If seating availability needs to be adjusted due to the pandemic, a modified plan will be announced in the future. That parking is at the Madison Place lot--it's $15 (cash) and fits a lot of cars. is located just a 20-minute drive from downtown. This open air space of the ballpark is situated underneath the Hanover Deck, and immediately adjacent to the visiting bullpen. Can you just plop down a blanket there? It should also be mentioned that Worcester is home to many classic diners. Welcome to Polar Park, home of the Worcester Red Sox. Of course, a visit to see the WooSox could easily be combined with a visit to see the parent Boston Red Sox. The buzz I've heard from some of the bartenders in the area is game day business is a mixed bag. I briefly attended Tuesday's non-game (rain out). Polar Park is located in a redesigned Kelley Square, so its fitting that the teams logo contains a heart and this theme is incorporated throughout the ballpark including the seats as you can see pictured below. Become a business or organization member of Discover Central Massachusetts. WOW! Wonder Bar and Wormtown Brewery are on Shrewsbury Street, part of Worcester's "Restaurant Row.". In addition to being known as the "Heart of the Commonwealth," Worcester is "The City of Seven Hills." I'm not sure the new housing construction has enough parking. This space also offers a breathtaking view of the entire City of Worcester, from Union Station to Holy Cross and everything in between. In the broadcast booth, I had the chance to meet Mike Antonellis, one of the WooSox broadcasters. Starting at Gate C on Summit Street, fans can travel freely from Wormtown Brewery and A Taste of Worcester down and around to the Duck Boat and the 8th Hill (behind the videoboard), through the concessionaire-filled concourse, including the Home Plate Bar and the WooSox Market, then back up to the JetBlue Hangar and the beautiful seats atop the Worcester Wall. Our premium hospitality suites are indoor/outdoor spaces on the DCU Club Level. Blue-shaded corrugated steel is a recurring motif on both the outside and inside of Polar Park, giving it an industrial feel that speaks to the region's history. To wit: Polar Park's most popular item is a George's Coney Island dog, which can be obtained from a small kiosk tucked into a picnic area on the first base side of the concourse. Give it a try. Must turn head completely to the left to see scoreboard. Or maybe youd rather head down South with a twist, at Smokestack Urban BBQ, or taste a bit of everything at Bocado Tapas Bar. And if youre all about the atmosphere, head to Flying Rhino Cafe & Watering Hole, offering flavors from around the world with a menu thats chalk-full of originality. Check ur DM and I can scan you a copy, JC Bradbury has a Twitter thread on the funding for Polar Park this morning. locale. If you want to make a day of it, ParkWhiz also offers the 27 Austin Street garage (which is actually entered at 1 Murray Ave--about a block further than Federal Plaza)--in my experience it's been about $8 including fees for a 24-hour period. A small monument on campus commemorates the feat. He now has something new to chat about with his Grandfather the Brooklyn Dodgers fan. big blue bug batter's box; shaw's woosox bullpen terrace; shaw's visitors' bullpen terrace; flexcon porch; hanover deck; rodenhiser bridge; beer garden; rf party deck; ballpark renderings. Definitely stop by although we will be doing a lap or two of the stadium to check it out. I really like the Coney sauce for the well-browned dogs at the George's Coney Island stand. view sections. The initial capacity, however, at 9,508, is simply a subtle wink and a nod to the residents of the region.. Grass berm seating is arguably the best place in the entire ballpark for families. Candlepin bowling, a miniaturized (and more difficult) form of "regular" bowling, was invented in Worcester. Are you the type of fan who often buys berm tickets, or do you generally avoid this part of the park? The uniform facelift reintroduces red into the color scheme as an homage to the iconic. Anything special for concessions at the park or should we eat elsewhere? seating sections. The grassy berm, which stretches from the left-field foul pole to the batters eye in center. On June 12, 1880, Lee Richmond of the Worcester Worcesters pitched the first perfect game in Major League history. For more than a hundred centuries the Emperor has sat immobile on the Golden Throne of Earth. Capacity of 75 people), Worcester Wall (Max. The WooSox wanted to make sure that they had a lot of unique and good seating options. Polar Park is a great venue to see a game. I was planning to take in a few games but haven't seen anything yet. Electric Vehicle ; Autos ; Reviews ; Acura; Alfa Romeo; AMC; Apollo; Apple Car; Aston Martin; Audi WOW! Benjamin Hill, who covers the business and culture of Minor League Baseball, has visited 181 Minor League ballparks. Chashu is your spot for funky vibes and flavorful ramen, specializing in tapas to be shared. The Craft Corner, behind the Worcester Wall in right field, is a good place to try something new while watching the ballgame from a unique angle. There are specialty POW! (Katie Morrison / MassLive). The Craft Corner is an outdoor space down the right field foul line where you and your