That's the ticket: How to tell if that Red Sox bargain is for real

Print Story | Email Story
Fenway Park is scheduled to open this week. With the Boston Red Sox more popular than ever, fans need to know certain self-help tips as they scramble for tickets to opening day and other big games. Beth Lindstrom, Director of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, and her Consumer Awareness Team will be outside Fenway Park on Opening Day from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. just outside Gate A. The mission is to educate consumers on the best ways to purchase and identify an authentic Red Sox ticket. "Consumers need to protect themselves when it comes to ticket resale, " said Lindstrom. "Opening Day is always a day filled with fun and excitement and we want it to stay that way. By educating Red Sox fans, we help ensure that the day won't be ruined by ticket fraud or the unscrupulous activities of ticket scalpers." The Office of Consumer Affairs recommends the following to fans looking to buy tickets: Buy From the Red Sox Directly: The best way to ensure purchase of an authentic ticket is to buy tickets directly from the Red Sox. Believe it or not, there may be tickets for the Opening Day available on Friday at the ticket booth or online through the Red Sox SmartFan service. Anyone can become a member of SmartFan for $49.95. The initiation fee grants the consumers 2 Red Sox tickets to an upcoming game and exclusive access to purchase premium tickets from Red Sox Season Ticket Holders who have tickets they cannot use. Fans can sign-up for SmartFan online at www.redsox.com. With unpredictable weather conditions, it is possible that Opening Day tickets will be for sale Ask Questions When Buying From a Ticket Reseller: Make sure the seller is a licensed ticket broker or reseller with the state. Consumers can call the Office of Consumer Affairs toll free at 888-283-3757 or the Office of Public Safety at 617-727-3200 to confirm the license of a broker. Consumers should also use a credit card to pay for the tickets instead of cash. There may be some protection from the credit card company to dispute the charges if there is improper billing, a cancellation or fraud. In addition, a consumer should check the company's refund policy. Beware When Buying a Ticket on the Street: Consumers should beware - this is the riskiest proposition of all. You may find yourself dealing with an unlicensed ticket scalper that may charge you double or triple the face value of the ticket. Consumers will also be required to pay for the transaction in cash so there is no record of the sale and no recourse if the ticket is counterfeit. Finally, consumers should know how to identify an authentic Red Sox ticket by looking for the following features on any Red Sox ticket they wish to purchase: *Navy blue border *Picture of a baseball player on the top of the ticket with the Red Sox logo in one of the two top corners *Picture of a baseball on the bottom right corner that says "Fenway" on top of the baseball, "Park" on the bottom of the baseball and the word "Game" followed by the actual game number. *Just below the picture of the player, check for the opponent's team name, date and time * Below that your seat location should be printed * On the bottom of the ticket is the ticket stub. Here, the game information and ticket information is repeated. A consumer who still feels anxious and has a cell phone available, can contact the Boston Red Sox ticket office located at Fenway Park to authenticate the ticket, 1-877-REDSOX9.
Share
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

New North Adams Restaurant Main & Mill Holds Soft Opening

Staff Reports
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Main & Mill quietly opened its doors on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
 
Colleen Taylor, Main & Mill operator, posted to social media Tuesday that the new eatery was open until 9 p.m. She said they planned to open the next day, Aug. 5, at 7 a.m. for coffee, adding that they will remain in a soft opening through the week.
 
Main & Mill advertises as a "modern American Restaurant" serving coffee, lunch, and dinner. Read the full menu here. 
 
The former TD Bank building on Main Street has been boarded up for the bulk of the summer as workers transformed the space into a new restaurant operated by the Taylors, owners of Freight Yard Pub among other local eateries.
 
The building is owned by Ginko on Main Street LLC, which has granted 20 years of exclusive possession of the property to Latent Builds as the developer. Jack and Suzy Wadsworth, behind Ginko, are development partners with Salvatore Perry and Karla Rothstein of Latent.
 
The bank closed in early 2021 and was purchased by Ginko late that year. 
 
The building has hosted some pop-up eateries.
 
View Full Story

More North Adams Stories

Schools
image description

Education Sustainability Group Launches Website, Talks Engagement

Schools
Schools
image description

Youth for the Future: Sharaya Keele

Schools
Business
image description

New Eagle Street Shop Has the Perfect Toppers

Business
Schools
image description

Colegrove Summer Program Capped With North Adams Recreation

Schools
Sports & Outdoors
image description

Hockey Tournament Raises Funds for Youngster's Fight with Cancer

Sports & Outdoors
Schools
image description

Teacher of the Month: Allison Zustra

Schools
Latest Stories
Previous Next

What's Trending?