Boston Red Sox considering “open house” for kids
By David Hill
The Boston Red Sox are looking towards the future, and have a creative idea to make more kids become baseball fans.
On Thursday, the Boston Red Sox and Kansas City Royals finished off their suspended game, with Brock Holt hitting a walkoff single just 12 minutes after play resumed. It was just another game in the standings, one more loss for the Royals, and another win that the Red Sox desperately needed as they attempt to claw back into the postseason picture.
Yet, the really interesting result did not come on the diamond. Instead, that occurred in the stands, where the Red Sox gave away tickets to children, allowed adults into the park for a $5 donation to the Jimmy Fund, and had $1 hot dogs. The atmosphere, although Fenway Park was at half capacity, was raucous, with those in attendance truly invested in the game.
In fact, that experiment for the suspended game was so well received, that the Red Sox may look to have similar games. According to team president Sam Kennedy, the Red Sox could begin to have Open House Days, where kids get into select games for free.
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This is a truly brilliant idea. Major League Baseball continually looks for ways to introduce young kids to the game, looking to grow their fanbase and inspire the next generation of talent. Frankly, there is no better way to create a lifelong baseball fan than by going to a game in person.
Yet, tickets are extremely cost prohibitive for a family. Add in the prices for parking, food, and souvenirs, and that one trip to the ballgame can become quite expensive. A family may be able to make one or two games a year due to that pricing, potentially making it more difficult for their children to come to love the game at the same level.
The Red Sox, meanwhile, may have the perfect way to bring new fans to the game. Allowing kids to go to certain games for free, that alleviates some of the cost on those families. If concessions are at a reduced cost as well, it will be that much easier to bring a new generation of potential fans to the ballfield.
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The Boston Red Sox have the right idea in growing and cultivating the next generation of fans. It would not be a surprise to see other teams create a similar program.