Red Sox Grateful Dead Night Figurine Giveaway through 4/9

Hey guys! I'm so excited to be offering this giveaway for the figurine that they are giving out with a special ticket for Red Sox Grateful Dead night on 4/11!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, you can enjoy this special themed game which includes a pre-game concert on Yawkey Way by “Playing Dead,” a Grateful Dead tribute band. With your purchase of an event ticket, you will receive a limited edition Red Sox Dancing Bears figurine.

Proceeds from tickets sales will benefit the Rex Foundation, the official charity of the Dead.

A VIP ticket is also available which includes an upgraded ticket into the Coca-Cola Pavilion Reserved section for the game.

More information can be found at redsox.com/GratefulDead.

NOTE: As a Red Sox Parent, I was provided one figurine for myself and one figurine to giveaway. No other compensation was provided and as always, all opinions are my own.

Red Sox #OpeningDay was SO amazing!

Yesterday was Opening Day for the 2017 season and it got started right here at home this year at Fenway Park. I was so excited to be going to the game thanks to Kayem Foods. They held their fourth annual #FindFenwayFranks scavenger hunt around the city last Thursday.

Since I work downtown, I've been trying to win this scavenger hunt for the last few years. So, I took my lunch a little early that day, and started walking around my office neighborhood. Once 11 o'clock struck, I checked Kayem's twitter account where they were released a clue where they were located, and I knew that it was somewhat close to where I was. 

Built as a gift to the city, this marketplace is a destination for many. We'll be hanging with our man Samuel Adams.

I went as quickly as I possibly could, over to Faneuil Hall and the Sam Adams statue where I saw the Kayem Box o' Meat and I said the phrase "FindFenwayFranks" before I ran totally out of breath and sat down at a nearby table. 

They told me that I won and I was SO excited!  They even had a video camera there to catch some of the excitement. I thought it was just for their own promotional purposes. I didn't realize until later on that night when I started to get messages on my phone and through Facebook that I had been on channel 7 news.

Thanks Kayem for hosting these fun contests around the city for the past few years. After coming so close last year, I'm super excited to have won this year!

I love that they have had National Hot Dog day, ticket giveaways and general fun around their home state of Massachusetts.

Grateful Dead night at Fenway on 4/11!

It’ll be a long strange trip to Fenway Park as Dead heads join the lineup on Tuesday, April 11 as the Red Sox celebrate the Grateful Dead.

You can enjoy this special themed game which includes a pre-game concert on Yawkey Way by “Playing Dead,” a Grateful Dead tribute band. With your purchase of an event ticket, you will receive a limited edition Red Sox Dancing Bears figurine.

Proceeds from tickets sales will benefit the Rex Foundation, the official charity of the Dead.

A VIP ticket is also available which includes an upgraded ticket into the Coca-Cola Pavilion Reserved section for the game.

More information can be found at redsox.com/GratefulDead.

NOTE: We are providing this information to our wonderful readers because we are Red Sox Parents. No compensation was provided and all opinions are our own.

Happy Birthday (and retirement) David Ortiz!

Well, this post has been a long time coming... 6.5 years ago I signed up for twitter, before becoming a father and before starting this blog. I chose the twitter handle RedSoxDad because I LOVE the Red Sox and I was going to become a father. Immediately upon grabbing the twitter handle, I thought of another Red Sox Dad also known as Big Papi - David Ortiz is one of my favorite sox players of all time!

Fast forward to this year and I was fortunate to attend some really neat games as part of being a Red Sox Moms/Dads blogger. Then, out of the blue and totally unrelated to blogging, I was totally shocked to find out that I was going to go the ALDS Game 3 at Fenway! I went with a close friend of mine and we had an amazing time! I couldn't believe that I was at Fenway to watch David Ortiz's last at-bat. The coolest part was after the game (we unfortunately lost) and the fans started chanting "We Want Papi" and then after 10 minutes he came back out to the field to thank Red Sox Nation. Such a professional!

