For many Keene State students, a trip to Fenway Park can feel out of reach, but next month the Social Activities Council (SAC) is making that experience more accessible.
SAC is organizing a trip to a Boston Red Sox game, bringing 100 students to Fenway Park with transportation, tickets and a $40 voucher included. The event is part of SAC’s major spring programming and aims to give students an opportunity to get off campus and experience something new.
Kerrin Shea, a senior multimedia journalism major and SAC president, said the goal is to remove financial and logistical barriers that might prevent students from attending.
“It really gives students the opportunity who don’t necessarily have it to get out and go to a Red Sox game,” Shea said. “For students who don’t have the funding or transportation, we’re trying to make it more accessible.”
The trip will include two coach buses, game tickets and vouchers that can be used on concessions or merchandise. Shea said these additions help ease the financial burden of attending a game, where prices can quickly add up.
“We wanted to make sure students could enjoy the experience without worrying as much about the cost,” she said.
While the trip may seem straightforward to attendees, Shea said the planning process is extensive. From brainstorming ideas to coordinating with Red Sox ticketing representatives, Shea said SAC works through budgeting, logistics and student safety requirements.
“It’s a lot of back-end work that people don’t necessarily see,” Shea said.
Students attending the trip must complete forms, provide emergency and medical information and attend a pre-trip meeting to ensure safety and preparedness. According to Shea, these steps are required for school-sponsored travel and help the event run smoothly.
Unlike some campus events, participation is determined on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 100 students to sign up will secure a spot, while others will be placed on a waitlist.
“We want to make sure it’s fair for everyone,” Shea said. “We are for the entire campus, not just a specific group.”
Shea said the Fenway trip also reflects a shift in SAC’s programming. In previous years, the organization’s major spring event was a large concert, but budget limitations have led the group to explore alternative options.
“The concert costs about $110,000 to put on, and our budget this year was around $89,000,” Shea said. “We just don’t have the funding to do that right now.”
Instead, SAC has focused on hosting a wider range of events throughout the year, including trips, themed programs and large-scale campus activities. Shea said this approach has allowed the organization to reach more students.
“We’ve been able to do things on a bigger scale throughout the year,” she said.
Beyond entertainment, Shea said SAC aims to build community on campus by offering events that appeal to a wide range of interests.
“We are for everybody,” she said. “We try to do things for everyone on this campus.”
As a senior, Shea said her time with SAC has been a defining part of her college experience and encouraged other students to get involved.
“I really found a home with my people,” she said. “If anyone is interested in event planning or just wants to be more involved, SAC is a great place to start.”
SAC holds general member meetings every other Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the L.P. Young Student Center.
Elianny Nunez can be contacted at
