A Night at Fenway

Luis telling us how much he loves living here

Not so long ago, I received an email with a pretty sweet invitation:

On the evening of Thursday, June 2, more than 30 diehard Red Sox fans will receive the ultimate fan access as one of the exclusive offerings of being a Chase Marriott Rewards cardmember. These individuals will participate in a unique, once-in-a-lifetime Red Sox experience, featuring an all access tour of Fenway Park, an intimate dinner with Red Sox legend Luis Tiant and an overall exciting night of storytelling as these fans get once-in-a-lifetime Red Sox fan access.
We’d love to have you join us for the all-access tour, dinner and to speak with Luis about anything and everything Red Sox and live this unique experience alongside the cardmembers.

How could anyone with relatively easy access to Boston and Fenway say no to this offer? I know I couldn’t (and didn’t!).

As with many events of this nature, things didn’t go exactly as planned.  I initially expected to be going alone and then was told I could bring a guest (I’m very thankful to know people who are easy to get motivated at the last minute!).  So two of us were given the opportunity to go to Fenway Park on an off-night, walk around the park, eat free food and partake in an open bar, and on top of all of that…get the chance to meet and speak with Luis Tiant.  The only part that didn’t really work out was the speaking with Luis.  And that was only because Luis was so engaged with the card members (who paid for the privilege).  The people organizing and running the event (especially Angus from Chase and Shawn McBride from Ketchum Sports & Entertainment) went out of their way to try and get us access but timing was bad and, honestly, given that I went in not completely expecting one on one time, I didn’t mind.

We, along with the card members, got photos with Luis (which included time to talk with him not really interview him which, I have to say, I enjoyed on a totally unprofessional level!) , Luis mingled with folks and he spoke at length (and then mingled again) just about his life (including letting us know that he’s coming up on his 50th wedding anniversary!) and if you haven’t had an opportunity to listen to Luis Tiant speak, you’re missing an awful lot.  He’s funny and sweet and while I am sorry I didn’t get a chance to speak one on one with him at any great length, I’m so appreciative for the opportunity to be there.  So I owe Ketchum (especially Sarah Smedley there) a special thanks for extending the offer.

You haven’t experienced Fenway in the EMC Club until you’ve had pieces of Fenway Frank served to you as an hors d’oeuvre.

Also, any opportunity I get to be at Fenway and wander around pretty much wherever I wanted to wander without fighting off crowds is a fantastic opportunity I won’t be saying “no” to.  I’ve been fortunate to have experienced Fenway on an off-night (or at least on a night when the Red Sox weren’t in town) a handful of times now and there’s really nothing else like it.

So thanks to Chase, Marriott, Ketchum, Fenway Park and Luis Tiant for making the evening memorable.