The park has a long, storied history that you can read about online or in countless baseball history books. The familiar trimark logo of the citgo sign is seen in the backdrop of fenway parks famed green monster. Citgo sign to get extreme makeover bu today boston university. The old sign, like the old logo, was big and white, with lettering and a border in dark green.
Bostons beloved citgo sign might be getting priced out of. Bostons iconic charles river skyline contains a bright, conspicuous citgo gas sign. The sign was installed in 1940 and updated with citgo s present logo in 1965. Further, it will recognize the citgo sign as an important piece of boston history and culture. The sign has been nicknamed see it go, especially when a home run is hit during a game. Photographs of the sign appear on postcards, in newspapers, movies, books, tourism brochures and even in life magazine. But thanks to a forthcoming realestate transaction, its. The citgo sign is a large, illuminated sign mounted to a steel truss structure on the roof of the sixstory building at 660 beacon street in kenmore square. The citgo sign in bostons kenmore square upgrade faqs. The predecessor to the citgo sign didnt have that effect. A sign at that location first became part of the boston skyline in 1940, but at the time it had a different logo, according to citgo s history of the sign.
Its known for its colonial history, beautiful landscape, and epic sports teams. The untold story of bostons iconic citgo sign the boston globe. One of its wellknown features is the green monster, a tall wall in left field. Dec 16, 2015 the citgo sign that looms behind the leftfield wall in bostons fenway park was lit for the first time 50 years ago this week. The sign had originally said cities service, and was changed to the new logo in 1965 with nearly 6,000 neon bulbs added.
While out of range for even the strongest batters, it hovers perfectly over the green monster in left field and serves as an inviting target, particularly during night games. The sign is caricatured in neal stephensons 1984 book the big u as the big wheel sign. This animated replica of the famous citgo sign outside of fenway park quietly pulsates in a hypnotic pattern of red, blue and white just like the landmark sign that has been called the crown jewel of boston. With the monster seats in place, you dont get the clear view fans used to enjoy of the original pulsing neon sign with the trimark company logo whenever a player. The citgo sign located beyond the green monster in left field, the famous citgo sign illuminates the boston night from kenmore square. The sign has become a landmark of boston through its appearance in the background of boston red sox games at fenway park. Find out the origins of how the pole became known as peskys. The pesky pole one of fenway s many fables is the pole that rests 302 feet down the right field line. The boston citgo sign is a large, doublefaced sign featuring the logo of the oil company citgo that overlooks kenmore square in boston. Citgo logo history ever since 1965, the citgo sign has held a place deep in the hearts of boston residents. The citgo sign nestled in the boston sky beyond fenway s green monster will be staying put, boston mayor marty walsh announced early wednesday afternoon.
The sign was constructed in 1940 to advertise the cities service gas station at. In the slide show above, patrick kennedy recounts the citgo signs history and transformation and how its survived even its relationship to venezuelan president hugo chavez. The citgo sign is approximately 1,200 feet from home plate at fenway park. Start a subscription subscriberonly content digital edition book of lists. Boston considers landmark status for legendary citgo sign. As fenway park gets set to mark its centennial anniversary in 2012, sports. This visibility has led to the installation of replica signs. Citgo petroleum corporation, or citgo, is a refiner and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, and other industrial products. The sign was even the subject of a 1976 boston globe piece entitled misty over the citgo sign, in which readers voiced their opinions on the huge blinking square. A line from political scientist murray edelmans classic 1964 book. Should the citgo sign be representative of the spirit of boston. The name fenway park comes from the stadium being in the fenway district of boston. On a midaugust night in 1983, the boston red sox were playing the texas rangers at fenway park.
The citgo sign was raised over kenmore square in 1965. But that commercial meaning has all but fallen away. The sign has been used informally by the public as a wayfinding marker since its construction in 1965. The iconic citgo sign made an appearance in the film, as well. The citgo sign in kenmore square has become a symbol of fenway park, so its natural that citgo and the red sox would work together to help give boston students a fun and educational day, said citgo vice president of government and public affairs rafael gomez. Did you know there was a sign before the citgo sign.
The 60 x 60 sign over 660 beacon street has been around since 1940, when it was a green and white cities service sign. Discover the fenway kenmore square neighborhood with a local guide and fall in love with this unique area of boston. Its bright colors are visible for miles around from its perch in kenmore square. Buy chowdaheadz fenway sign tshirt, as seen outside fenway park citgo. That would have been frontpage news in the boston newspapers except that the sinking of the titanic became the lead story. Future of citgo sign near fenway park is in doubt portland. Historic hotel buckminster in bostons kenmore square. A line from political scientist murray edelmans classic 1964 book, the symbolic uses of politics, explains it perfectly well. The major league baseball allstar games in 1946, 1961, and 1999 were played at fenway. For questions about the red sox stem education days presented by citgo, or to book your school group, please contact matt labossiere at email protected or 617 2266834. The only perfect game played at fenway was achieved by earnie shore in 1917. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours.
