Massachusetts: Is Fenway Park Or Gillette Stadium Better For Concerts?
The homes of the Red Sox and Patriots also host some epic concerts. This year, some of the biggest artists in the world have opted for the stadium experience. But is Fenway Park or Gillette Stadium a better concert experience?
I’ve broken down the criteria into a few pertinent categories. Location, sound, lineup, and general atmosphere. Both Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium are hosting concert events in 2023. The land of the Green Monster has already the likes of P!NK and Dead and Company (to name a few). They still have legendary acts like Guns n’ Roses still to come. This week we see three nights of Morgan Wallen take center field.
As for Foxboro, back in May there was a three-night weekend stretch of arguably the hardest ticket in town. No, I’m not talking about Monster Jam. As you well-know, people are still raving about Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Still to come at Patriot Place this year is two nights of Bruce Springsteen. Next summer, Bill Belichick will be raising the horns for two night of Metallica in the round.
As for my experience, in full disclosure, I have been to about a dozen rock concert nights at Fenway Park (including Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters), and six shows at Gillette Stadium (including a festival).
Location
With all due respect, this is a no-brainer for me. I live 20 miles outside the city and Fenway Park is still twice as convenient for me to get to. Furthermore, there are numerous mass transportation options available that give the option of car-less experience. Any concert venue where the time it takes to get out of the parking lot after the show is longer than the actual concert itself, is a red flag. One point goes to Fenway here.
Sound
I am not picky here. Although we are comparing 35,000 capacity to 65,000 capacity, we are dealing with stadium-sized PA systems all the same. Given the bowl shape of Gillette and the open air, as compared to the walls and congestion of the city, I will give a slight edge to Gillette here.
Lineup
As I mentioned, the biggest names in music are coming to both of these venues. Fenway Park is a landmark. It’s really all about personal preference. Fenway has consistently billed a nice mix of rock bands who have never played there, as well as acts that have made it a tradition (like Zac Brown). I’m buying the Fenway ticket here.
Overall Atmosphere
Lansdowne Street bar crawls vs. acres of open parking lot tailgate space. I simply prefer options. Although there are a great number of bars in Patriot Place to get your pre-game on, the Fenway area has done a remarkable job of accenting the park with everything you can imagine. In fact, there’s even the MGM Fenway Music hall right up against right field. I recall looking up at the sky as Red Hot Chili Peppers rocked “Dani California” last September and being in awe of how the city skyline was blanketing the overall experience. I stood three-free from second base as Eddie Vedder teared up about how the teenage kid in him never would have guessed he would be singing from center field at Fenway. Sure, there are better sounding rooms in many New England places, but to me, on the right night, there’s a magic to a concert at Fenway Park.
Final Score
Three to one, Fenway Park is my champion, edging out Gillette Stadium as the better place to catch a concert of your choice. While I am for (evermore) in awe of what Taylor Swift brought to Foxboro, Jeff’s version is simply captivated by the Folklore of Fenway.
12 Of The Most Unique MLB Stadium Attractions
The Pool at Chase Field - Arizona Diamondbacks
Behind the outfield wall at Chase Field, there’s a pool area. From here, you can see the entire game. At the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, you can take in a National League West game while going for a swim. The area accommodates 35 people.
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
The Green Monster Seats at Fenway Park - Boston Red Sox
You surely know all about the infamous Green Monster left field wall at Fenway Park, but did you know you can sit on top of it? There are 269 seats available for Red Sox ticket purchase. This area is a common spot for lucky fans to catch a home run ball.
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
McCovey Cove at AT&T Park - San Francisco Giants
If you want to kayak up against the outfield wall of a picturesque stadium, McCovey Cove in San Francisco is your spot. While its common to see boats overshadowing right field, this is also a common spot for those looking to catch a memorable home run ball.
Michael Heiman/Getty Images
The Ivy at Wrigley Field - Chicago Cubs
“There’s magic in the ivy and the old scoreboard,” Eddie Vedder sings in his Cubs tribute song “All The Way.” The legendary ivy covering the outfield walls at Wrigley might arguably be the most iconic ballpark look of all.
Brian Kersey/Getty Images
Touch Tank at Tropicana Field - Tampa Bay Rays
A tank containing real live stingrays rests within the outfield of the stadium. This is a 35 foot, 10,000 gallon exhibit that is in partnership with the Florida Aquarium.
Julio Aguilar/Getty Images
The Bobblehead Museum at loanDepot Park - Miami Marlins
Along the main concourse in center field, there’s the Bobblehead Museum at loanDepot Park in Miami. This is the home of over 500 bobbleheads that are enclosed behind glass. While many of these are MLB and minor league players, a section includes entertainers and special giveaways the Marlins have done.
Jason Arnold/Getty Images
The Fountains at Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City Royals
The city fountains are well represented at the home of the Royals. The fountains in outfield are 322 feet wide. They can change colors and offer a magnificent display. Select 200 level seats near the fountains can be purchased. There are eight programmed fountain shows, where 600 nozzles can launch into 150 combinations of effects.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
The Rockpile at Coors Field - Colorado Rockies
You can sit high above centerfield in Colorado. The Rockpile offers $4 select tickets. It’s a bleacher style seating, giving you a true Rocky Mountain feel.
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
