paint, and all, after just a few pulse-pounding, ear-splitting minutes in the presence of athletic greatness. The Big Four

When asked about Boston sports teams, most can name the four most famous: the , the , the and the Patriots. Staples of the American sports scene, these teams have been in existence for several decades, and more than a century in the case of the Sox.

Your Boston sports education can’t go any further if you don’t learn the basics of the Big Four, starting with the oldest.

3 The Boston Red Sox The Red Sox were one of the original eight charter teams of the American League. The team was born in 1901, though they weren’t officially the Red Sox until 1908. Before the name was changed, the team was known as the Red Stockings.

The Boston Red Sox started with a bang, winning five World Series titles before 1918. With the sale of Babe Ruth to the , the team then experienced what many call “The ” and didn’t win another World Series until 2004.

Despite the end of the curse, the rivalry between the Sox and the Yankees remains fierce—probably the fiercest in the entire sports world.

4 Visiting Park

When planning a trip to Fenway, the home field of the Red Sox, keep in mind the seating capacity is 39,605 at most. That means you should seek out tickets ahead of time, especially since every home game since May 15, 2003, has been sold out. Because the park was built in 1912, you should make ample time before your first game to stroll the grounds and absorb the history.

4 5 Driving to the park can be a hassle, so most take the subway to Kenmore Square off the Line.

From there, you’ll need to get to the Park Street Station, where you can take any train on the Green Line except the E train. If you do plan to arrive by car, you’ll want to leave several hours for traveling, even if you’re just a few miles away. The roads nearest the park start clogging an hour or more before the game starts. Because of the stadium’s location, parking is scarce and can cost up to $40 for one game.

If this all sounds exhausting, consider reserving car service. You and your friends can enjoy the festive atmosphere without the stress of driving, and you won’t need to worry about finding a parking space.

6 The Eats Near Fenway

As exciting as ballpark food sounds, reality is a very different story. For those times when a hot dog or popcorn just won’t cut it, you can seek out some of the best restaurants Boston has to offer, and all are within a short distance from . There’s no reason you can’t enjoy a great meal and a victory in the same day.

6 7 Bleacher Bar Located inside Fenway Park, Bleacher Bar offers far more than the ballpark fare. Here, you can enjoy American classics, including steaks, seafood, chicken, and cold beer with a great view of the field. There’s no direct access to the stadium, however, so don’t expect to walk right in for the game after you’ve paid your check.

82A Lansdowne St Boston, MA 02215 (617) 262-2424

Boston Beer Works Located right next to Fenway, Boston Beer Works has become a staple on game day over the past several years. With several microbrews on tap and all your domestic and imported favorites, this is the perfect place to enjoy a pre-game meal and a post-game celebration.

61 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215 (617) 536-2337

The Lansdowne You can’t visit Boston without embracing the Irish culture, and the Lansdowne lets you do just that. This large Irish pub features classics like shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and Irish stew. The bar is open until 2:00 a.m., so dropping by after the game is welcome, too.

9 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02215 (617) 247-1222

8 Hotel Commonwealth Where to Stay Finding a hotel in Boston on a game day isn’t impossible, but you should certainly expect a struggle. The sooner you can prepare, the more likely you’ll be to find great rates close to Fenway. If you plan far enough in advance, give some of these hotels a call. As historic Boston favorites, they’re sure to delight.

8 9 Hotel Commonwealth Overlooking both Kenmore Square and Fenway Park, this hotel guarantees you an amazing view. These rooms are known to be some of the largest accommodations in Boston, which means you and your family or guests will have plenty of room to move. The Hotel Commonwealth also offers a large of amenities, including bathrobes, iPod docking stations, a DVD lending library, and several books in each room by local authors.

500 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215 (617) 933-5000

Boston Marriott Copley Place As a part of the Marriott chain, the Boston Marriott Copley Place promises a certain level of luxury. Also, as it’s located less than half a mile from Fenway Park, this hotel promises convenience on game days. You’ll enjoy the many amenities, including a health club, restaurant, premium bedding, and beautiful views of Boston.

