Thousands of Red Sox fans are expected to descend upon Springfield’s MassMutual Center and MGM Springfield on Friday night and Saturday as part of Red Sox Winter Weekend.
For the past eight years, the Red Sox have participated in a Winter Weekend event for fans to mark the unofficial start of the baseball season and heading down to Fort Myers for spring training.
“It’s going to be a fun day for fans who can meet and listen to their favorite Red Sox players past and present and participate in a number of fun activities planned throughout the two days,” said Sarah McKenna, senior vice president and chief experience officer for the Boston Red Sox.
This year’s Fan Fest, which opens on Friday at 8 p.m. at the MassMutual Center, includes the Family Fun Zone in the Exhibition Hall, Social Media Lounge, Red Sox Museum, various panels and more.
“Our Winter Weekend includes the Family Fun Zone in the Exhibition Hall where you will find pitching and batting cages, mini-wiffle ball, a 19 Jersey Street pop-up Red Sox store, and lots of fun activities. The Red Sox Museum will feature artifacts and memorabilia, including trophies and awards won over the years,” McKenna said.
“Among the panels will be a Kids Press Conference where young fans can ask the players questions and a Red Sox Game Show pitting players against each other in fun competitions,” she said.
Young fans have fun at the Red Sox Town Hall held at the MassMutual Center as part of the 2023 Winter Weekend. (Hoang ‘Leon’ Nguyen / The Republican)
The Friday night event will open with the introduction of the 2024 players and coaches followed by The Cinco Ocho Show with Jonathan Papelbon, a late-night talk show-style segment. Alongside co-host Tom Caron of NESN, Papelbon will lead conversations about the upcoming season and the state of the club. The evening will conclude with a reflection on the life of Tim Wakefield, former Red Sox ace whose knuckleball made him the third winningest pitcher in Red Sox history.
On Saturday, in addition to the Fan Fest area and panel discussions throughout the day, autograph sessions with current Red Sox players, coaches, and alumni will take place at MGM Springfield and the MassMutual Center. Fans who have purchased Winter Weekend tickets can register for autograph sessions online.
If you have ever wanted to meet and have your photograph taken with a Red Sox great like Wade Boggs, Carlton Fisk, Pedro Martinez or David Ortiz, they will be in attendance along with current players Wilyer Abreu, Brayan Bello, Brennan Bernardino, Triston Casas, Cooper Criswell, Jarren Duran, Vaughn Grissom, David Hamilton, Tanner Houck, Joe Jacques, Zack Kelly, Chris Martin, Reese McGuire, Chris Murphy, Tyler O’Neill, Nick Pivetta, Ceddanne Rafaela, Rob Refsnyder, Pablo Reyes, John Schreiber, Trevor Story, Enmanuel Valdez, Brandon Walter, Zack Weiss, Garrett Whitlock, Josh Winckowski, and Connor Wong.
Third baseman Rafael Devers walks into the MassMutual Center Arena for the Red Sox’s Town Hall as part of the 7th annual Winter Weekend in 2023. (Hoang ‘Leon’ Nguyen / The Republican)
Additional alumni will include Dennis Eckersley, Jonny Gomes, Fred Lynn, Lou Merloni, Jim Rice, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Jonny Gomes and Luis Tiant alongside prospects including Roman Anthony, Richard Fitts, Wikelman Gonzalez, Nathan Hickey, Marcelo Mayer, Chase Meidroth, Luis Perales, Justin Slaten, Kyle Teel, Nick Yorke. There will also be an opportunity to meet some coaches such as Alex Cora, Andrew Bailey, Pete Fatse, Andy Fox, Kyle Hudson, Luis Ortiz, Ben Rosenthal, Jason Varitek, Ramon Vazquez and Kevin Walker.
NESN and WEEI will broadcast live from the event featuring special appearances from Red Sox players and executives on Saturday.
Also, if you are already thinking ahead to which games you might want to attend during the 2024 season, representatives will be on hand to assist with purchases before they become available to the general public.
If you are already a Season Ticket holder, there will be a special lounge at Fan Fest where you can enjoy complimentary snacks and refreshments throughout the day. There will also be games, giveaway opportunities and more. Proof of being a Season Ticket holder will be required.
“It’s a service we provide for Season Ticket holders where they can take a break and hang out with other fans,” said.
Fan Fest hours are Friday from 8 to 10 p. m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets, including an autograph session voucher, are $95 for adults and $40 for children ages 3-14.
For tickets and more information, visit the MassMutual Center’s website.
