Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, is one of the most iconic baseball stadiums in Major League Baseball. Opened in 1912, Fenway is the oldest ballpark in the league and is beloved by baseball fans for its old-school charm and unique dimensions. One of the most frequently asked questions about Fenway Park is which seats are covered to protect fans from the elements during games.
The Grandstand
The main covered seating area at Fenway Park is known as the Grandstand. This section wraps around the infield from behind home plate down each foul line. The Grandstand features blue wooden seats and provides cover for fans from potential rain or extreme sun during day games. The Grandstand is divided into specific numbered sections:
- Grandstand 1-14: These sections are located behind home plate and extend down the third base line.
- Grandstand 29-42: These sections run along the first base line.
The first few rows (rows A-C) in these Grandstand sections are not covered by an overhang, but the majority of rows are covered. The Grandstand sections provide great views of the infield and of the game action happening at home plate. Tickets in these covered sections are typically the most expensive at Fenway.
Right Field Pavilion
In deep right field at Fenway Park, sections 1-10 of the Right Field Pavilion have covered seating. This area is marked by the retired uniform numbers of Red Sox legends like Carlton Fisk, Carl Yastrzemski, and more. The green Right Field Pavilion seats give fans great views of the action on the field and protection from rain or sun:
- Right Field Pavilion Box 72-88: Front rows in this section are uncovered.
- Right Field Pavilion Reserved 9-25: Most rows are covered, towards the back of the pavilion.
The Right Field Pavilion tends to offer tickets at a more affordable price point than the premium infield Grandstand sections.
Left Field Pavilion
On the opposite end of the park in left field, sections 32-43 of the Left Field Pavilion also have covered seating. The Left Field Pavilion is situated under Fenway’s famous hand-operated scoreboard featuring red and green numbers. Sections here include:
- Left Field Pavilion Box 79-88: Front few rows are uncovered.
- Left Field Pavilion Reserved 15-30: Majority of rows are covered.
The Left Field Pavilion offers similar views and ticket prices as the Right Field Pavilion across the diamond.
Centerfield Bleachers
The Centerfield bleacher seats at Fenway Park are uncovered. Sections 42-43, which run alongside the centerfield scoreboard featuring player stats, are exposed to the elements:
- Bleacher Section 42: Uncovered bleacher seats.
- Bleacher Section 43: Also open-air bleachers.
The Centerfield bleachers do not have any cover from rain or sun but make up for it with their affordability and views of the entire field from straightaway center.
Right Field Roof Seats
Perhaps the most unique covered seats at Fenway are the Right Field Roof seats. Sections 42A and 43A feature green wooden benches situated directly on top of the right field roof, overlooking the field from above the Right Field Pavilion. These roof seats literally put fans overhanging the field for a one-of-a-kind vantage point:
- Right Field Roof Box Seats: Section 42A
- Right Field Roof Reserved: Section 43A
The exposed Right Field Roof seats are covered by the upper Right Field Pavilion overhang, providing shade and rain cover. Tickets here are typically more expensive due to the exclusive roof access.
Conclusion
While Fenway Park contains some premium exposed sections in the Centerfield bleachers and front rows of the field pavilions, most seats offer at least some cover from the overhead structure and cantilevered upper decks. The majority of the ballpark’s 37,755 seats have at least minor protection from rain and sun for afternoon games thanks to support beams, overhangs, and upper decks extending over the lower seating bowls.
The most completely covered sections are in the infield Grandstand area behind home plate and down the baselines. For budget-friendly tickets with cover, the Left Field and Right Field Pavilions also have shade and overhead protection as you move further back from the field.
Here is a quick summary of which Fenway Park sections have covered seating:
| Section | Covered or Uncovered |
|---|---|
| Grandstand Sections 1-14 | Covered |
| Grandstand Sections 29-42 | Covered |
| Right Field Pavilion Box Seats | Front rows uncovered |
| Right Field Pavilion Reserved | Majority covered |
| Left Field Pavilion Box Seats | Front rows uncovered |
| Left Field Pavilion Reserved | Majority covered |
| Bleachers Section 42-43 | Uncovered |
| Right Field Roof Seats | Covered |
So for Red Sox fans looking to stay dry during a potentially rainy game, aim for seats in the infield Grandstand sections or further back in the pavilion reserves. And for those hoping to soak up the sunshine, head for the Centerfield bleachers! Wherever you sit in the historic park, enjoying a game at Fenway is an unforgettable experience.
