Red Sox fans rejoice: the Citgo sign is safe!

Saving a city landmark is a big deal. It’s essentially the plot of one of the greatest movies of all time. And Boston mayor Marty Walsh has added that particular feather to his hat this week by making a deal that could keep the Citgo sign in Kenmore Square for years to come.

The Citgo sign, like Fenway Park itself, is a unique merger of history and culture. As a sign, this is advertising. But when decades of baseball have been played feet away from the warm glow of the triangle what else could happen besides a fondness developing between fans, team, and sign?

Negotiations weren’t easy or quick - beginning more than a year ago - but the sides eventually reached an accord.

As development and re-development occurs in one of Boston’s crowded neighborhoods, the odds that the sign was protected from harm were never certain.

Traffic congestion, housing prices, the nature of the real estate market - these were issues that impacted the city, residents, and more for things far beyond the lonely sign hanging out in the skyline above the Green Monster.

The Citgo sign has inspired shirts and hats that can stand in for the Red Sox without a B or a sock.

It’s caused moments of whimsy.

The Citgo sign might have started as an ad but now it’s part of Boston. Heck, Citgo even made a screensaver if you want that glorious sign on your PC.

On April 3rd, the Red Sox, Fenway Park, and the Citgo sign will kick off the 2017 season. Let’s hope the trio stays together for along time.