Public debate grew as the sign became lit for fewer hours. The giant citgo sign near fenway park celebrateboston. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. The first sign, featuring the cities service greenandwhite trefoil logo, was built in 1940. How far is it from home plate at fenway park to the citgo sign in bostons kenmore square. Mar 08, 2017 a sign at that location first became part of the boston skyline in 1940, but at the time it had a different logo, according to citgo s history of the sign. May 20, 2014 a 2004 renovation gave the sign yet another facelift, according to a citgo press release. During the game, its blinking lights are as much a fixture as the fenway frank. Fenway is my home, and the sign has even bigger place in the hearts of fenway residents the sign is located in the fe. Decorate your laptops, water bottles, notebooks and windows. Its been a fixture in kenmore square since the 1960s and is visible from fenway park and across the charles river. The citgo sign whether youre emerging from the t at kenmore square or driving in your car on storrow drive, that first view of the citgo sign signals your proximity to fenway. Nationwide television audiences see it whenever a home run sails over fenways green monster. The sign is visible from great distances on both sides of the charles river, especially as one approaches the city from the west.
During the day, the citgo sign is an impressive monument. Fenway neighborhood food tour off the beaten path food tours. The citgo sign glowing outside fenway park last september. The twoway the boston landmarks commission voted to study whether the modern and some say tacky, citgo sign is culturally important. Already a staple for food tours in other neighborhoods of boston, off the beaten path will highlight some of the best food in the fenway neighborhood, including eventide fenway, time out market, local bars and beyond. The sign became a part of how people experience the boston skyline, or, at least, life in kenmore square. Citgo is committed to preserving this iconic landmark, and we are working hard to make sure it shines brighter and stronger than ever. The boston landmarks commission meets tuesday to decide whether to launch a study to determine if the sign qualifies for. The boston landmarks commission meets tuesday to decide whether to launch a study to determine if the sign. Bostons most historic advertisement daydream tourist. High quality fenway park inspired wall art by independent artists and designers from around the world. Fenway park skyline could take hit with citgo signs future. Fenway park celebrated its 100th anniversary is 2012 and is the oldest park in major league baseball. Headquartered in the energy corridor area of houston, it is majorityowned by pdvsa, a stateowned company of the venezuelan government although due to u.
Citgo sign in kenmore square boston preservation alliance. One of the most famous landmark signs in the world. Hang your posters in dorms, bedrooms, offices, or anywhere blank walls arent welcome. Jul, 2017 youre looking at the citgo sign in an objective sense, and i think youre missing the point on its place in bostonians hearts. Its loomed over fenway park for more than 50 years, its red glow illuminating the citys skyline. Shirts hats bracelets posters books art collectibles antiyankees fenway gifts. Chowdaheadz fenway sign tshirt, as seen outside fenway park citgo sign tee. Photographs of the sign appear on postcards, in newspapers, movies, books. Citgo petroleum corporation or citgo, stylized as citgo is a united statesbased refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products.
The side of the sign that faces fenway was kept lit. Citgo reaches deal to keep iconic sign near bostons fenway. Joe robbinsgetty images now i know ive seen it all. The first citgo sign, featuring the cities service green and white trefoil logo, was built. The current beacon on beacon street is the giant citgo sign. And red sox fans cant see past left field at fenway park without taking in this. But for all the history within its borders, there are blocks in the fenway that appear to be brand new.
For art print fuji luster paper and available in sizes 8x12 through 20x30 use the select options menu above to select size. The association with fenway park and the red sox is so strong that some local little. Citgo sign just over the left field wall and perched in kenmore square across i90 is the infamous and majestic citgo sign, which has stood high above the street since 1965. For art print fuji luster paper and available in sizes 8x12 through 20x30. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. Is the citgo sign in bostons kenmore square coming down.
Its seen every time a baseball player hits a home run over the left field wall at fenway park. The citgo sign is known to be an icon particularly for its appearance on television, seen in the background of baseball games. Citgo sign fenway outlet boston and red sox fan shop. Photos by bu photography, unless otherwise indicated buff at age 45 and still beloved, the decades have weathered a oncelustrous countenance. Mar 15, 2017 the citgo sign nestled in the boston sky beyond fenway s green monster will be staying put, boston mayor marty walsh announced early wednesday afternoon. Through years of development, it has become the dynamic hive of interest and industry that we know today. Citgo sign, kenmore square this photograph of the kenmore square citgo sign was taken in with a nikon d300 and a nikon 18200mm f3. You might think this is just an unfortunate billboard ruining the view, but the beloved orange triangle is actually a piece of historic art now maintained by the city. Jul 14, 2016 the citgo sign, seen from fenway park, debuted new led lights in 2010. Citgo sign near fenway park in the mid1970s, it was debated whether the sign was an eyesore and should be removed. A 2004 renovation gave the sign yet another facelift, according to a citgo press release. Boston takes step to elevate citgo sign from led beacon to. The citgo sign is known nationally for appearing above the green monster during televised games of the boston red sox at fenway park. Well learn about the history of the famous citgo sign and the green monster while munching on the best eats in town from scallion pancake sandwiches to pizza and brown butter ice cream.
