BOSTON -- In a few hours, the Boston Red Sox will take on the Colorado Rockies in Game 1 of the World Series -- a game Sox fans have been dreaming of since the World Series win of 2004.

A tarp has been covering the field at Fenway Park for most of the day, but it is not enough to dampen the spirits of the die-hard fans of Red Sox Nation. About 250 vouchers for tickets were handed out at the park to fans who were waiting in line for hours -- and in some cases, days.

Before the game, Red Sox manager Terry Francona announced the batting order with Dustin Pedroia as the leadoff hitter, followed by Kevin Youkilis, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez and Mike Lowell. Jason Varitek moves up to the No. 6 slot, followed by lefty J.D. Drew, Julio Lugo and Jacoby Ellsbury.

"I think I am pretty much a normal guy. I am talking to guys. I don't really do anything differently," pitcher Josh Beckett said. "Whoever has the best game plan is the team who is going to win. Whoever does that the best is going to win four games before the other team does, and that is what we need to do."

Beckett and his teammates know that they can rely on the Fenway faithful.

"Hopefully, they are just as excited, and they can be our extra player," Lowell said. "There is a different energy when your fans are screaming for you. You can't compare the energy we had in Games 6 and 7 to the energy the Indians had in Games 3, 4 and 5. When you have 50,000 people supporting you, it’s a little different feeling."

City To Fans: Celebrate Responsibly

Earlier Wednesday, city officials reminded fans to celebrate responsibly.

"The city of Boston continues to work with area establishments and colleges and universities to ensure public safety," Menino said. "I want to thank everyone for celebrating responsibly during the ALCS tournament. This may be a long series, and public safety is our No. 1 priority."

Officials said that the city has had extensive communications with local universities regarding student behavior. Any student arrested will not only face criminal charges, but will also be subject to penalties imposed by their university.

Fans were encouraged to take public transportation, pay attention to parking restrictions and to be prepared for delays when leaving the area after the game.

The Boston Police Department is increasing patrols in and around Fenway Park. Due to the national significance of the World Series, officials said that they will also be vigilant for issues related to homeland security.

Fans Eager For First Pitch

While Beckett will be on the mound Wednesday night at Fenway Park, fans of some other pitchers were in town for the game.

A group of visiting Japanese high school students from Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka's hometown were pumped up for the game and, indeed, the Sox are known around the world. Even Las Vegas odds makers have the Sox favored 2-1 to win the series. That rankles Rockies fans.

"I think there is definitely a level of disrespect for the Rockies. A lot of people don't know who they are. Ninety percent of the Red Sox fans here can name maybe one player on the Rockies, at best. They don't know who they are," said Rockies fan Chris Bianchi.

Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said the Sox are more than ready for the big game.

"It's going pretty well. We're really thrilled that Red Sox fans, Red Sox Nation, gets to enjoy a World Series here in New England," Lucchino said.