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November 14, 2007

Red Sox 2008 schedule

The Boston Red Sox have announced their 2008 schedule, which will begin in Tokyo. Below is the Red Sox press release and the schedule (I cut and paste the schedule from a Red Sox email. It was sent in two columns. It's a little rough, but it gives you an idea.

WORLD CHAMPION RED SOX TO INAUGURATE

BASEBALL’S 2008 SEASON IN JAPAN;

96th Anniversary Home Opener Set for April 8;

Game and Ticket Price Schedules Announced

BOSTON, MA -- The Defending World Champion Boston Red Sox will open the 2008 regular season in historic fashion—playing the Oakland A’s in Tokyo, Japan, in Major League Baseball’s International Opener. The club will visit the homeland of two its star players from the 2007 World Championship team and play at the Tokyo Dome on Tuesday, March 25 and Wednesday, March 26 (times TBA). The traditional home opener at Fenway Park, which celebrates its 96th anniversary in 2008, will be Tuesday, April 8, at 2:05 p.m., against the Detroit Tigers.

“On behalf of John Henry, Tom Werner, and the entire ownership and organization, we are honored to be invited to represent Major League Baseball and open the 2008 MLB season in Japan, one of the greatest baseball nations of the world,” said Red Sox President/CEO Larry Lucchino.

The club released its 2008 game and ticket price schedules today. Fans’ first opportunity to purchase tickets for 2008 comes Saturday, December 8, at “Christmas at Fenway,” with further details to be announced in the near future.

The Red Sox are scheduled to play a total of 72 games with their A.L. East Division rivals, 18 each with Baltimore, New York, Tampa Bay, and Toronto. The Sox and Yankees have three weekend series at Fenway Park, April 11-13; July 25-27; and the final three games of the regular season, September 26-28. Boston travels to Yankee Stadium for a four-game weekend series, July 3-6, and a pair of mid-week series, April 16-17 and August 26-28.

The Red Sox will open the regular season with seven road games, playing the A’s twice each in Tokyo and Oakland followed by a three-game series in Toronto. Boston’s first homestand, scheduled to run April 8-13, features three games each with the Tigers and Yankees. The Red Sox have a pair of season high nine-game homestands, June 3-12 with Tampa Bay, Seattle, and Baltimore, and July 25-August 3 with the Yankees, Angels, and A’s.

Boston will have 18 games versus National League opponents, hosting Arizona, Milwaukee, and St. Louis for three games apiece while playing three-game series at Cincinnati, Houston, and Philadelphia. It will mark the Brewers’ first visit to Boston since moving to the National League in 1998.

The Red Sox have scheduled the majority of their home day games (including Sundays) at 1:35 p.m. for 2008. The exceptions will be the home opener on Tuesday, April 8 with Detroit (2:05 p.m.) and Patriots Day on Monday, April 21 with Texas (TBA). Times for all Saturday home games will be determined once the FOX national television schedule is announced.

The Red Sox do not play at Fenway on Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and even Bastille Day and Labor Day.

After not increasing non-premium ticket prices in 2007 (82% of all tickets stayed at the same price in 2007 as in 2006), the Red Sox will raise ticket prices in most areas of the ballpark for 2008. The club will, however, continue to invest its revenue in the Year VII Improvements to Fenway Park and to its formidable roster of uniformed personnel at both the major league and minor league levels. The improvements for 2008 include more seats and standing room, thereby increasing the supply for which demand is so strong in the oldest and smallest ballpark in baseball. The 2008 improvements to Fenway Park will cost approximately $40-45 million.

The lowest price tickets available to the public, Upper Bleachers, remain unchanged at $12. Also unchanged are the other most affordable tickets. General Standing Room tickets remain at $20, and although Lower Bleachers rise $3 to $26, Conigliaro’s Corner stays at $25, as do Pavilion Standing Room. Remaining at $30 are the existing Standing Room tickets on the Green Monster and Right Field Roof Deck, regardless of the opponent. Prices will also be held at $90 on Pavilion Box seats, located on the exclusive State Street Pavilion.