Citgo and the boston red sox to promote stem education at. Every symbol stands for something other than itself, he wrote, and. It had stood in the same place as todays sign, atop the divisional headquarters of cities service, since 1940. Off the beaten path food tours joins the fenway this year. Bostons beloved neon citgo sign may have finally run out of gas, if their landlords have anything to say about it. It is alive 24hours a day with worldclass events, dining, art, shops. The iconic citgo sign looms in the background of fenway park in boston. The iconic citgo sign, lit up at night in february 2016.
Bostons iconic citgo sign has witnessed 50 years of red sox. A new lease on life for kenmores citgo sign the boston globe. Bostons famous sign said cities service when it was first built in 1940, and topped one of the oil companys divisional office buildings. The history behind bostons famous citgo sign in kenmore square. The fenway originally gained fame as home to several famous landmarks in the city, including fenway park and the citgo sign. The citgo sign was erected in 1965 at the intersection of beacon street and commonwealth avenue in kenmore square, just outside and viewable from fenway park. The citgo sign s predecessor seen in an illustration above left had stood since 1940 atop what was the divisional headquarters of cities service.
Citgo fenway stickers featuring millions of original designs created by independent artists. The side of the sign that faces fenway was kept lit until the end of baseball season while the other side. Its seating capacity is the fourth lowest in the majors, which gives fenway a somewhat quaint, intimate feel. This is an unframed horizontal vintage, grunge scene of the citgo sign in kenmore square in the vicinity of fenway park. Todays history in a minute explores the massive, iconic citgo sign in boston. Mar 16, 2017 a citgo sign has been part of bostons skyline since 1940. Five developments that could change fenway in the next 5. The american tale of the citgo sign baseball fans love to hate what we see as the commercialization of the sport. This vintage boston sign is an icon in the city of boston and represents the spirit of the great neighborhood of fenway kenmore in boston. Then made of neon, the citgo sign served as an enormous advertisement for the oil company, which is now owned by venezuela. The boston citgo sign is a large, doublefaced sign featuring the logo of the oil company citgo.
This shirt features a custom inspired fenway design distressed to show the history of bostons most beloved area of town, fenway. The american tale of the citgo sign the new york times. Chowdaheadz boston fenway patch pastime adjustable navy hat. The square sign, standing at 60 feet, overlooks fenway park in boston, massachusetts.
The citgo sign, seen from fenway park, debuted new led lights in 2010. The current sign dates to 1965, and is visible over the famed left field wall at nearby fenway park. A century of bostons cultural history in the course of a changing kenmore square has come to an end with the closing of one of the citys most storied hotels due to covid19. Winslow townson ap this is about a lot more than a big, red triangle in. Its culturally cherished by red sox fans as a symbol of fenway park.
Jan 22, 2016 everyone in boston knows the citgo sign. Why are bostonians embracing the citgo sign near fenway park. Winslow townson ap this is about a lot more than a big, red triangle in the sky, kyle scott clauss wrote for boston. If the citgo sign is any guide, fans would probably fall in love. The citgo sign in bostons kenmore square upgrades faqs q. Jul 14, 2016 then made of neon, the citgo sign served as an enormous advertisement for the oil company, which is now owned by venezuela. Its been a fixture in kenmore square since the 1960s and is visible from fenway.
The logo is seen nationally on the boston citgo sign during televised boston red sox games at fenway park and locally through replica signs at other baseball grounds. Licensed by citgo, this desktop neon collectible runs on 3. Jul, 2016 boston considers landmark status for legendary citgo sign. And, galer continued, many congressional leaders expressed dismay. The original cities service sign was built in 1940 and replaced with the citgo sign when the company changed its name in 1965.
The san francisco giants, for instance, came in for mockery when candlestick park. Check out these lesserknown facts about bostons favorite stadium. Inside their confines, fenway has the green monster, while wrigley counters with ivy. Jan 31, 2015 todays history in a minute explores the massive, iconic citgo sign in boston. One called it bostons very own north star, while another called it an eyesore. Opinion the american tale of the citgo sign the new. Oct 17, 2011 one of the most famous landmark signs in the world. The sign was 60 feet by 60 feet and supported 40 feet above the roof by a steel truss structure.
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