Jerry Remy's Sports Bar and Grill opened Sunday — just in time to toast a cold one to Opening Day and, more importantly, the Red Sox’ first victory over the New York Yankees. The restaurant, a block away from Fenway Park on Boylston Street, opened its doors for the first time to the bar's season-ticket holders and fans who weren't fortunate enough to score seats to the sold-out game.
For $500, fans can purchase "season passes" for a guaranteed table for the Red Sox’ 81 home games. The passes offer a nice perk when you think of the lines trying to get into Cask'n Flagon or Bleacher Bar on a mid-July afternoon. With the pass also comes a free drink and $25 worth of food.
Fans also can buy away game season passes for the same price. Pass holders are allowed to bring as many friends as they'd like. One customer brought 17 people, but as the restaurant’s general manager Don Bailey saw it, 17 happy friends equals 17 new customers and brand ambassadors who can spread the word.
According to The New York Times, as of Sunday, all 150 home game passes had been sold, and 60 were still available for when the Sox are out of town.
Jerry Remy, Bailey and John Mascia, a managing partner at the restaurant, all agreed that the opening night for the Red Sox and the Grill were a success.
The restaurant has the feel of Fenway Park with brick and exposed columns, but the best features are two 11-feet-long high-definition televisions, costing $225,000 each, that hang over the bar. And for those who drank too many Sam Adams, fear not: The men's room has a television.
Remy, who is beginning his 23rd season as NESN’s Red Sox color commentator, hopes the restaurant will attract a year-round fan base celebrating all Boston sports.
"There’s no question that we’re looking at more places, probably not on the scale of this, but the same idea," Remy told the Times.
On Monday, Mayor Thomas Menino christened the restaurant by throwing out a ceremonial pitch, The Boston Globe reports.
The new spot is a great alternative to expensive seats and crowds. And not to jump the gun, but it is a perfect location to view the duck boats.
