College football will be played at Fenway Park this fall, as the Boston Red Sox have announced that the ballpark will a trio of Division I games.
Scheduled for November, the games add to the interesting history of NCAA football at Fenway Park. The ballpark has hosted several NCAA games in recent years, including a 2015 contest between Boston College and Notre Dame. It also has a notable history in the professional level, having hosted NFL and AFL franchises such as the Boston Bulldogs, Boston Redskins, Boston Shamrocks, Boston Yanks, and the Boston Patriots.
This fall’s games will include three schools from New England’s Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) programs.
On Saturday, November 18, the University of Connecticut will host Boston College. This will be the first football game at Fenway Park for the University of Connecticut, and the 77th for Boston College.
“We are thrilled to take part in the continuation of what we hope will be a long-time partnership with Fenway Park and the Boston Red Sox,” said UConn Director of Athletics David Benedict. “This game will present our players with an unforgettable experience – playing in one of the most renowned venues in American sport – and provide UConn fans with a front row seat. We could not be happier to take part.”
“This is a great opportunity for our fans to see us play seven games in Boston, our players to experience a world-famous venue, and to showcase New England and ACC football with the ‘Football at Fenway’ series,” said Boston College Director of Athletics Brad Bates. “We are excited about the chance to play a game in one of American’s most iconic sports venues.”
On Friday, November 10, a matchup between two New England Ivy League teams will take place when Brown University hosts Dartmouth College. The game will mark the third appearance for both Brown and Dartmouth.
“Fenway Park is an iconic New England landmark and we are excited about the unique opportunity to play a football game there,” said Brown University Director of Athletics Jack Hayes. “It will be an unforgettable experience for our team members, alumni, and fans.”
“Fenway Park is one of the great venues in all of sports,” said Dartmouth Director of Athletics Harry Sheehy. “This promises to be an unforgettable experience for the players, coaches, and alumni of Brown and Dartmouth. We are honored to continue our great rivalry with Brown University at Fenway Park.”
The following day, Saturday, November 11, the University of Massachusetts will host the University of Maine – the first college football game at Fenway Park for both teams.
“We are thrilled to enter into a partnership with the Boston Red Sox to bring the Commonwealth’s Flagship football program to Boston to play in iconic Fenway Park next fall,” said UMass Athletic Director Ryan Bamford. “This is a special opportunity for UMass that will undoubtedly attract the attention of fans throughout New England. Our sincere thanks to the Red Sox leadership for working with us to bring UMass Football to Fenway in 2017.”
“The historic prestige and legendary status of Fenway Park make this such a special and unique opportunity for the University of Maine and one we are excited to share with our student-athletes, staff, fans and alumni,” said UMaine Athletic Director Karlton Creech. “We would like to thank Fenway Sports Management and everyone who worked to make this event at such a historic venue a reality.”
Game times and ticket information for all three games will be announced at a later date.