DJ Rob Base with Dave

Well, my unbelievable streak of luck continued when again, out of the blue, I received an invitation to attend Big Papi's retirement party as part of the #PricelessBoston campaign of Mastercard in conjunction with Dunkin Donuts, Jet Blue and Bank of America. I couldn't believe that I was now in the same room and even within 10 feet of David Ortiz. He just seemed to be a chill individual and totally down to earth. I had to keep pinching myself to remind me that it wasn't a dream and I was in fact at his retirement party and having a really great time. That being said, the food was amazing and they even had Rob Base (from the 90's) as the DJ and Fabolous surprised everyone to sing a few songs.

One day I hope to meet David Ortiz and thank him for everything he has done for our city and how he has inspired me.

Happy 41st birthday to Big Papi, David Ortiz!

NOTE While I do participate in the Red Sox Blogger program, Red Sox Moms/Dads, I was not provided tickets for the ALDS Game 3 through that... It was just my pure luck. Same thing for David Ortiz's retirement party. Again, totally pure luck. I'm very thankful! No compensation was provided. I just think you would be interested in hearing about it, my dear readers.

Wally and Tessie's Halloween Party at Fenway recap

This past Sunday, we went to check out Wally and Tessie's Halloween Party at Fenway Park. This was a unique experience to visit our storied, local ballpark with a spooky feeling to it!

We arrived at 10:30 and there was already a line forming. It was cool to see all of the Red Sox fans decked out in various costumes. It was easy to find a parking spot and we joined the line and didn't wait long until the party started.

As always entering Fenway, you had to pass through a metal detector which just seemed normal and we were happy that it was a secure place to trick or treat with the kids. The kids were given a Red Sox Kid Nation iron on patch and then we went to decorate mini pumpkins. Oh my gourd, were they cute! We could use pipe cleaners, puffy glitter paint and stickers to make each pumpkin as unique as each kid's imagination.

We then trick or treated around different stations that were set up with various staff from Fenway dressed up as their favorite characters. What was really nice was that everyone was so nice and welcoming - adding to the great family feel of #MyFenway.

The team ownership has really made great strides to make the fan experience at Fenway easy for families and we just absolutely love it!

After getting our fill of candy, we took some pictures with Wally and his little sister Tessie and even played some halloween-themed games.

We had an amazing time and the weather couldn't have been more cooperative. Can't wait for next year!

NOTE: We were not provided with any compensation for this post. I was just providing it as information since I know you guys love the Red Sox and Fenway as much as I do. I am, however, posting it as part of the #RedSoxMoms, #RedSoxDads and #RedSoxParents blogger initiative. As always all opinions are our own.

Del's at Fenway and Upcoming #SoxPromos in September and the Red Sox Showcase

So, as a native Rhode Islander I am SO EXCITED to tell you, my readers, that Del's is now available at Fenway!!!

Here's some upcoming #SoxPromos that are coming up this week and the locations for the Red Sox Showcase:

Fan Vote T–shirt
Tuesday, September 13
First 15,000 fans in attendance


Bruins Night (Special Ticket required) 
Wednesday, September 14
Get ready for the Bruins season and show your pride for Boston sports with our first ever Bruins Night at Fenway Park on Wednesday, September 14 when the Red Sox face the Orioles. Fans who purchase tickets through this special offer will receive a Red Sox and Bruins co-branded t-shirt. Join us early for a special pre-game ceremony honoring the Bruins on the eve of their 2016-17 season and celebrating the September opening of their new practice facility in Brighton where the team's rookie and full training camps will be held.

Red Sox Showcase Locations
Saturday, September 10 – Riverfest 2016 at Baxter Riverfront Park (Somerville, MA)
Friday, September 16 – Hamden Town Center Park (Hamden, CT)
Saturday, September 17 – Red Sox vs. Yankees at Fenway Park
Saturday, September 24 – Central MA Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes (Worcester, MA)
Sunday, September 25 – Faneuil Hall (Boston)

Today is Red Sox Kid Nation day at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston!