110 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116 (617) 236-5800

The Colonnade Hotel With incredible views of Boston from almost every window and just a few short blocks between the hotel entrance and Fenway Park, the Colonnade Hotel is an excellent choice for game day accommodations. You’ll love the premium bedding, the rooftop pool, Keurig coffeemakers, iPod docking stations, and the fitness —and you’ll experience all of it before you even make it to the game.

120 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116 (617) 424-7000

10 The Boston Bruins

The next Boston team to form was the Boston Bruins, the ’s third-oldest team. Formed in 1924, the Bruins are one of the , which also includes the Leafs, the , the Blackhawks, the Canadiens, and the .

Since 1995, the team has called TD Garden home, but before that, the Bruins played at . This team has brought home the six times, with two of those victories earned while hockey legend played for the Bruins.

10 11 The Boston Celtics

In 1946, the Boston Celtics were formed as a part of the Basketball Association of America, which was later merged with the National Basketball Association. The Celtics also now call TD Garden home after playing at Boston Garden until 1995.

This team has several unique credits in its history, starting with the first drafted African-American player, Chuck Cooper, in 1950. The Celtics’ past also includes some basketball greats, like KC Jones, , and , and a few tragedies, like the deaths of and 1986 . With 17 national championships, the most any NBA team can claim, the Celtics remain legendary.

12 Traveling to TD Garden

Travel to TD Garden, where the Bruins and Celtics play, can also be a hassle. Unless you’re staying in one of the hotels nearby, plan for more than an hour of travel time. The subway stop you’ll need to remember is , and many of the lines arrive at this stop directly. If you take the Red Line, switch to the Green Line Eastbound at the Park Street top, and for the Blue Line, switch to the Green Line Eastbound at Government Station.

12 13 For those driving, keep in mind the streets will crowd at least an hour before the game.

Parking is a bit easier to find here than at Fenway Park, but you will pay a premium. Many public garages charge $30 or more for event parking, so work that into your budget for the evening.

Again, a sedan service may be the perfect choice, as your driver can navigate the traffic for you and drop you directly at the door. You’ll be able to enjoy refreshments on your way to the hockey or basketball game without worrying about driving. If you decide to celebrate during the game, you can rest assured someone will be driving you home.

14 Game Day Eats Near TD Garden Flat Iron Tapas Bar

14 15 Flat Iron Tapas Bar As much as you want to believe you won’t touch the stadium food, there’s something special about a big, soft pretzel. That’s why the Flat Iron Tapas Bar could be the perfect choice for a pre-game meal. The tapas-style menu, which is much lighter fare than full-menu offerings at other nearby spots, will leave you satisfied without filling you. You can enjoy the cuisine and still save room for a hot dog.

107 Merrimac St, Boston, MA 02114 (617) 778-2900 The Fours A tribute to the four great Boston sports teams, this bar has operated since 1976 and caters directly to the Boston sports fanatics you’ll meet at the games. With memorabilia from some of the city’s biggest legends, eating at The Fours can be a lesson in history and a dining experience.

166 Canal St, Boston, MA 02114 (617) 720-4455 McGann’s Pub Again, the Irish spirit is alive and well in Boston, and you can experience it for yourself both before and after the game at McGann’s Pub. Enjoy traditional Irish dishes washed down with a nice pint of Guinness. There’s no better way to experience a game day in the city.

197 Portland St, Boston, MA 02114 (617) 227-4059

16 Where to Stay The Bulfinch Hotel

16 17 The Bulfinch Hotel Offering charm for miles, the Bulfinch Hotel is the perfect choice for your Boston Bruins or Celtics experience. This classic Flat Iron building, also home to the Flat Iron Tapas Bar, is filled with amenities to make your stay perfect, including premium bedding, a fitness center, and incredible views of Boston.

107 Merrimac St, Boston, MA 02114 (617) 624-0202 Ames Hotel Boston As far as luxury and elegance go, not much tops the Ames Hotel Boston. This incredible accommodation is housed in the Byzantine-Romanesque style Ames building, and it was built in 1893. You can enjoy stunning décor, marble fireplaces, dramatic views, fitness and business centers, and impressive bedding. No other stay in Boston can compare.

