The Red Sox will begin their 11th American League Championship Series run this Saturday, October 13, when they host the Houston Astros at Fenway Park for Game 1. Saturday's contest is scheduled to begin at 8:09 p.m. Fans are asked to be mindful of street closures surrounding the ballpark starting one hour before the game, and are encouraged to arrive early to be in their seats by 7:15 p.m.  
Red Sox Hall of Famer and three-time All Star Kevin Youkilis is scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. 
Before the game, the two teams will be introduced along the base lines. With Hanscom Air Force Base presenting the colors, the national anthem will be performed by West Springfield native Michelle Brooks Thompson, a gospel singer and star of NBC's "The Voice." 
God Bless America will be performed in the middle of the 7th inning of Game 1 on Saturday versus its typical Sunday performance. The song will be performed by Retired Marine Sgt. Dan Clark.  
Fenway Park gates will open two hours before the game on Saturday and for all remaining ALCS games. 
The City of Boston issued a traffic advisory for the Fenway neighborhood this weekend after the Boston Police Department (BPD) announced plans to close the streets surrounding Fenway Park from vehicular traffic. BPD plans to close the following streets one hour before the game until approximately 1/2 hour after the game: 
   Brookline Avenue, from Commonwealth Avenue to Park Drive
   Jersey Street, from Boylston Street to Brookline Avenue
   Ipswich Street, from Boylston Street to Boylston Street
   Van Ness Street, from Ipswich Street to Kilmarnock Street
The Red Sox encourage fans to take public transportation to the ALCS games and urge those who plan to drive and park in lots surrounding the ballpark to arrive before the street closures to ensure access to parking.