Saturday, August 6: Kid Nation Day at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston

On Saturday, August 6 from 11 am to 3 pm, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Boston will host the Red Sox Showcase, powered by T-Mobile, at Assembly Row!. The Red Sox themed truck includes a batting cage, pitching stations, a steal 2nd challenge, and a virtual reality experience.  LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston’s Master Model Builder, Megan Quigley, will be conducting a live Red Sox themed build and visitors will have the opportunity to take photos with a World Series trophy replica made entirely out of LEGO® bricks! In addition, there will be brick pits, LEGO® build stations for fans to show off their Red Sox pride and visits from LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston costume characters Bertie and Kai from Ninjago.

Admission to the Red Sox Showcase is free, however, admission to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston (along with the Red Sox trophy replicas and themed LEGO builds) is not.

Wednesday, August 31: LEGO Day at Fenway

The Red Sox and LEGO Systems, Inc. are proud to announce the first LEGO® Day at Fenway Park, Wednesday, August 31 at 1:35 pm when the Red Sox face the Tampa Bay Rays. The purchase of a game ticket through this special offer also includes a limited edition Red Sox themed player build, made with LEGO bricks. Additionally, this ticket package will include access to the pre-game LEGO Build Experience in the Kids Concourse from 11:00am-1:35pm. There will even be a LEGO Master Builder on hand! During the LEGO Build Experience, a life-sized Red Sox player LEGO model will be unveiled for fans to see and take pictures with. Be there for this special moment as tickets are limited to the first 2,000 guests who order through this special offer.

American Girl Night Recap and August 2016 Red Sox Promotions

Last week,we went to Fenway Park for the Boston Red Sox first ever American Girl night. We had the VIP treatment which gave us early entry to the ballpark and a special all-you-can-eat buffet in the Champions Club (hot dogs, chicken tenders, salad, friends, peanuts, cracker jacks, etc.) set up like the American Girl Café so you can eat with your oll. 

We also had the chance to have her hair done at the American Girl mobile doll hair salon and even a red carpet that you could take photos with your doll! The best part of it was that everyone with a special ticket got a limited edition Red Sox/American Girl doll shirt.

After the game started we went back to Wally's Clubhouse which also was taking place in the Champions Club, which had special American Girl crafts, air conditioning (since it was still hot!) and fun games. We also got to take pictures with Wally and Tessie and even tried out the #FriendlyFenway twitter vending machine sponsored by CarMax located out in the center field concession area just by the Green Monster stairs.

For the month of August, the Red Sox have some great promotions coming up!

Ortiz Bobblehead Giveaway

Tuesday, August 9

Star Trek and Boston Comic Con Night Giveaway of Captain Kirk Red Sox figurine

Friday, August 12

End of Summer Family Packs

August 26-31 Homestand

• Game tickets, each with a hot dog and soda voucher
• Free parking in the Prudential Center Garage
• Free Boston Duck Tours ride between the garage and Fenway
• Wife Ball Bat for kids 12 and under

Picnic in the Park at Fenway Park

Sunday, August 28

Bogaerts Bobblehead Giveaway

Tuesday, August 30

LEGO Day

Wally Piggy Bank Giveaway

Wednesday, August 31

Red Sox Mobile Showcase Events

Monday, August 8 - Faneuil Hall, Boston

Wednesday, August 10 - Boston Parks & Recreation Fenway Challenge (Ramsay Park)

Thursday, August 11 - Boston Parks & Recreation Fenway Challenge (Dorchester Park)

Sunday, August 14 - Putnam, CT

Saturday, August 20 - Wakefield, MA

Sunday, August 28 - Faneuil Hall

NOTE: We were given tickets to this event as being part of the RedSoxMoms and RedSoxDads parent initiative. No other compensation was provided. As always, all opinions are our own.

Flash giveaway: Family 4-pack of tickets to Red Sox American Girl Night at Fenway!

OK guys, you won't believe this but the great folks at the Red Sox gave us a family 4-pack of tickets to give away to one lucky Parental Ideas blog fan. All you have to do is enter through the rafflecopter form below!