Pricing and distribution methods for Green Monster and Right Field Roof tickets will be announced after the new year, in accordance with past practices.

With an overall increase of approximately 9%, several of the categories are increasing for the first time since 2005 (Lower Bleachers, Infield and Outfield Grandstands, Right Field Box and Roof Box). The area of greatest increase is the area of greatest demand, the Field Boxes, which rise to $125 (though less if a season holder renews by the early payment deadline, December 19; nearly all of the Field Box seats are season tickets).

“We are conscious of the investment that Red Sox fans make in their beloved team,” Lucchino said. “That’s in part why there was no increase on non-premium seats last year, and that’s why we continue to hold the line this year on the lower priced tickets throughout the ballpark. That’s also why we are adding more seats along first base and third base for 2008, quality seats that nonetheless should be affordable for most when they come on board.

“We recognize what a great demand there is for a small supply; that’s why we continue to invest almost every year in increasing the supply.”

“In 2008, we will continue to add premium value to the best field boxes in baseball,” Lucchino said. “Among the additional amenities for 2008 will be the assignment of a dedicated client services team, a priority individual game presale, and additional conveniences and amenities. (Field Box Lounges are also in the plans for 2009-2010).

“Fans can be sure as well that we will invest again as we assemble a major league team and a minor league system that are worthy of their support. We are hungry, and we are eager to sustain this momentum, to enjoy this enthusiasm, and to reward these fans again in 2008. Their investment makes such World Championships possible. Our players know it, and we know it.”

The first International Opener first occurred nine years ago, when the 1999 Defending National League Champion San Diego Padres, of which Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner was part owner and Lucchino was President/CEO, opened the season in Monterrey, Mexico, against the Colorado Rockies.

2008 Boston Red Sox Schedule
(All Times Eastern and Subject to Change)

MARCH
Tue 25 Oakland (Tokyo Dome)TBA
Wed 26 Oakland (Tokyo Dome)TBA
APRIL ...................................... JUNE
Tue 1 Oakland (A) 10:07 P.M. Sun 1 Baltimore (A) 1:35 P.M.
Wed 2 Oakland (A) 3:37 P.M. Mon 2 Baltimore (A) 7:05 P.M.
Fri 4 Toronto (A) 7:15 P.M. Tue 3 TAMPA BAY (H) 7:05 P.M.
Sat 5 Toronto (A) 1:07 P.M. Wed 4 TAMPA BAY (H) 7:05 P.M.
Sun 6 Toronto (A) 1:07 P.M. Thu 5 TAMPA BAY (H) 7:05 P.M.
Tue 8 DETROIT (H) 2:05 P.M. Fri 6 SEATTLE (H) 7:05 P.M.
Wed 9 DETROIT (H) 7:05 P.M. Sat 7 SEATTLE (H) TBA
Thu 10 DETROIT (H) 7:05 P.M. Sun 8 SEATTLE (H) 1:35 P.M.
Fri 11 NY YANKEES (H) 7:05 P.M. Tue 10 BALTIMORE (H) 7:05 PM
Sat 12 NY YANKEES (H) TBA Wed 11 BALTIMORE (H) 7:05 PM
Sun 13 NY YANKEES (H) 1:35 P.M. Thu 12 BALTIMORE (H) 7:05 PM
Mon 14 Cleveland (A) 7:05 P.M. Fri 13 Cincinnati (A)7:10 P.M.
Tue 15 Cleveland (A) 7:05 P.M. Sat 14 Cincinnati (A)7:10 P.M.
Wed 16 NY Yankees (A) 7:05 P.M. Sun 15 Cincinnati (A)1:15 P.M.
Thu 17 NY Yankees (A) 7:05 P.M. Tue 16 Philadelphia (A)7:05 P.M.
Fri 18 TEXAS (H) 7:05 P.M. Wed 17 Philadelphia (A) 7:05 P.M.
Sat 19 TEXAS (H) TBA Thu 18 Philadelphia (A)7:05 P.M.
Sun 20 TEXAS (H) 1:35 P.M. Fri 20 ST. LOUIS (H)7:05 P.M.
Mon 21 TEXAS (H) TBA Sat 21 ST. LOUIS (H)TBA
Tue 22 LA ANGELS (H)7:05 P.M. Sun 22 ST. LOUIS (H)1:35 P.M.
Wed 23 LA ANGELS (H) 7:05 P.M. Mon 23 ARIZONA (H)7:05 P.M.
Thu 24 LA ANGELS (H) 1:35 P.M. Tue 24 ARIZONA (H)7:05 P.M.
Fri 25 Tampa Bay (A) 7:10 P.M. Wed 25 ARIZONA (H)7:05 P.M.
Sat 26 Tampa Bay (A) 7:10 P.M. Fri 27 Houston (A)8:05 P.M.
Sun 27 Tampa Bay (A) 1:40 P.M. Sat 28 Houston (A)7:05 P.M.
Tue 29 TORONTO (H) 7:05 P.M. Sun 29 Houston (A)2:05 P.M.
Wed 30 TORONTO (H) 7:05 P.M. Mon 30 Tampa Bay (A)7:10 P.M.

