Boston is home to some of the most iconic professional sports teams and is known for its rowdy fans. Some would say to fulfill the Boston experience, the requirement is to attend a game in TD Garden or eat a Fenway Frank. However, this can be an expensive bucket list item to check — especially as a college student — so many sports teams have set up college student discount programs to make attending these sporting events more budget-friendly. Here’s a list of all of Boston’s current professional sports discounts and ticket prices, and soon the city will be welcoming a WNBA team and a women’s lacrosse team, offering even more options for Boston sports fans.
Red Sox: March–November
Probably the most well-known Boston college student discount program is Student 9s. This ticket program allows Boston college students to get access to Red Sox tickets for $9. Students can enroll for the program at the start of every baseball season and will get emails or texts for games to which the Red Sox are offering the discount. The seats in the right field are reserved for those who purchase Student 9s tickets. Fenway Park is within walking distance (about 11 minutes) from Northeastern’s campus, so transportation is unnecessary. Enjoy a Fenway Frank with all that money you are saving to attend one of Boston’s most iconic sporting events.
Registration is currently open for Fenway South U, which is the discount program for spring training games that can be found on the MLB website.
Boston Bruins: October–April
This past season, the Bruins hosted two college nights for students in the Boston area — they offered $60 tickets for their home games against the Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings. Students can get a balcony seat to games offering this discount. College Nights are announced on the Bruins’ website at the beginning of the NHL season when schedules are released. The Harp’s Boston location is a favorite spot for many sports fans and is conveniently close to TD Garden, so Bruins fans can still feel the energy of the Garden while not breaking the bank.
Boston Revolution: February–October
Boston’s men’s soccer team, the Boston Revolution, is the second-cheapest team to go see play. Though they don’t offer a discount for students, tickets usually range from $13 to $20 and can be found on SeatGeek, StubHub and Ticketmaster. The team plays at Gillette Stadium, so transportation options should be taken into account. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s Franklin/Foxboro line from Ruggles Station is the best option, only costing $8.75 one way, and will be about an hour’s ride to the stadium.
Boston Celtics: October–April
Currently, the Celtics do not have a college student discount program. In past years, they have attempted to run a program, but have since done away with the offer. However, tickets are reasonably priced for most games, with the cheapest ticket costing $63 if you purchase them enough in advance. Sullivan’s Tap is located not too far from TD Garden and is a classic dive bar with high energy to watch a Celtics game. Fans over the age of 18 are allowed into the bar.
Boston Fleet: November–May
Two years ago, Boston welcomed a Professional Women’s Hockey League team, the Boston Fleet, to play at the University of Massachusetts Lowell in the Tsongas Center. Several Northeastern alumni are on the team, including goaltender Aerin Frankel and forward Alina Mueller. Tickets are reasonably priced at $25 and the team will be playing an upcoming game at Agganis Arena; resale tickets are still available.
Boston Cannons: June–September
Right across the river, you can go see Boston’s professional men’s lacrosse team play at Harvard Stadium. The Premier Lacrosse League started in 2019 and consists of eight teams. Boston added its team in 2021 and ended its 2024 season ranked second overall. Tickets are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $34 to $64 per game. It’s an easy ride on the MBTA’s route 66 bus to Harvard before walking through its campus to get to the game.
New England Patriots: September–January
Unfortunately, the Patriots have the least college budget-friendly ticket options. With no college student discount program, the average ticket goes for $143. Including transportation to Gillette, the overall price would be over $150. Can’t get Pats tickets or don’t have the budget? No worries — head to Buff’s Pub, which is sure to be filled with Patriots fans ready to watch the game.
BOS Nation: March–November
BOS Nation, the National Women’s Soccer League expansion team, will be playing at White Stadium in Franklin Park beginning next year. Tickets are expected to range from $51 to $76 when the team starts competing next year.
