Red Sox to permit 'Tarps Off' fan activity at Fenway Park
Boston’s decision follows a surge in the trend among St. Louis Cardinals supporters, with WEEI’s Rob Bradford confirming the policy stance ahead of Friday’s opener.
The Boston Red Sox have confirmed that fans will be permitted to participate in the viral "Tarps Off" trend during their upcoming three-game series against the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park. The announcement follows a statement from a club spokesperson clarifying that there is no specific policy prohibiting the removal of shirts, provided attendees adhere to the organisation’s code of conduct.
The trend, which involves supporters waving their shirts above their heads in large groups, gained significant visibility over the weekend as fans of the St. Louis Cardinals engaged in the activity at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals officially welcomed the "Tarp Crew" to meet the team, contributing to the craze’s spread across Major League Baseball venues.
WEEI reporter Rob Bradford confirmed on Wednesday that the activity would be allowed at Fenway Park. "Confirmed to me through a Red Sox spokesperson: You can go 'Tarps Off' at Fenway Friday night," Bradford reported. The spokesperson added, "There is no specific policy against removing your shirt at Fenway Park. We ask fans to abide by the code of conduct to create a safe and enjoyable experience for all."
Boston secured a three-game series sweep against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night, placing the club two games above .500 at 22-27 on the season. The team is currently navigating the campaign under interim manager Chad Tracy and will have a day off on Thursday before the series against Minnesota commences on Friday.
While the Red Sox have not mandated the activity, the club’s decision to permit it aligns with an uptick in similar fan behaviour reported by other MLB teams. It remains unclear how widespread participation will be at Fenway Park, as the policy allows for the trend without enforcing it.
