Rules and recommendations for smoking and vaping at Red Sox games and concerts alike
With the price of hot dogs through the roof these days, getting stoned around a ballpark can be an extremely costly endeavor. Still, it must be done, and since the landscape around Lansdowne Street may have shifted since your last embarkment, we’re here to help you get sparking before, after, and maybe even during Fenway outings. Whether you’re heading to a Red Sox game or one of their blowout summer concerts, pay close attention (and follow our advice at your own risk, as you could get your cannabis confiscated or be thrown out altogether if you get caught smoking or vaping inside the park).
[Click here for our compendium of 10 Mass Cannabis Baseball Martyrs And Memories]
The (official) rules …
While New Englanders and surely dedicated Red Sox Nation hardcores are likely aware of Fenway Park’s complete ban on all things smoke and vape-able, for the sake of fans from all across the country and even other continents, the rules are simple: “Use of tobacco products and smoking of any kind (including cigarettes, cigars, marijuana, and e-cigarettes or “vaping”) is prohibited in all areas of Fenway Park, including Jersey Street.” And yes, the policy specifically includes a mention of “medical marijuana,” so no loopholes there.
The (unofficial) rules …
No, we don’t have tricks for you beyond the obvious ones (like pulling a quick bat or vape hit in a toilet stall or on a ramp) for smoking inside of the actual ballpark. It’s unnecessary in a world of edibles and especially if there are children around, but then again, most rules have exceptions. In this case, we’re referring to concerts. You’re still not technically allowed to smoke inside of the park, but obviously thousands of attendees will. If you don’t want to get kicked out for joining them, then don’t be the first person to spark up. Let the security guards kick out some putzes first, then wait until the sun drops and as soon as you see the fog you should be in the clear. Also, in case it doesn’t go without saying, leave your torch, grinder, and anything else that can set off a metal detector at home.
But what about Jersey Street …
The official rules don’t just note that smoking is “prohibited in all areas of Fenway Park,” but also specifically say “including Jersey Street” too. That’s because the row formerly known as Yawkey Way is as famous among lifelong Sox fans for being the ballpark’s ashtray as the nosebleeds were at one time notorious for drunken quarrels. But times have changed, and there’s no more smoking permitted on Jersey Street or in adjoining alleyways, no matter what your battleax uncle who still calls it Yawkey says.
You can always rent the place …
Again, the official rule is that there is no smoking at Fenway, but that is during public events. If you rent the Sam Adams deck, Green Monster, or one of the other outdoor areas for a private party though, different rules may apply.
Preeferred parking …
Stoners know that parking lots are generally workable consumption grounds, and there’s no shortage of them in this area, but most are indoors, and some have seriously low ceilings. Outdoor lots are typically a bit cheaper and better for clambaking, and can be found right off Brookline Ave.
If you’re looking to pick up …
Hopefully you’re walking or taking the train, for your sake, and if you’re hoofing it and need something to puff or chew on ahead of the game, there are several options in the area. You can shop right across Lansdowne Street from Fenway at New Día—a cannabis department store of sorts with permanent popups stocked by premier brands. Or if you’re copping something for the walk into Kenmore, there’s Rooted In on Newbury Street as well as Ayr across from the Prudential Center if you’re coming from Back Bay, or Mission or Comm Ave Canna if you come from Brookline or the BU area.
For the pregame saunter …
If you are indeed looking to roast a whole blunt or perhaps pass around a few missiles among friends before a game or concert, there’s the Fens, of course, though that’s actually a bit of a ways from the ballpark. Other decent hangouts off the beaten track that are a little closer include under and between the street bridges beside I-90 on Ipswich Street, or the no-man’s land within the triangle between Brookline Ave, Beacon Street, and the new commuter rail station. You might as well enjoy it now before another multi-use retail complex pops up there. (Smoking in public, on the street, or in public parks is also at your own risk, and could result in a fine of up to several hundred dollars if you’re caught).
Smoke up, Time Out …
The corner of Brookline Ave and Park Drive might offer the most relaxing place to kick back with a sack before or after a game, with Time Out Market’s lawn open to one and all, and large enough for anyone to typically sit a respectful distance away from strangers who may not want to inhale your second-hand wind. Even then, this is more the kind of spot that’s fit for a quick couple of pulls off a chillum rather than a giant smoky spliff. There are also several solid food options inside; we recommend ordering first, then taking your cool blinking transponder outside to get stoned while you wait. By the time that you are toasty, your steak and cheese will be as well.
Verb is the word …
We’re not saying you’re allowed to smoke or vape inside of the actual “backstage trailers” parked behind the Verb Hotel across from Fenway on Van Ness Street, but we are saying this is one of the coolest hotels in the city and if you rent one of their standalone campers, you also have the area around it to puff in while you people watch before a big game or show.