HURRY! Giveaway closes TONIGHT at 12:00 AM on 7/24/16

American Girl celebrates girls and all that they can be! The Red Sox are teaming up with American Girl on Monday, July 25 for one special evening. With the purchase of your special American Girl Night ticket to see the Red Sox battle the Tigers, you will also receive a Red Sox t-shirt for your American Girl doll.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NOTE: We were provided with Red Sox Game tickets to attend the game as well as for the giveaway for promotional purposes as part of the Red Sox Moms/Red Sox Parents.  No other compensation was provided. All opinions are our own.

Upcoming July Red Sox Promotions and Giveaways

Hey guys! The Red Sox have a lot of great promotions and giveaways coming up this month! As a Red Sox Dad (and a member of the Red Sox Parents crew), I got a few of the items to try out and they rock (pun intended)! Yep, I actually got a Pet Brock and it's modeled after the Pet Rocks and is pretty cool and unique! I also got a Stars and Stripes Cap as well which is pretty snazzy.

Here's just a few to note:

Tuesday, July 5
Red Sox Mobile Showcase at Faneuil Hall
Stars & Stripes Cap Promo Item

Sunday, July 10
Wally and Tessie Bobbhead Promo Item

Saturday, July 16
Red Sox Mobile Showcase in Laconia, NH

Tuesday, July 19
Red Sox Catholic Night
Pet Brock Promo Item

Saturday, July 23
Red Sox Mobile Showcase in Chatham, MA

Monday, July 25
Red Sox Law Enforcement Night (FLEOA)
American Girl Night

Tuesday, July 26
Build-A-Papi Promo Item

Thursday, July 28
Red Sox Mobile Showcase at Faneuil Hall

Saturday, July 30
Red Sox Mobile Showcase at Boston’s Children’s Museum

Sunday, July 31
Red Sox Mobile Showcase in Pawtucket, RI at the PawSox Fan Fest

Kids had the chance to take batting practice at the Red Sox Mobile Showcase

I got to take a photo with the World Series Trophies!

I even had the chance to talk with Red Sox President Sam Kennedy.

NOTE: I was provided with some of the Red Sox Promo items to facilitate this review. No other compensation was provided.

Red Sox game recap and Bobble head doll giveaway

OK Red Sox fans, I’ve got some exciting news for you! The Red Sox have absolutely gone to town with promotions and giveaways this year and have some pretty amazing giveaways coming up! We were lucky enough to attend Wally’s Birthday a week ago and got a cool Red Sox tote bag, but more on that later!

So, as you may have heard, this year is the last season for Red Sox slugger, David Ortiz (a.k.a. Big Papi), one of our favorite players on the team! In honor of his great accomplishments, the team has a slew of Papi-related giveaways coming up (Build-a-Papi on July 26, Papi Gnome on June 21, etc.) but the one that we’re excited for is the Papi Canvas art that will be given away to the first 15,000 fans in attendance on Tuesday May 24th. As a Red Sox Parent, they sent me one to hang on the wall.

I also received a David Price Bobblehead doll to give away to one of our lucky readers! So… you know what to do, fill out the rafflecopter at the bottom of this post!

Now… for the recap of our amazing trip to fenway for Wally’s birthday!

The game started at 1:35 on a Sunday afternoon, but we were lucky enough to get into the VIP birthday party with Wally and his friends which started at 11:35. We lined up outside of gate C at Fenway for the special party and once inside, we received the day’s giveaway (a Red Sox tote) and went to the party inside of the Champions Club. Last year, the Red Sox created Wally’s Clubhouse which took place inside of the Champions Club at Fenway from innings 3-7 during most games in the summer. This was a great idea to keep the kids out of the hot summer sun and give them an air-conditioned place to relax. We’re happy to say that it looks like this is being continued for this year as well!

When we entered the party we each got our Wally gnome and proceeded to a balloon-filled party room complete with food, snacks, games and more! We took in the sights and sounds of the party and then took a little break to go see the Sox and Astros take batting practice on the field.

