With the first pitch of the 2026 Worcester Red Sox season less than two months away, the team has announced the addition of a canopy to its Hanover Deck event space at Polar Park.
The new roof for the space, often used for employee outings and corporate events, will help shield patrons from rain and heat, according to a Wednesday press release from the ballclub.
“The Hanover Deck is our largest area for group outings, and groups have told us they would love to have more shade and the assurance of a roof for their events,” WooSox President Charles Steinberg said in the press release.
In addition to the new roof, the WooSox are also adding pavers to the Triple Decker Garden, an area behind the right field Worcester Wall that was previously a softer, gravel surface. New food and beverage options are also in the works for that area.
The team said the improvements were spurred by fan feedback and funded by Diamond Baseball Holdings, the New York firm which purchased a majority share of the team in 2023.
In total, this year’s upgrades to the park are expected to cost in the seven-figure range, according to Bill Wanless, senior vice president, communications, for the WooSox.
WBJ readers chose Polar Park as the Best Venue for an Employee Outing as part of the Best of Business Awards in 2025 and 2026.
The WooSox first home game in 2026 is scheduled for March 27, as the team marks its fifth anniversary at Polar Park. The WooSox announced via a separate Wednesday press release that seven-time Cy Young Award winner and former Red Sox pitcher Roger “Rocket” Clemens will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
The appearance of the Rocket at Polar Park comes as Central Massachusetts prepares to honor the 100th anniversary of Worcester inventor Robert Goddard’s launch of the first-ever liquid-fueled rocket in Auburn.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been updated to include more details on the cost of the upgrades to Polar Park.
Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the real estate and banking & finance industries.