MAY ......................................................... JULY
Thu 1 TORONTO (H) 7:05 P.M. Tue 1 Tampa Bay (A)7:10 P.M.
Fri 2 TAMPA BAY (H) 7:05 P.M. Wed 2 Tampa Bay (A)7:10 P.M.
Sat 3 TAMPA BAY (H) TBA Thu 3 NY Yankees (A)7:05 P.M.
Sun 4 TAMPA BAY (H) 1:35 P.M. Fri 4 NY Yankees (A)7:05 P.M.
Mon 5 Detroit (A) 7:05 P.M. Sat 5 NY Yankees, TBA
Tue 6 Detroit (A) 7:05 P.M. Sun 6 NY Yankees (A)1:05 P.M.
Wed 7 Detroit (A) 7:05 P.M. Mon 7 MINNESOTA (H)7:05 P.M.
Thu 8 Detroit (A) 7:05 P.M. Tue 8 MINNESOTA (H)7:05 P.M.
Fri 9 Minnesota (A) 8:10 P.M. Wed 9 MINNESOTA (H)7:05 P.M.
Sat 10 Minnesota (A) 7:10 P.M. Fri 11 BALTIMORE (H)7:05 P.M.
Sun 11 Minnesota (A) 2:10 P.M. Sat 12 BALTIMORE (H)TBA
Mon 12 Minnesota (A) 8:10 P.M. Sun 13 BALTIMORE (H)1:35 P.M.
Tue 13 Baltimore (A) 7:05 P.M. Mon 14-Wed 16 ALL STAR BREAK
Wed 14 Baltimore (A) 3:05 P.M. Fri 18 LA Angels (A)10:05 P.M.
Fri 16 MILWAUKEE (H) 7:05 P.M. Sat 19 LA Angels (A)9:05 P.M.
Sat 17 MILWAUKEE (H) TBA Sun 20 LA Angels (A)3:35 P.M.
Sun 18 MILWAUKEE (H) 1:35 P.M. Mon 21 Seattle (A) 10:10 P.M.
Mon 19 KANSAS CITY (H) 7:05 P.M. Tue 22 Seattle (A)10:10 P.M.
Tue 20 KANSAS CITY (H) 7:05 P.M. Wed 23 Seattle (A)4:40 P.M.
Wed 21 KANSAS CITY (H) 7:05 P.M. Fri 25 NY YANKEES (H)7:05 P.M.
Thu 22 KANSAS CITY (H) 1:35 P.M. Sat 26 NY YANKEES (H)TBA
Fri 23 Oakland (A) 10:07 P.M. Sun 27 NY YANKEES (H)1:35 P.M.
Sat 24 Oakland (A) 9:07 P.M. Mon 28 LA ANGELS (H)7:05 P.M.
Sun 25 Oakland (A) 4:07 P.M. Tue 29 LA ANGELS (H) 7:05 PM
Mon 26 Seattle (A) 10:10 P.M. Wed 30 LA ANGELS (H) 7:05 PM
Tue 27 Seattle (A) 10:10 P.M.
Wed 28 Seattle (A)10:10 P.M.
Fri 30 Baltimore (A) 7:05 PM
Sat 31 Baltimore (A) 7:05PM