group could host anything from a bachelor/bachelorette party to a post-meeting happy hour or a family/alumni reunion. They may see more traffic before games but people obvious then leave quickly to get to the game. General admission table seat at Craft Corner in Polar Park (Nick O'Malley, MassLive) 4. The goal is clarity, said Lucchino, the clubs Chairman and Principal Owner. Dugout Seats, DCU Club Seats, and Home Plate Field Boxes all have wider seats and wait service. Worcester and Double-A Portland are, like the Boston Red Sox, New England entities. The Party Bridge is a unique space for those who are looking to enjoy hors d'oeurves and refreshments after a long day at work, or simply wanting to spend some time with your closest friends. Union Station also boasts a major bus terminal. Needless to say, the arrival of the Worcester Red Sox -- unofficially but widely known as the WooSox -- was a big deal. worcester wall. I'll be travelling in a couple weeks to Polar Park for the first time, and I saw the satellite view of parking sites on the WooSox page, but it all just looks like a bunch of points on a map to me. More seats, seating options available. He is the master of mankind by the will of the gods, and master of a million worlds by the might of his inexhaustible armies. It took a couple of months, but seating at Polar Park is fully open and operational, with fans now able to do a full loop around the park. Whether you're enjoying a bird's eye view of the ballpark from the DCU Club Level, or living the life of a WooSox baseball player in the Home Clubhouse, there is surely an option that suits your occasion. On Saturday, July 10, I visited Polar Park for the Saturday at the Park open house event. Fans can purchase tickets at the Polar Park Ticket Office, and can call (508) 500-1000 or email [emailprotected] for more information. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Change). Also,I-84 North andI-395 North are major routes into the region. Fans can join the Booster Club at gowoosox.com. The WooSox also fit in nicely to a "four teams in four states" New England ballpark trip, also including the Hartford Yard Goats, New Hampshire Fisher Cats and Portland Sea Dogs (located one rung below Worcester on Boston's Minor League ladder). With its May 11 opening day on the horizon, the brand new Polar Park stadium is gearing up for a season to remember. Call 508-500-8888 and press 3. (LogOut/ The land where the park will be built was initially going to act as a NASCAR training facility or rock quarry, but when those didn't pan out, it was left an unfinished project. Polar Park's upper level is dominated by the DCU Club, with suites located down the first- and third-base lines. worcester wall. Start at Wachusett Brewing Co.s tap room at Worcester Public Market for a beer lineup built by local college alumni who pursued their passion by immersing themselves in craft brewing culture. Much of the design of Polar Park and the WooSox logos were also based on Worcester history. The WooSox relocated from Pawtucket, R.I., where they were commonly known as the PawSox. Rows will also be numbered, starting with Row 1 being closest to the field. According to WooSox employee Marie Roy, the organization is a very welcoming employer. All seating categories have ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) seating, including a dozen down at the field in the Dugout Seats category. Enjoy the sights and sounds of passing freight trains, sit atop the Green Monster-inspired Worcester Wall and hobnob with the happiest mascot in all of professional sports. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Heres your go-to guide for even more brew stops and wineries in the region. WORCESTER Another new feature was unveiled at Polar Park Tuesday as the outfield berm officially opened to fans. Berm seating in left field is overshadowed by a gigantic videoboard, and train tracks run along an embankment behind this section of the ballpark. Polar Park 4 6 #24 of 44 things to do in Worcester Arenas & Stadiums Visit website Call Write a review What people are saying By MelissaMS61 " A Fantastic Afternoon or Evening " Jul 2022 The tickets are very inexpensive, parking is readily available with a great parking map on the website. onto your desktop, tablet or mobile device, whether you're. The Polar Park has a capacity of 13,500 seats in total, spread across seven levels. If you live in or near Boston, why not take a train to see the Red Sox's Triple-A affiliate? The walkway behind the berm, which connects the Hanover Deck area on the third baseline to the stairs behind center field, was opened last homestand, but the grass was not ready to accommodate fans thanks to the deluge of rain the area has gotten over the last few weeks. A must-see this summer, bustling with excitement from locals, is at The Hanover Theatre, with their presentation of Shakespeares Julius Caesar from August 3 through August 22. The Unum Sensory Friendly Room was designed to make Polar Park welcoming to fans with disabilities like autism who may have sensory overload challenges. The ballpark's seating capacity is 10,000 fans. Got to the neighborhood around 11:15 (12:05 game), and parked at Federal Plaza garage for $5. Richmond twirled his gem at the Worcester Agricultural Fairgrounds, which