Five Questions with Chris Chirichiello '10

For Chris Chirichiello ’10, baseball was the constant in his life—until it suddenly wasn’t. Growing up in Stoneham, he spent nearly every season on the field, fully expecting the game to follow him to Stonehill and remain at the center of his college experience. But during his senior year of high school, a torn peroneal tendon in his ankle abruptly ended his playing days, forcing him to rethink what a future tied to baseball could look like.

While studying management and journalism at Stonehill, Chirichiello knew playing baseball was no longer an option, but leaving the sport behind wasn’t either. Determined to pursue his lifelong passion, he looked for ways to stay connected to the game he loved. On weekends, he worked at Fenway Park, running food and beverages for season ticket holders—an early role that offered a behind-the-scenes look at professional sports operations and a glimpse of where that reimagined future might lead.

Currently serving as senior manager of events and parking operations for the Boston Red Sox, Chirichiello still points to a moment from his Stonehill days as one of his most meaningful baseball memories. “I remember watching the Red Sox win the World Series in 2007 on campus. I was up at 5 a.m. the next day to get a front row spot at the parade,” he said. “It was a great memory, especially because of where I stand today.”

That early morning along the parade route now feels like a full-circle moment. Years after cheering from the sidelines, Chirichiello helps create the very experiences that define Fenway Park for millions of fans each season. In five questions, he shares how his career with the Boston Red Sox evolved from weekend shifts to overseeing large-scale events, along with the insights he’s gained along the way.

You’ve been part of the Boston Red Sox organization for nearly two decades. How did your early role as an in-seat runner and greeter for season ticket holders shape your understanding of game-day operations and fan experience?

I loved to observe people and gather information—both about the fan experience and the operation itself. Being on the front lines, you’re really the eyes and ears of the organization, and that experience—especially handling difficult situations during games, concerts and other events—goes a long way in preparing you to teach others the role and responsibilities.

When I was on staff as a greeter, it was about more than just seating people—it was about anticipating needs and problem-solving across 81 games, 12 concert nights and countless other non-baseball events year after year. 

As senior manager of events and parking operations, you help bring some of Fenway Park’s most memorable moments to life. What goes into planning and executing large-scale events at one of the most iconic ballparks in sports?

There is so much that goes into planning and executing large-scale events, and I definitely don’t take any of it for granted. I make sure no detail is overlooked and that all entities are informed—security, facilities, food and beverage vendors, parking operators and my event operations staff—so we can all be in lockstep in the days leading up to an event and on event day. I oversee roughly 180 day-of-game staff members, including ticket takers, ushers, greeters, mobility assistance and quality control, so a large part of my role is people management and balancing the needs of individuals from all different walks of life.

You have to be able to pivot and adapt, especially since weather plays a major role in our summer events with rain and lightning. Staying organized and prepared is what ultimately leads to successful execution.

Looking back on your time at Stonehill, how did your experience influence the direction of your career?

While I was at Stonehill, I was really shy at first. But being curious and asking questions, whether it was to Orientation Leaders, group leaders or friends in class, is something I still carry with me today. Whether it’s in meetings, during games or handling incidents at the park, I make a point to ask questions, gather information, observe people and situations and take a step back to figure out the best way to solve a problem—whether that’s with a staff member, a fan or a weather-related issue during a game or concert. I think learning to observe, ask questions and problem solve is one of the biggest takeaways from my time at Stonehill.

Is there a particular game, event or experience at Fenway that remains a favorite memory for you?

Because I’m so close to planning and operating these events, I’d say the most rewarding experience was the Winter Classic in 2023, due to the complexity of the event and all the moving parts involved. Working with the NHL, Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins was really fun, and it was one of the coolest events we’ve ever done here at Fenway.

My favorite memory, though, would be hosting Games 1 and 2 of the 2018 World Series and then traveling to LA for Games 4 and 5, being there when the Red Sox won it all. This is why we work in sports—to experience winning at the highest level!

Being on a duck boat with the rest of the Red Sox front office, in front of millions of fans throughout the streets of Boston, is something I’ll also never forget. Having my family and wife at the pre-party at Fenway was the icing on the cake!

For Stonehill students and/or alumni hoping to break into sports, events or media, what advice would you offer based on your own journey?

A career in sports is a lifestyle, and you have to be fully committed. You really can’t take your foot off the gas. Game and concert days are 12–14 hours long, while weekdays can feel like a regular workday when the team is away and there’s no event. When I was at Stonehill, there wasn’t a sport management program—and I would have absolutely declared it if there had been [Editor's Note: Stonehill established a sport management program in the early 2020s]. My advice is to get your name out there, make an impact and ask questions. You have to be curious and put in the time.