An International Student's Guide to the Sport Teams in the Greater Boston Area
If you are an International Student, whether this is for High School or University / College, it is highly important to know that sport is an integral part of Boston’s culture and lifestyle. The city has a rich history in various sports, including baseball, basketball, and American football. Boston is home to some of the most iconic sports teams in the United States, including the Boston Red Sox, the Boston Celtics, the Boston Bruins, and the New England Patriots.
There are many sports dotted around the Greater Boston Area, but this list will focus on the Professional Teams part of National Leagues and Associations so lets get started:
BOSTON BRUINS- NHL (ICE HOCKEY)
About the Bruins:
The Boston Bruins are a professional Ice Hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They compete in the Atlantic Division of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Founded in 1924, the Bruins are one of the oldest and most successful teams in the NHL, having won six Stanley Cup championships throughout their history.
The Bruins play their home games at the TD Garden, which is also used for other sports and entertainment events. The team has a passionate fan base and is known for its hard-hitting style of play and tough-minded approach.
Some of the greatest players in NHL history have played for the Bruins, including Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque, and Cam Neely. The Bruins’ rivalry with the Montreal Canadiens is one of the most intense in all of sports, and their games often have a playoff-like atmosphere.
When do the Bruins Play?
The NHL season typically runs from early October to mid-April of the following year. This includes a regular season of 82 games for each team, followed by the playoffs that determine the Stanley Cup champion.
The Bruins will occasionally play a few Pre-Season Games in late August & September. The NHL does travel to Europe annually with games held during their Pre Season and some games counting towards the regular season. The games are held between Early October to Early November.
Boston Celtics- NBA (Basketball)
About the Celtics:
The Boston Celtics are a professional basketball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and compete in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Founded in 1946, the Celtics are one of the most successful teams in NBA history, having won a total of 17 championships, which is the most in NBA history.
The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden and have a passionate fan base that has supported them through thick and thin.
The team has had many legendary players throughout its history, including Bill Russell, Larry Bird, and Paul Pierce, and has a reputation for playing a fast-paced, team-oriented style of basketball.
The Celtics have a historic rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers, and their games are often some of the most highly anticipated of the NBA season.
When do the Celtics Play?
The NBA season typically runs from late October to mid-April of the following year, with the playoffs continuing until June.
The regular season consists of 82 games for each team, followed by the playoffs, which determine the NBA champion.
The Celtics will occasionally play a few Pre-Season Games in Late September and October. The NBA does play 1 game annually in Europe. For the past few years it has been in London UK, but will change annually.
Boston Red Sox- MLB (Baseball)
About the Red Sox:
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and compete in the East Division of the American League (AL) of Major League Baseball (MLB).
Founded in 1901, the Red Sox are one of the oldest and most storied franchises in baseball history, having won nine World Series championships, including four since 2004.
The Red Sox play their home games at Fenway Park, one of the most iconic and historic ballparks in all of sports. The team has a passionate and loyal fan base that has supported them through decades of highs and lows.
The Red Sox have had many legendary players throughout their history, including Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, and David Ortiz.
The team has a heated rivalry with the New York Yankees, which is considered one of the most intense and historic rivalries in all of sports.
When do the Red Sox Play?
The MLB season typically runs from late March or early April to late September or early October of the same year, with the playoffs continuing through October and into early November.
The regular season consists of 162 games for each team, followed by the playoffs, which determine the World Series champion.
The Red Sox will occasionally play a few games during the Training Season. The MLB Pre-Season is called the training Season, usually between February and early April. The MLB does make an annual trip across the pond to London, UK for 2 games in June.
New England Patriots- NFL (American Football)
About the Pats:
The New England Patriots are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area and compete in the East Division of the American Football Conference (AFC) of the National Football League (NFL).
Founded in 1960, the Patriots have become one of the most successful and dominant teams in the NFL, having won six Super Bowl championships since 2001.
The team plays its home games at Gillette Stadium, which is also used for other sports and entertainment events. The Patriots have a passionate and dedicated fan base that has supported them through decades of success and challenges.
The team has had many legendary players throughout its history, including Tom Brady, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
The Patriots have a fierce rivalry with the New York Jets, as well as other teams in their division.
When do the Pats play?
The NFL season typically runs from early September to late December or early January of the following year, with the playoffs continuing through January and culminating in the Super Bowl, which is usually held in early February.
The regular season consists of 17 games for each team, with each team playing 16 games and having one bye week. The playoffs involve 14 teams, with the top six teams from each conference advancing to the postseason.
The Pats will occasionally play some Pre-Season games between mid August to late September. The NFL hosts a number of games annually in Europe (The UK & Germany). These games are played between October & November.
New England Revolution- MLS (Football/Soccer)
About the Revs:
The New England Revolution are a professional soccer team based in the Greater Boston area and compete in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer (MLS). Founded in 1995, the Revolution have had a solid history in MLS, having reached the MLS Cup final five times, but they have yet to win a championship.
The team plays its home games at Gillette Stadium, which is also used for other sports and entertainment events. The Revolution have a loyal and dedicated fan base that has supported them through ups and downs.
The team has had many talented players throughout its history, including Taylor Twellman, who is the Revolution’s all-time leading goal scorer.
The Revolution have a rivalry with the New York Red Bulls, which has developed into one of the most competitive in MLS.
When do the Revs play?
The MLS season typically runs from late February or early March to late October or early November of the same year. The regular season consists of 34 games for each team, followed by the playoffs, which determine the MLS Cup champion.
Where to watch the teams play online:
ESPN (Entertainment and Sports Programming Network)- ESPN is a leading source of sports news, analysis, and entertainment. ESPN is known for its coverage of a variety of sports, including American football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer and more. You can watch live and on demand games on ESPN + if you live in the USA. ESPN is part of the Disney Bundle if you live in the USA. Watch ESPN: Online Live Sports, Replays, Highlights
NESN- (New England Sports Network)- NESN is a regional sports cable and satellite television network that covers sports events and teams in the New England region of the United States. It is a popular source for sports coverage and entertainment. You can watch games live on NESN Live or on-demand on NESN+ if it is part of your cable provider package in the New England Region of the USA. Watch NESN Live
Hulu- With the Hulu Live TV package, you can live stream 14 sports channels in the Boston Area. You can record sport events, allowing you to be able to watch when you want to. Hulu is location dependent, meaning different content will be shown based on where you are in the USA. Hulu is also part of the Disney bundle in the USA and will show some sporting events from ESPN. Watch Sports live on Hulu Live TV +