is now the campus of Becker College. This means that you may need to stand on the concourse to enjoy the show, rather than lie on the grass. Boston's Triple-A team for the last 48 years called Pawtucket, RI home (1973-2020), and played in McCoy Stadium. Some touches are obvious, such as the Heart-Shaped Light Towers and the Smiley Faces on the Foul Poles. TOURS OF POLAR PARK: Personal tours of Polar Park for as many as 25 at a time are conducted daily throughout the season. The EcoTarium -- "a museum of science and nature" -- offers indoor and outdoor activities and educational experiences over a sprawling 45-acre campus. The tour is full of insights, special sites, Instagram Moments, and Selfie Stops. Polar Park section Berm. Local beer options abound as well, including selections from Worcester's Wormtown Brewery. I didn't think the berm was even going to be ready for this season, but I'm probably wrong. berms. Polar Park boasts plenty of upgrades for upcoming season. Left Field Berm (Max. Do you know what sections are general admission? It contains four and half ounces of fresh lobster meat on a New England split-top roll. With the WooSox on the road, the park was open to the public for a few hours for fans to explore all areas of the the new ballpark in the heart of Massachusetts. As fans walk down the aisle from the concourse, the aisle seat on the left is the last seat of the row in that section, and the aisle seat on the right is Seat 1 of the row in the next section. Further down the first-base line, you'll find one of the many open seating areas at the park . I bought a seat down the 3rd base line, but ended up sitting behind home plate, and out in the right field pavilion (so I could try the barbecue). A big perk of sitting on the grass berm is that you may have a good view of the bullpen action. Capacity of 100 people), Shaw's WooSox' Bullpen Terrace (Max. view sections. The view from the outfield berm at Polar Park. 49. Speaking of trains: Worcester's Union Station -- one of the city's most striking structures -- is located a short walk from the ballpark. Capacity of 1,500 people), Home Plate Bar, presented by Miller-Coors. Due to the emphasis on local cuisine, attending a game at Polar Park provides a good overview of the Worcester food scene. In addition to each of these unique spaces, the Main Concourse also has access to the following options: Plymouth St. Playground, presented by the CCUA (Max. They are a great place to host your meeting, especially if you're looking for a spot with a view. - The Worcester Red Sox announced Thursday several new improvements fans can expect to see at Polar Park this season. You may be in Massachusetts, but when it comes to food Coney Island is king. European-inspired accommodations, abundant free parking, a safe location perfect for Subtle differences speak to Worcester specifically, however. Group Areas on that level include the Hanover Deck (Section 200), featuring sunset views on the Third Base side, and the Rodenhiser Party Bridge (Section 208), which connects the suites to the Right Field Party Deck (Section 209) on the First Base side. Standing just a few yards away something that you can often do at MiLB parks allows you to see small adjustments that pitchers are making, see how catchers are framing pitches and even hear the instructions of pitching coaches. For a full food roundup, heres a link to even more. Restored Diner, Duck Boat Coming To Polar Park - Worcester, MA - The Worcester Red Sox will open a new grassy seating area this week, and have announced a slate of other features coming later in 2021. Polar Park's upper level is dominated by the DCU Club, with suites located down the first- and third-base lines. golf and kayak rentals, on-site spa services, spacious rooms and fireplace suites, the finest Thank you for it. Smiley Ball, the team's mascot, is a reference to Harvey Ball's roots in Worcester. Berm tickets will be sold to the general public for $9, and kids under 12, college students, and veterans can purchase tickets on the berm for $8. The DCU Club is an indoor venue that will be a popular choice for events year-round. In addition, as opposed to Fenway green, the Worcester Wall was painted with a new color known as Woo Blue.. They have completed and opened up the berm in left field, which adds to the old Paw Sox feel. At lots of MiLB parks, the video board sits directly behind the grass berm, which means that youll either spend half your time turning to see the screen or have to give up on the idea entirely. Polar Park is on the verge of becoming fully operational and it coincides with the biggest holiday during the baseball season. WORCESTER Another new feature was unveiled at Polar Park Tuesday as the outfield berm officially opened to fans. