Yankee Stadium (2009)

[Rob R]

[Rob R]

Been wanting to do this since the old joint. . . Ha! It's pretty sloppy . . but then again . . . so am I.

Urrr . .beg pardon on the score. It's just how it should have been :crazy

You BAHsturd.....LOL

[mandrake]

What are people's opinions on the Audi Club ? I thought I saw that it cost $140 but includes food? Can anyone supply details, please?

[DiggerODell]

You BAHsturd.....LOL

Ha! makes me the former of me own signature as opposed to the latter, of course with emphasis . . . noting your "BAH". It was bound to occur.

[Rob R]

[Rob R]

My first impressions.

Before I list the positives and negatives (oh, there are some) about NYS, I'll preface it by saying that we have an absolute winner here. When I first walked in, strolled the concourses and took my seat, I wasn't so sure. Then the familiarity kicked in - by golly, this IS Yankee Stadium, no ifs, and or buts. Only it wasn't a clone or replica of it's predecessors, but rather a whole new entity; a stadium that will stand on it's own. Still, the familiarity is there, and if I were blindfolded and planted in my seat before the blindfolds were removed, there would be no doubt who plays in the ballpark. It screams "Yankees" from the get go.

That said, as I walked past RYS, prior to and after the game, a sunken feeling came over me. In all RYS splendor and regal qualities, I'll miss the dirt, grime and antiquity of the place because it was all about the game and nothing else. On the other hand, as regal and awe-inspiring as NYS certainly is -perhaps the most beautiful ball park in the game - I was left with the feeling that it wasn't a ballgame I watched, but an event. That's how NYS presents itself, and I pray to God that once the newness settles in, the ballgame becomes the priority. There is no guaranty that this will happen, but I can only hope. Right now NYS is too "slick" too clean, to spanking brand new, with a faint scent that a baseball game is going on in the air, and more like a gathering.

I'll first list the negatives, and want to make clear that they don't detract from my overall good impressions, but they do exist, and maybe with some work things will improve.

Negatives:
1. Burying Monument Park, as almost an afterthought, is a crying shame. The exclusive Audi Club, Legend's Suite and Mohegan Sports Bar gets more exposure? What's wrong with this picture? NYS isn't alone in this but the catering to and segregation of the ultra-rich seems to have taken precedence over what matters to the average fan.

2. A bit too much friggin neon. Enough with the scrolling purples, greens reds and blues. From the Great Hall, to the concourse, to once you enter the field and the LED ribbon board, I'm seeing a seeing a sea of sharp, shocking, in your face color patterns that are unbecoming to the overall look and feel of NYS. Can we get a little subtlety here and less Times Square?

3. The frieze. Love it, glad as hell it's returned where it belongs. But, maybe I'm being picky here, but it comes across as flat and a little one dimensional. I think that too much ornamentation wouldn't have looked good in the NYS design, but maybe it's something I'll have to get used to. I wouldn't mind if it were even a little more ornate, but, oh well. No biggie.

Also, maybe it's me, but from the beginning, I was always afraid that the frieze wouldn't stand out. Now I'm almost thinking that it stands out a little too much; that it's height could have been shortened a bit and not look as overpowering. I think that a shorter (in height only) frieze might have looked more subtle and tasteful.

Again, a minor disappointment, because I'd rather live with it than without.

4. I sampled some of the food today and I can tell you that Lobel's Prime Rib sandwich is a total rip-off, is tasteless, and the juice that they throw on it tastes weird. Save your $15 and walk away from this one. Also I wish that they soon get rid of that pretentious, nonsensical, Lobel's Steak window and toss the buffoon cutting the meat. THIS DOES NOT BELONG IN A BALLPARK.

The Nathan's dogs from Nathan's concession stand was unusually greasy, had no "snap" and was on a freakin stale bun. I wasn't in the mood to complain or get another one, so I just tossed it. And for godssakes, Mike's Deli, you call yourself an Italian deli, and from Arthur Ave., to boot, yet you serve your food on soft, spongy bread?! Get yourself some REAL Italian bread, that's fresh and with a hard crust. Surely you and the Yanks can afford to do that instead of ripping customers off out of greed.

