In recognition of the historic and architectural/engineering significance of Boston’s Fenway Park, the National Park Service has listed the venerable, beloved ballpark in its National Register of Historic Places. 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Boston Red Sox initial season at Fenway Park.

“Recognizing the incredible history of this ballpark through the National Register designation is a great way to bring the national parks and the national pastime together,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “Fenway is a treasured American icon for baseball fans across the country. It, along with the Boston area’s 11 national parks, helps attract visitors from around the world to one of our nation’s most vibrant cities, expanding opportunities for business and tourism that generate economic returns for Boston and the nearby communities.”

Fenway Park is the oldest venue used by any professional sports team in the United States and one of the few remaining fields from the early 20th-century’s “Golden Age of Ballparks.” In addition to Red Sox baseball and myriad other professional sporting events, Fenway Park has witnessed a microcosm of American history over the last century, hosting events as varied as World War II bond rallies; political rallies, including the final campaign speech of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s career; and concerts that reflect the diversity of American music, from Frank Sinatra to Bruce Springsteen. With its listing this year, Fenway Park is the only sports venue currently used by a professional sports team (MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL) to be so designated.

The National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Listing in the National Register makes Fenway eligible for federal historic rehabilitation tax credits administered by the National Park Service.