Here’s the release from the Boston Red Sox announcing the 2012 Futures at Fenway event:
The Boston Red Sox today announced details for the seventh annual Futures at Fenway presented by Xfinity, a minor league doubleheader at Fenway Park, now in its seventh year, taking place on Saturday, August 18. Similar to previous events, family-friendly ticket and concession prices along with kid-friendly activities will highlight the day of minor league fun at “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark.”
After a one year absence from the event, Boston’s Single-A affiliate, the Lowell Spinners, will make their fifth overall appearance at Futures at Fenway, taking on the Hudson Valley Renegades, the Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, at 1:05pm. Game two will feature the Pawtucket Red Sox, also making their fifth Futures at Fenway appearance, as they face off against the Buffalo Bisons, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets.
Many of the best and most promising prospects in the Red Sox farm system are part of the Lowell Spinners and Pawtucket Red Sox, giving fans a chance to catch these upcoming stars in the early stages of their development. Current Red Sox players who are alumni of one or both of these Minor League teams include Clay Buchholz, Kevin Youkilis, Jacoby Ellsbury, Daniel Bard, Jon Lester and Dustin Pedroia.
Kids attending the games will be selected randomly throughout the day to participate in a number of exciting activities including mascot races and other on-field experiences. Additionally, player autograph sessions will take place at the ballpark.
The Futures at Fenway games also give fans an opportunity to enjoy seating locations they may have never before had the chance to experience, such as the Green Monster Seats, the Right Field Roof Deck, the Dugout Seats, the EMC Club, and State Street Pavilion. For the sixth consecutive year, tickets will start as low as $5.00 (for Bleacher seats) and range up to just $30.00 (for Green Monster Seats, Dugout Seats, the EMC Club and the State Street Pavilion Club). In addition, discounted concession items will be available for fans attending Futures at Fenway.
Red Sox season ticket holders, the four participating teams’ season ticket holders, and members of Red Sox Nation, will also have an advanced opportunity to purchase tickets. Those fans will be contacted over the next few days.
Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Saturday, March 17. Fans can visit www.redsox.com/futures or call (877) REDSOX-9 beginning at 10:00 a.m. Fans with disabilities may also call (877) REDSOX-9 to purchase accessible seating. The Red Sox’ TTY number for hearing-impaired fans is (617) 226-6644.
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino originally approached the Red Sox seven years ago with the idea to host minor league games at Fenway Park. Although records are incomplete, the Futures at Fenway games in 2006 are believed to be the first minor league games played at Fenway Park since the 1977 Eastern League All-Star Game. The last known regular season minor league game played at Fenway had been a 1966 Eastern League contest between Pittsfield (Red Sox) and Pawtucket (Indians).
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