Sea Dogs to Play at Fenway Park

Portland, Maine- The Boston Red Sox have announced that the Portland Sea Dogs will return to play a game at Fenway Park in 2009. The fourth annual "Futures at Fenway" minor league doubleheader will take place on Saturday, August 8th and will feature the Portland Sea Dogs, the Double-A affiliate of the Red Sox, taking on the Bowie Baysox (Orioles) in an Eastern League contest at 12:05 PM. Game two will feature the Pawtucket Red Sox, Triple-A affiliate of the Red Sox, facing off against the Norfolk Tides (Orioles) in an International League match up.

Tickets for this one-of-a-kind event will go on sale Saturday, March 21st beginning at 10 a.m. (EDT) via the internet at www.redsox.com or by touch-tone telephone at 1-877-REDSOX-9. Fans with disabilities may call (877) REDSOX-9 to purchase accessible seating (while supplies last). The Red Sox' TTY number for hearing-impaired fans is (617) 226-6644. Tickets are NOT available through the Portland Sea Dogs' Ticket Office.

Ticket prices will again remain unchanged, ranging from $5 (for Upper Bleachers) to $30 (for Green Monster Seats, Dugout Seats, the EMC Club and the State Street Pavilion Club). In addition, discounted concession items will be available for fans attending "Futures at Fenway".

Tickets will be available for fans to sit in ballpark locations many have never before had the chance to enjoy, such as the Green Monster Seats, on the Right Field Roof Deck, in the Dugout Seats, and EMC Club and State Street Pavilion.

The Sea Dogs' second appearance in the "Futures at Fenway" event is in partnership with the Amtrak Downeaster. The Sea Dogs previous appearance came in 2007 as Portland collected a 12-11 walk-off victory over the Harrisburg Senators (Nationals) in front of 34,746 fans. Each of the previous six contests in the "Futures at Fenway" event have been won by the Red Sox affiliated team. For the first time, the 2009 "Futures at Fenway" event will feature Boston's top two minor league farm clubs.

The afternoon of baseball will allow fans to enjoy moderate ticket prices, discounted concessions, and a fun-filled family atmosphere. Children in attendance will have the chance to take part in various activities throughout the day. From on-field promotions to autograph sessions with the stars from both games, fans will be a part of the action.

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino approached the Red Sox four years ago with the idea to host minor league games at Fenway Park.

"Events like 'Futures at Fenway' reflect the team's commitment to creating opportunities for more fans to experience America's Most Beloved Ballpark," said Red Sox President/CEO Larry Lucchino. "Thanks to the suggestion of Mayor Menino, and the family-friendly ticket prices, many of our fans will enjoy a relaxing day of minor league fun at Fenway where they'll see the franchise's future stars in action."

Although records are incomplete, the games in 2006 are believed to be the first minor league games played at Fenway Park since the 1977 Eastern League All-Star Game. The last known regular season minor league game played at Fenway had been a 1966 Eastern League contest between Pittsfield (Red Sox) and Pawtucket (Indians).

The Portland Sea Dogs open the 2009 season on Thursday, April 9th at 6:00 PM at Hadlock Field against the Connecticut Defenders (Giants). Tickets for all 2009 Sea Dogs' home games are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com.