Citgo Sign Gets a Makeover

Since 1940, the Citgo sign in Kenmore Square has become a fixture in the Boston skyline. Despite being dark much of the winter, a new and improved Citgo Sign will be ready for Red Sox opening day and will flash when a home run is hit. Repairs were delayed until after the World Series.

Crews have replaced 5,878 neon tubes on the sign and replaced the old support beams. The repairs have been much needed after the sign went dark during the American League playoffs. Under pressure from surly Sox fans, Mayor Menino called Citgo to ask them to flip the switch.

The 60 by 60-foot double sided sign is perched atop 660 Beacon Street that houses the BU bookstore. When it was erected the building was the divisional office of Cities Services. In 1965 when the company changed its name to Citgo, the sign got a facelift. This is the first makeover since then and Bostonist is psyched.