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Agency (MBTA) commuter rail offers express service each morning (less than an hour). Utilizing the concourse will be most appropriate for large events such as trade shows, benefit walks/runs, and festivals. I thought general admission was only the kind of crappy seats in the outfield areas. dcu club. Worcester was once home to a Major League Baseball team. Polar Park Quick Facts Location: 100 Madison Street (45 Miles from Fenway Park) First Game Played: May 11, 2021 Seating Capacity: 9,508 Concessions: Currently 11 Options Turf Type: Kentucky Bluegrass Get Directions Photo Gallery Click on a thumbnail below to view the full-sized image. . Capacity of 1,000 people), Summit Street and the Summit St. Terraces (Max. I didn't think the LF berm was open yet. At first, I had a feeling of regret, knowing Rhode Island could have helped the PawSox build a new stadium in our city, but that regret soon turned to an acknowledgement of this parks modern facilities. This grand entrance will be equipped with oversized World Series rings, plenty of greenery, and easy access to the rest of the ballpark. My gal and I finally visited Polar Park on Friday morning and received a nice tour from WooSox employee Kevin Handrigan, a retired firefighter for the city. Then walk straight on over to Seed to Stem, a lifestyle and plant boutique filled with unique botanicals, crystals, home accoutrements and handmade goods. You must log in or register to reply here. The land on which it is located was once dominated by the Wyman-Gordon Company and its huge metal-forging operation. I know some of the people in Worcester who were in on the original postcard drive to convince the Paw Sox to move. Just outside the control room, I was able to meet WooSox Chairman of the Board (and former Red Sox owner) Larry Lucchino and WooSox president Dr. Charles Steinberg. . Boston's farm system also includes two entities located below the Mason-Dixon line. 47. Google MapsWorcester Red Sox RosterWorcester Red Sox Schedule, 100 Madison StreetWorcester, Massachusetts, 01608508-500-1000Capacity: 9,508Dimensions: left field, 329 feet; center field, 402 feet; right field, 320 feet. Located in the heart of the Canal District, Polar Park is home to the Worcester Red Sox. Marginal changes may occur in the process of seat installation, so the illustrations below and attached provide only the current state of design and create no contractual rights. The visitors' bullpen, nestled at an angle between the third-base seating bowl and the left-field berm, is topped by the Hanover Deck group seating area. Enjoy the sights and sounds of passing freight trains, sit atop the Green Monster-inspired Worcester Wall and hobnob with the happiest mascot in all of professional sports. No password is needed! PUBLISHED 6:17 PM ET Jan. 26, 2023 WORCESTER, Mass. It's far from cookie-cutter, in other words. Whetheryoure visiting for a day at the ballpark or a long weekend in Worcester, youll find theresa ton of things to do during your visit to Central Massachusetts. If you live in or near Boston, why not take a train to see the Red Sox's Triple-A affiliate? Fans experience the features of the concourse, the seating bowl, the DCU Club Level, special suites, and sometimes even a walk on the warning track. But we finally explained to my 9 year old why we wouldn't be going to the Paw Sox any more, and Worcester and the Woo Sox are dead to him. Completing the circle and coming back down the Left Field line, just before the Third Base Reserves begin again at Section 1, fans can hover over the Visitors Bullpen presented by Shaws in the Visitors Bullpen Terrace presented by Shawswhich will be called Section 0! Janet Marie Smith, the PawSox' ballpark design advisor, says. berms. Downtown Worcester is home to a number of chain hotels, within walking distance (or at least a short drive) from the ballpark. He orchestrated the ceremony at the April 20, 2013 Red Sox game right after the Boston Marathon bombings that I attended and wrote about. Worcester looks like a field. For ticket information or reservations, please call 508-500-8888. That Can-Am League entity existed from 2005 through 2012. The WooSox, Boston's Triple-A affiliate, operate out of a new downtown ballpark located just 44 miles from Fenway. Standing a full game is out of the question, without something to lean against (I prefer SRO at Fenway for that reason walk around the park, half sit on a ledge, etc.) tc172. Seating continues across the two outfield berms in centerfield (108) and left field (109). Click on the Polar Park option, join, and accept the terms and conditions. Copyright 2023 Discover Central Massachusetts, Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) Worcester PopUp, March Brings a Sweet Month for Maple Fans, Explore & Educate Through Worcester's Black History Trail, From Trivia to Tastings: Valentine's Day Happenings by Price Range. I'm in a newer building and it's one spot per unit, regardless of how many bedrooms, which seems common now. It includes 6,500 seats in the lower bowl, 5,000 seats in the upper bowl, 1,000 loge seats, 500 club seats, and 500 suite seats. Thanks for the heads-up. Last year on October 8, 2022, the. Route 9 offers a toll-free alternative and is a popular route when traveling from Boston and Metro West to Worcester. With its May 11 opening day on the horizon, the brand new Polar Park stadium is gearing up for a season to remember. Numbers on the electronic board with the line score on the right field wall are washed out by sunlight until dusk. WOOSOX LOOP SRO (STANDING ROOM ONLY) PRESENTED BY WORKERS CREDIT UNION: The WooSox Loop highlights Polar Parks 360 ballpark experience. Right field is dominated by the Worcester Wall, essentially a mirror image of Fenway's Green Monster. From Connecticut, follow I-95 to I-91 and connect to I-90. view sections. In general, at Polar Park or other venues, bag policies regularly change to accommodate new guidelines and protocols. DUST: This acronym summarizes the different options Season Ticket Members have available to make use of their tickets. While being out in the sun can be fun to some degree, direct sunlight for too many hours can obviously leave you with an unpleasant burn. Heres the secret for Polar Park seating: Buy a general admissions ticket, and get there early. The Crompton Collective, located in a former mill building, features a variety of vendors selling antiques and homemade items. The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. 