AUGUST .................................................. SEPTEMBER
Fri 1 OAKLAND (H) 7:05 P.M. Mon 1 BALTIMORE (H)7:05P.M.
Sat 2 OAKLAND (H) TBA Tue 2 BALTIMORE (H)7:05 P.M.
Sun 3 OAKLAND (H) 1:35 P.M. Wed 3 BALTIMORE (H)1:35 P.M.
Mon 4 Kansas City (A) 8:10 P.M. Fri 5 Texas (A) 8:05 P.M.
Tue 5 Kansas City (A) 8:10 P.M. Sat 6 Texas (A) 8:05 P.M.
Wed 6 Kansas City (A) 8:10 P.M. Sun 7 Texas (A) 3:05 P.M.
Fri 8 Chicago White Sox (A)8:11 P.M. Mon 8 TAMPA BAY (H)7:05 P.M.
Sat 9 Chicago White Sox (A)7:05 P.M. Tue 9 TAMPA BAY (H)7:05 P.M.
Sun 10 Chicago White Sox (A) 2:05 P.M. Wed 10 TAMPA BAY (H)7:05P.M.
Mon 11 Chicago White Sox (A) 8:11 P.M. Fri 12 TORONTO (H)7:05 P.M.
Tue 12 TEXAS (H) 7:05 P.M. Sat 13 TORONTO (H)TBA
Wed 13 TEXAS (H) 7:05 P.M. Sun 14 TORONTO (H)1:35 P.M.
Thu 14 TEXAS (H) 7:05 P.M. Mon 15 Tampa Bay (A)7:10 P.M.
Fri 15 TORONTO (H) 7:05 P.M. Tue 16 Tampa Bay (A)7:10 P.M.
Sat 16 TORONTO (H) TBA Wed 17 Tampa Bay (A)7:10 P.M.
Sun 17 TORONTO (H) 1:35 P.M. Fri 19 Toronto (A)7:07 P.M.
Mon 18 Baltimore (A) 7:05 P.M. Sat 20 Toronto (A)1:07 P.M.
Tue 19 Baltimore (A) 7:05 P.M. Sun 21 Toronto (A)1:07 P.M.
Wed 20 Baltimore (A) 7:05 P.M. Mon 22 CLEVELAND (H)7:05 P.M.
Fri 22 Toronto (A) 7:07 P.M. Tue 23 CLEVELAND (H)7:05 P.M.
Sat 23 Toronto (A) 1:07 P.M. Wed 24 CLEVELAND (H)7:05 P.M.
Sun 24 Toronto (A) 1:07 P.M. Thu 25 CLEVELAND (H)7:05 P.M.
Tue 26 NY Yankees (A) 7:05 P.M. Fri 26 NY YANKEES (H)7:05 P.M.
Wed 27 NY Yankees (A) 7:05 P.M. Sat 27 NY YANKEES (H)TBA
Thu 28 NY Yankees (A) 7:05 P.M. Sun 28 NY YANKEES (H)1:35 P.M.
Fri 29 CHICAGO WHITE SOX (H)7:05 P.M.
Sat 30 CHICAGO WHITE SOX (H)TBA
Sun 31 CHICAGO WHITE SOX (H)1:35 P.M.