1 Court St, Boston, MA 02108 (617) 979-8100 Onyx Hotel Offering hospitality and elegance, the Onyx is a boutique accommodation with the service of a much larger hotel. You’ll enjoy the trendy décor, health club, massage services, and dreamy beds during your stay. Best of all, you’ll be a short walk from TD Garden, so you’ll never need to worry about traffic on game day.

155 Portland St, Boston, MA 02114 (617) 557-9955

18 The

Last but not least are the New England Patriots, formed in 1959. The team was first named the Boston Patriots and it was one of the eight original teams of the League.

Until the AFL and NFL merged in 1970, the Boston Patriots had a hard time producing consistent results, appearing only once in an AFL championship game but losing pretty spectacularly to the San Diego Chargers, 52–10. Many of the failures were blamed on the fact the team didn’t have its own stadium.

18 19 Since the merger and the team’s move in 1971 from Boston to their very own field in Foxborough, which necessitated a name change from Boston Patriots to New England Patriots, things have been looking much better. In fact, the Patriots have the third highest number of Super Bowl appearances, behind the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys. They’ve also had more Super Bowl appearances than any other team in the last 25 years.

20 Getting to Gillette Stadium, the home of the New England Patriots, is located about 22 miles from . Your planning for arrival at these games will need to take the distance into account. There is public transportation available, but only on Patriot game days. For any other events at Gillette Stadium, the Patriot Train isn’t available. Because the area isn’t as populated as Boston, parking isn’t as hard to find, but you should be prepared to pay.

20 21 As one particularly exciting point in the pro column for driving, you can always arrive early and enjoy the atmosphere at the famous New England tailgate parties, where steaks, sausages, and even lobsters hit the grills pretty early. Leaving the event is also prime frustration time, as the surrounding roads tend to form bottlenecks immediately and remain crammed for hours.

Though the trip is over twenty miles, you should seriously consider car service for your Patriot events, too. After taking the cost of trains, traffic, and parking into account, you’ll likely find sharing a sedan to the game is a more cost-effective solution.

22 Dining Near Gillette Stadium While you may not have the many choices of Boston within a short distance of Gillette Stadium, there are still plenty of restaurants serving great food, fine spirits, and a warm environment. On game days, you can be certain plenty of other football fans will be eating in the same place, adding to the excitement of the coming gridiron battle. Take a look at some of these local spots and enjoy.

22 23 British Beer Company For lively pub fare and a fun atmosphere, nothing beats British Beer Company. As you might imagine, the hours before games can be boisterous, and celebrations after are not to be missed. Get filling food just as you’d expect in a British pub, as well as some beers you may never have heard of.

85 Providence Hwy, East Walpole, MA 02032 (508) 668-9909 Tavern from the Tower Square Overlooking Turnpike Lake, the Tavern from the Tower Square is situated to give you a great view and an excellent dining experience. With warm and friendly service, you’ll enjoy your meal before the game and have no need for stadium food. Expect traditional fare, with steaks, burgers, chicken, and pasta, as well as a few wines and beers for celebration.

119 Washington Street, Plainville MA 02762 (508) 699-7600 Red Wing Diner Though it may look like a dive, there’s a reason this roadside diner has been popular for years. If you’re looking for an unpretentious eat before the game, this is where you want to be situated. Recommended are the fried clams, steak tips, and pizza, served with pure Boston flair. As a bonus, it’s just steps away from the stadium.

2235 Providence Hwy, Walpole, MA 02081 (508) 668-0453

24 Where to Stay Renaissance Boston Hotel and Spa

24 25 Renaissance Boston Hotel and Spa Located only a mile from Gillette Stadium, this hotel and spa is your best bet. You’ll get the service and comfort you’ve come to expect from Renaissance hotels. Amenities include a restaurant, meeting spaces, spa services, and amazing views of Gillette Stadium. This is a definite winner for unwinding after the big win.

28 Patriot Pl, Foxboro, MA 02035 (508) 543-5500 The Courtyard by Marriott Located four miles from Gillette Stadium, the Courtyard is another excellent choice for lodging. Anyone familiar with the Marriott name knows the quality of service to expect. These rooms come with several amenities, including premium bedding, Internet access, a swimming pool, and meeting areas.