's SmokehouseThe Pie Store (Table Talk Pies), The Pie Store is located on Green Street, which runs behind Polar Park and boasts a variety of bars and restaurants for pre- and postgame eating and imbibing. . What is berm seating? For those who have braved Kelley Square and made it into (and out of) Polar Park- what is the LF berm seating like? Steinberg has been a part of many memorable events with the Red Sox organization. There are no candlepin lanes currently operating in the city, but Bayberry Bowling Center in Spencer, Mass. Berm seating in left field is overshadowed by a gigantic videoboard, and train tracks run along an embankment behind this section of the ballpark. From Wonder Bar pizza to Table Talk pies to barbecue from BT's Smokehouse, the WooSox have prioritized local vendors. seltzer, beer, lemonade, and hard seltzer. For the bookworms (and the heartwarming smell of books in their element) step inside Bedlam Book Cafe, a space where owners Nicole and Patrick create a hub of social and intellectual energy. And for the most classic of shoppers, pop in The Haberdash, a local fashion mecca and a bow of honor to the small business makers who make it happen. I think it would have been GA / SRO. You can pick up tickets ordered by phone, tickets ordered online, suite tickets, and tickets left for guests of WooSox staff and players. Ernest Thayer's poem "Casey at the Bat" was written in Worcester. Or, do you sit on the berm when youre visiting with your kids, but buy tickets in other areas when youre alone or with adults? (Katie Morrison / MassLive). (This iconic imagery was created by by local advertising executive Harvey Ball in 1963). Its a good idea to be aware of the forecast when you think about where youll sit at a ballgame. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 48. Atop the Worcester Wall in right field, sections are numbered in triple digits, starting with 101 at the Foul Pole and continuing counterclockwise to 105. Polar Park's main entrance, located behind home plate, leads to staircases and elevators that empty out onto the elevated main concourse. The Worcester Wall is located in right field and stands at 22 feet high, as opposed to Fenways Green Monster which is in left field and stands at 37 feet high. If youre the type of fan who loves watching the video board perhaps because you enjoy carefully reading player bios and stats or simply following the various zany in-game promos that are prevalent throughout the minors youll generally want to buy your ticket in an area that gives you a clear view of the video board. To wit: Polar Park's most popular item is a George's Coney Island dog, which can be obtained from a small kiosk tucked into a picnic area on the first base side of the concourse. Everyone was welcome to check out areas usually reserved only for members of the media: the press box, the broadcast booth, and the control room. Another logo, featuring mascot Smiley Ball, pays homage to Worcester's status as "birthplace of the smiley face." It should also be mentioned that Worcester is home to many classic diners. Speaking of the intersection of college campuses and Major League history, Ted Williams hit his first home run in a Red Sox uniform while playing in a Spring Training game at Worcester's College of the Holy Cross. Of these, the Miss Worcester Diner is perhaps the best known. Amtrak also offers train service to and from Albany, Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C. daily. The schedule is out , but for some reason not on the website. General Admission tickets are no longer a seating category at Polar Park. Getting up every couple of innings and taking a walk around the concourse to get your muscles and joints moving can also be a good idea. The most detailed interactive Polar Park seating chart available, with all venue configurations. Many New Englanders hold fond memories of the PawSox days, but a new era is upon us. Capacity of 100 people), Left Field Berm (Max. I briefly attended Tuesday's non-game (rain out). Grass berm seating can be a bad choice following a period of rain. Watching the starting pitcher throw before the game or seeing a reliever get ready for action in the late innings is both entertaining and informative. The most detailed interactive Polar Park seating chart available, with all venue configurations. GA seats are all around the stadium behind the regular seats and there is a grass . This is especially true if the berm is large enough that it stretches behind much of the outfield fence. Whether you're visiting for a day at the ballpark or a long weekend in Worcester, you'll find .