5. A small narrow stretch of hallway behind the bleachers and in between the RF and LF concourse, looks like an afterthought. It's unfinished and already looks dingy. I'm hoping they give that portion a little more love. I noticed that parts of NYS's interior isn't complete and some finishing touches are in the process of being made or will be made.



Now the positives, other than what I already have written.

1. What can I say that already hasn't been said? Breathtaking, regal, awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping. NYS is that and so much more.

The moment you arrive at the ballpark from Babe Ruth Plaza, to Gate 4 and then the Great Hall, this place is chill-inducing. I've been to many a ballpark and never have I been as impressed with any of the new parks. (Still have to visit Citi). Take away NYS's homage to the team that plays there and still, NYS just does it right. It truly is regal in look, feel and attitude. I recommend anyone who hasn't been there to give it a try, because if you don't you'll be missing out on something special.

2. The concourses are extremely wide and easy to navigate, even with fans at the concessions, walking both direction and watching the game from there. It is also quite attractive; I can't understand any negative reaction to the concourses. In addition, unlike RYS, the concourses at NYS have been designed in such a straightforward, logical manner that it is extremely easy to navigate your way through them. And you get an amazing view of entire view of the field from the concourse An excellent, excellent, job all around.

3. The field and sightlines. Whoever said that NYS has bad sightline, does not have a cozy, intimate feel in the stands, either hasn't been to NYS or needs to make an appointment with their optometrist pronto.

NYS uniquely blends its historical imposing look with a great view of the field no MATTER where you sit. Whereas the stand in RYS seemed distant, there is much more a feel of "togetherness" within different sections of the stadium. Where fans once looked like dots in RYS, now, from the same proximity, you can see them clearly as your eyes scan the entire stands. I don't know how they did it, but somebody surely earned their big bucks on this one.

Also, the seats are angled perfectly toward the infield - not the floors of the sections themself, but the entire section of seats in each row turns in a bit. You never have to crane your neck again.

4. Did I mention how comfy the seats and seating area are? Tremendous legroom, and wide, cushiony, comfortable seats. I know, only the field level seats have cushions, but aside from the partial plan I'm splitting at these seats, I also bought tickets for a game in the grandstand (and bleachers), so I'll draw a comparison then.

5. The "good" food I had. The Noodle Bowl was surprisingly good. We had beef with noodles, dumplings and egg roll. All made fresh and tasty.

The sushi was OK as well. Not Nobu, but good enough ballpark fare.

Carl's Steak sandwich was mmm tasty. Again, we sampled and shared different things mostly out of my curiosity, and I am still pretty stuffed.

Lots more positives, but I'll save that for another time. One more thing. Today's crowd wasn't very large due to the time and weather, but when Melky hit the game winning homer (and other big Yankee moments) the roar of the crowd rivaled RYS. What I think is different is the sound and tone of the roar. At RYS it was more of a loud, but somewhat distant echo, whereas, at NYS, the roar is right in your face, something I attribute to the more "intimate" setting and closeness.

[Rob R]

Where's Rob R, he went to the game today.

I'm here. Hopefully, my long-winded review made sense. Tired (well, overtired) and thankfully I took tomorrow off.

[Rob R]

How did I forget this?!?!

We have to keep this our little BF secret, but like others are saying, I have to agree that the absolute best value in all of sports....in all of entertainment, is the bleacher seats! Holy friggin cow.

While walking near the bleachers I ran into a well-known creature who happens to be an acquaintance, and somehow he got me to his section to shoot the bull for a while. Let me tell you that for 12 bucks you are on TOP of the field, no matter where you are seated. I took a walk to the front and was totally amazed. They are far better than even field level seats on either side of the outfield. You overlook the entire center of the field and can see the action in the infield perfectly, even the location of the pitches. NYS has RYS beat by 100 miles here.

There is no excuse for anybody to miss a game at these prices and this fantastic view..

[Gary Dunaier]

I've uploaded my photos from Tuesday's game - the very first regular season night game ever played at the new Yankee Stadium - onto Flickr, and you can check 'em out right here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/14504460@N02/sets/72157617202327456/).

