Sports Integral to Patriots’ Day
30,000 runners from over 100 countries compete. Photo Credit: John Kropewnicki
On Monday, April 18th, the city of Boston will come together as one to celebrate the 241st annual holiday that all Bostonians know as Patriots’ Day.
Patriots’ Day is an official state holiday to commemorate the Battles of Lexington and Concord – the first battles of the American Revolutionary War.
And while we won’t forget the historical significance of this anniversary, many Bostonians have come to incorporate sports into their celebration of this proud day.
The festivities start early on Monday when the Red Sox take on their AL East Rival Toronto Blue Jays in their second home series at Fenway. Be sure to bring plenty of breakfast food to the tailgate, however, as the game is an uncommon 11:05 a.m. start.
Since 1959, the Sox have been scheduled to play at Fenway every Patriots’ Day. The early start to the game allows fans to experience one of the year’s premier sporting events. After the game at Fenway wraps up, the timing couldn’t be more perfect as fans can exit and make the walk to Kenmore Square where the runners of the 120th Boston Marathon will be making their way toward the finish line.
One of the highlights of Patriots’ Day is undoubtedly watching the 30,000+ runners from almost 100 different countries compete in the marathon. The 26-mile race takes marathoners over a difficult track of rolling terrain from Hopkinton to downtown Boston where runners will end their journey at the finish line located on Boylston Street.
If you’re a fan of the marathon, or fitness in general, be sure to check out the John Hancock Sports and Fitness Expo located at Hynes Convention Center downtown. The expo is widely known as the running industry’s premier expo for new products and services.
With over 100,000 attendees and 200 exhibitors featuring the world’s top marathoners, elite athletes and fitness enthusiasts, the expo is perfect for the serious runner or the general public. If you want to attend this expo, it takes place the weekend before Patriots’ Day. It is open Friday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The city of Boston will play host to thousands of fans, family and competitors over the long weekend leading up to Patriots’ Day. This year’s festivities are estimated to bring in more than $180 million revenues to the Boston area as family, fans and competitors will flock to the city’s hotels, restaurants and attractions.
If you are coming from out of town to watch the marathon, it is highly recommended that you book a hotel in the downtown area close to the action. Some hotels to keep in mind are the Hyatt Regency Boston, the Godfrey hotel, the Ritz-Carlton and the Ames hotel.
Any locals planning on attending the day’s events are highly encouraged to use public transportation to get to your event/viewing spot downtown as a very limited number of parking spaces will be available for the day.
From the Boston Athletic Association: Spectators intending on watching the Boston Marathon from anywhere along the course should expect a significant presence of uniformed and plain clothed police officers. Spectators approaching, or in, viewing areas on the course, may be asked to pass through security checkpoints, and law enforcement officers may ask to inspect bags and other items being carried. For more information on the Boston Marathon, visit www.baa.org.