After we had our fill of food, it was time for the main event. We all gathered near the front of the room and then Wally came into the room with all of his mascot family and friends from other teams. We all sang happy birthday to Wally and then posed to take pictures with him, his family (Walter, his dad, Wanda, his mom and his little sister, Tessie) and friends.

We took our picture with Wally, ate some more food then went to our seats in Right Field to watch the pre-game festivities and the game!

In the fourth inning the Red Sox invited us to visit Wally’s Clubhouse again and this time we got to eat some of his birthday cake. It was so delicious and honestly, how often do you get to go to a baseball game and eat birthday cake! That was a great addition!

After a gorgeous afternoon of springtime baseball, we hopped in our car and went home. We can’t wait to do it all again!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NOTE: We were provided with tickets to the game and the canvas print and bobble head doll for review and bobble head for giveaway courtesy of the Red Sox as Dave is a Red Sox Dad. There was no promise made of a positive review, but we had a really great time anyways! All opinions are our own.

Calling all Kids! Join the Red Sox Kid Nation FREE!

Photo Credit: @RedSox Twitter

This year, the Red Sox are continuing what they started last year in making Kid Nation Rookie memberships FREE for all kids! We did this last year and it was great! When you join you'll get a kid nation passport, free Red Sox game ticket (while supplies last), email newsletter and discount at the official store among other goodies! What are you waiting for? Register today!

So, I'm super excited to let you guys know that this year, I'm going to be working with the Red Sox to help promote some of their family friendly activities as a Red Sox Dad! I can't begin to describe my enthusiasm as that was the twitter handle I chose some years ago, never thinking it would amount to this!

The Red Sox have a few other things in store for this year:

• Special student discount tickets for high school and college students with a student ID, you can get a $9 ticket for every regular season home game. The “Student 9’s,” presented by Selfeo, guarantee at least an entry into standing room with the possibility of an upgrade to seats when available.
• The Red Sox will take Fenway Park on the road with a new mobile truck that will bring the ballpark experience to communities throughout New England. The Red Sox Mobile Experience presented by T-Mobile features a 15-foot truck with panels that move to remake the Green Monster wall. The truck will carry a batting cage, virtual reality dugout, and pitching stations to dozens of cities and towns during the 2016 season.

Wally's Clubhouse got a few new additions as well:

• A rolling mobile exhibit will feature a miniature fiberglass version of Pesky’s Pole that youngsters can sign with a dry erase marker, a piece of the padded field wall that lines the infield and outfield, and various compartments with objects for them to feel, such as a deconstructed baseball and Fenway Park dirt.
• Miniature lockers staged to look just like the ones in the Red Sox clubhouse will be installed in Wally’s Clubhouse, and an oversized trunk filled with authentic Red Sox jerseys, cleats, and batting gloves will be available for kids to play dress up.
• In addition to the tactile elements, enhanced organized games and activities such as Red Sox bingo, story time, Q&A sessions, and lessons on scoring the game will take place in the space. The Red Sox will also host a comprehensive clinic later in the season for kids who want to learn how to score the game.    
• Tessie the Green Monster (Wally’s sister) will take her place in the Kids Concourse where she will be a permanent staple before and during Red Sox home games throughout the season.

NOTE: I super excited to share this info with you guys as a participating Red Sox Dad which is part of the Red Sox Moms/Dads blogger program. No compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

Wally's sister is joining her old brother at Fenway!

You guys know we're huge Red Sox fans and absolutely love their mascot, Wally, the Green Monster! After going to a few games and Wally's Birthday party, we even had the chance to meet Wally and his parents, Walter and Wanda - they were all so nice!

I learned some cool news today! The Red Sox announced that Wally's younger sister, Tessie has joined her older brother at Fenway! As a matter of fact, you'll get to meet her if you go to the Red Sox Winter Weekend at Foxwoods in a few weeks, January 22-24!

A fun little nugget of trivia: Tessie is named for the popular early 1900’s song that was re-made by the Dropkick Murphy’s in 2004! You can hear it during most games at Fenway!

We can't wait to meet her this season!

You can follow Tessie on Twitter, Instagram and check out this cute little video the Red Sox made...