35 Foxborough Blvd, Foxboro, MA 02035 (508) 543-5222 Four Points by Sheraton Four Points by Sheraton is the perfect destination for relaxing after the game. You’ll enjoy several different meeting spaces, a whirlpool, a spa-style fitness center, premium bedding, and two restaurants on site. Don’t overlook this choice simply because it’s located eight miles from the stadium. Make use of car service and really enjoy your trip.

1125 Boston Providence Turnpike, Norwood, MA 02062 (781) 769-7900

26 The Other Football

Though the sport is known as “football” everywhere else in the world, America calls it soccer, and Boston is home to one of the top teams in the nation.

As with the other professional teams in the area, the was among the first in the country—it’s one of the 10 charter clubs in the MLS, to be exact. Though the team hasn’t yet won the MLS cup, they do have some pretty impressive trophies, including the US Open Cup of 2007.

Since the home games for the New England Revolution are played at Gillette Stadium, you already know the best places to eat and sleep in Foxborough. All you need now are tickets to the big game.

26 27 The Minor Leagues

The Pawtucket Red Sox, also known as the PawSox, play in Pawtucket, , just a short drive from Boston. Families and corporations love to attend the games because of the fun, relaxed environment. The team calls McCoy Stadium home, and the compound offers plenty for all ages, including murals of players past and present, barbecue areas, box seats, and kids’ events.

The affiliate for the Boston Bruins is the . The home for this hockey team is the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, which always offers a fun and vibrant atmosphere for people of all ages. Games are perfect activities for traveling business associates and families, as they offer plenty of options for all ages. Box seats, kids’ games, and plenty of refreshments make for excellent outings.

28 Where to Eat

If you’re planning to attend a Pawtucket Red Sox or Providence Bruins game, you’ll need to know the lay of the land. Some restaurant suggestions include:

Spumoni’s This eatery features authentic Italian pasta and seafood in a casual environment, with children’s menus that offer plenty of options.

1537 Newport Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02861 (401) 726-4449 Hose Company No. 6 This refurbished firehouse is the perfect place for a special occasion. You and your guests will love the atmosphere, made perfect by the firehouse relics from bygone eras. In addition to classic American fare, the Hose Company No. 6 also hosts trivia and karaoke nights for additional fun.

636 Central Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02861 (401) 722-7220

28 29 Gracie’s This fine dining establishment in Providence has been a city favorite for years. The chef-driven menu features fresh, fun takes on traditional dishes and highlights the seafood New England is known for. Every dish is immaculately prepared and presented, from the sea scallops to the black Angus ribeye. For impressing guests and clients, nothing tops Gracie’s.

194 Washington St, Providence, RI 02903 (401) 272-7811

30 Where to Stay Providence Biltmore

30 31 Providence Biltmore Located six miles from Pawtucket, this luxurious hotel is an excellent choice for travelers who hope to enjoy Pawtucket Red Sox games in style. Make use of the several amenities, including the spa, the seafood restaurant, an on-site Starbucks, a fitness center, and premium bedding.

11 Dorrance St, Providence, RI 02903 (401) 421-0700 Hotel Providence Considered one of the top hotels in Providence, this four-diamond accommodation could be exactly what you seek. Pawtucket is located a few short miles away, a drive made easy by sedan service to and from the games. During your stay, you can enjoy the many amenities, including laundry services, meeting spaces, a fitness studio, premium bedding, and on-site dining.

139 Mathewson St, Providence, RI 02903 (401) 861-8000

You now have all the information you need to organize the best Boston sporting weekend ever. All you have to do is choose your game, make your hotel reservations, arrange for car service so you can fully enjoy the night, and you’re set. We know you’ll be a No. 1 Fan in no time.

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We are New England’s premier luxury transportation with a full fleet of luxury vehicles for parties of any size and a staff that will ensure a ride of a lifetime. Exceptional is the limousine and sedan company of choice when traveling to and from Boston sporting events so you and your travel companions can celebrate the victories without worry. Connect with us

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