Red Sox on TV? (leasing, buy, construction)

[GoinDownSlow]

Hi,

I was raised in New England, so the Red Sox are a big part of my culture and values. I've done some research on the 'net to find Red Sox bars and social groups in DC, but what if I don't want to go out to a bar a few times a week to catch a game?

Do any locals in DC or the VA suburbs watch the Sox? How so? Are their cheaper alternatives to the MLB Extra Innings' package without resorting to streaming a signal on your computer? If I were to get NESN, would it show actual Sox broadcasts?

For the record, I'm excited to be close enough to Baltimore to see the 8-10 games against the O's, and the Nats' new park looks like the best in the league... but I don't wanna follow a new team, I want my Sox!

Thanks,
GDS

[saganista]

Extra Innings is likely the best bet. You get virtually every game every day, with just a few exceptions. The price isn't so bad. Seeing a game at Camden Yards is a) easy since hardly anyone goes anymore, and b) great since it's a terrific ballpark. Nationals Park is new, but understated. It's not the hallmark of a new era in ballpark construction or anything. Similar in some ways to Philadelphia. It's a comfy, cozy place to watch a game. There are still some bugs to work out, but they should have those things taken care of pretty soon. It could be something special once all the development around the park is done...

[CHIP72]

Three words: RED SOX SUCK!!!

FWIW, the Maryland Transit Administration operates a special Orioles express bus between Baltimore and the DC area for Orioles games. For weeknight games, you need to use the MARC Camden Line train to get there (Baltimore Camden Station is located literally on the other side of the warehouse you see beyond RF at Oriole Park at Camden Yards), but the bus can take you back to either Greenbelt or Union Station after the game. On weekends, the bus takes you both to and from the ballpark to/from Greenbelt. (MARC currently does not run on weekends.)

[GoinDownSlow]

Thanks for the replies. The MLB EI package doesn't worry me so much (it's less than a dollar a game), but its requirements do. After getting a cable package that comes with the option of EI, you're looking at grand total of $700 a year. But then again, if baseball's not worth it, maybe nothing is...

And very cool to know about the Orioles express! I'll have to look into it!

[joe.attaboy]

You don't need to get cable to get MLB-EI. In fact, unless something changed recently, the ONLY way to get it for the last couple of seasons was with DirecTV.

You don't have to lay out a lot of money. DirecTV will do mist installs for new customers for free. You're leasing the equipment, unlike the old days, when you could buy receivers. In fact, you can still buy standard definition receivers for DirecTV on eBay for very little money. You can get your own dish for about $50, and hanging it and aiming it is pretty easy.

You can get the cheapest package available and subscribe to MLB-EI as an add-on subscription. You will then get a bunch of special channels that will show nearly all available games on any given night.

It's worth every penny.

and I don't know why I'm helping you. I'm a Yankees fan.

[GoinDownSlow]

No worries, Joe. We're on the same side. I see from the other thread that you are/were a Fed. An IRS job in New Carrollton, Md. is what brings me to DC in the first place.

Edit: Actually, I'll be a 2210. Something you seem to know a thing or two about...

Thanks for the info on DirecTV! With 80 games a week, I might even be able to stomach a couple of Yankee games this season

[NationsKappatol]

Huge Sox fan here from Massachusetts. The cheapest way to get Sox games: Have a wealthy friend with DirecTV, MLB Extra Innings, and a big screen TV like I do. Haha...

I will be at the series at Camden Yards in May. Expect a really good time. Sox fans pack the stadium (probably 60% of the fans are sox fans) and it is an amazing ballpark. Not a bad seat in the house, and it doesn't feel dirty supporting the Orioles in that way. Make sure you get BBQ on Eutaw Street inside the park.

[desertsun41]

Originally Posted by CHIP72

Three words: RED SOX SUCK!!!

FWIW, the Maryland Transit Administration operates a special Orioles express bus between Baltimore and the DC area for Orioles games. For weeknight games, you need to use the MARC Camden Line train to get there (Baltimore Camden Station is located literally on the other side of the warehouse you see beyond RF at Oriole Park at Camden Yards), but the bus can take you back to either Greenbelt or Union Station after the game. On weekends, the bus takes you both to and from the ballpark to/from Greenbelt. (MARC currently does not run on weekends.)

2 more words:

SORE LOSER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CHIP72]

More like "fan sick of Red Sox getting way overhyped by New England-based ESPN".

[GoinDownSlow]

Originally Posted by NationsKappatol

I will be at the series at Camden Yards in May. Expect a really good time. Sox fans pack the stadium (probably 60% of the fans are sox fans) and it is an amazing ballpark. Not a bad seat in the house, and it doesn't feel dirty supporting the Orioles in that way.

Thanks for the tip on the BBQ. As for the 60% Sox fans, don't you think that's a bit conservative? NESN calls Camden "Fenway South." I'll be joining you for the series if I move down in time.