[Rob R]

I've uploaded my photos from Tuesday's game - the very first regular season night game ever played at the new Yankee Stadium - onto Flickr, and you can check 'em out right here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/14504460@N02/sets/72157617202327456/).
Outstanding. Gary, what camera do you usually use when you take photos at Citi and NYS?

[Rob R]

Paying my respect

[ChineseDemocracy]

Wonderful pictures as always, Gary.

I was really excited about this ballpark, but as more pictures surface, the less I like the new place. :(

[mrakbaseball]

My first impressions.

Before I list the positives and negatives (oh, there are some) about NYS, I'll preface it by saying that we have an absolute winner here. When I first walked in, strolled the concourses and took my seat, I wasn't so sure. Then the familiarity kicked in - by golly, this IS Yankee Stadium, no ifs, and or buts. Only it wasn't a clone or replica of it's predecessors, but rather a whole new entity; a stadium that will stand on it's own. Still, the familiarity is there, and if I were blindfolded and planted in my seat before the blindfolds were removed, there would be no doubt who plays in the ballpark. It screams "Yankees" from the get go.

That said, as I walked past RYS, prior to and after the game, a sunken feeling came over me. In all RYS splendor and regal qualities, I'll miss the dirt, grime and antiquity of the place because it was all about the game and nothing else. On the other hand, as regal and awe-inspiring as NYS certainly is -perhaps the most beautiful ball park in the game - I was left with the feeling that it wasn't a ballgame I watched, but an event. That's how NYS presents itself, and I pray to God that once the newness settles in, the ballgame becomes the priority. There is no guaranty that this will happen, but I can only hope. Right now NYS is too "slick" too clean, to spanking brand new, with a faint scent that a baseball game is going on in the air, and more like a gathering.

I'll first list the negatives, and want to make clear that they don't distract from my overall good impressions, but they do exist, and maybe with some work things will improve.

Negatives:
1. Burying Monument Park, as almost an afterthought, is a crying shame. The exclusive Audi Club, Legend's Suite and Mohegan Sports Bar gets more exposure? What's wrong with this picture? NYS isn't alone in this but the segregation of the ultra-rich seems to have taken precedence over what matters to the average fan.

2. A bit too much friggin neon. Enough with the scrolling purples, greens reds and blues. From the Great Hall, to the concourse, to once you enter the field and the LED ribbon board, I'm seeing a seeing a sea of sharp, shocking, in your face color patterns that are unbecoming to the overall look and feel of NYS. Can we get a little subtlety here and less Times Square?

3. The frieze. Love it, glad as hell it's returned where it belongs. But, maybe I'm being picky here, but it comes across as flat and a little one dimensional. I think that too much ornamentation wouldn't have looked good in the NYS design, but maybe it's something I'll have to get used to. I wouldn't mind if it were even a little more ornate, but, oh well. No biggie.

Also, maybe it's me, but from the beginning, I was always afraid that the frieze wouldn't stand out. Now I'm almost thinking that it stands out a little too much; that it's height could have been shortened a bit and not look as overpowering. I think that a shorter (in height only) frieze might have looked more subtle and tasteful.

Again, a minor disappointment, because I'd rather live with it than without.

4. Some of the food. I sampled a lot today and I can tell you that Lobel's Prime Rib sandwich is a total rip-off, is tasteless, and the juice that they throw on it tastes weird. Save your $15 and walk away from this one. Also I wish that they soon get rid of that pretentious, nonsensical, Lobel's Steak window and toss the buffoon cutting the meat. THIS DOES NOT BELONG IN A BALLPARK.

The Nathan's dogs from Nathan's concession stand was unusually greasy, had no "snap" and was on a freakin stale bun. I wasn't in the mood to complain or get another one, so I just tossed it. And for godssakes, Mike's Deli, you call yourself an Italian deli, and from Arthur Ave., to boot, yet you serve your food on soft, spongy bread?! Get yourself some REAL Italian bread, that's fresh and with a hard crust. Surely you and the Yanks can afford to do that instead of ripping customers off out of greed.

5. A small narrow stretch of hallway behind the bleachers and in between the RF and LF concourse, looks like an afterthought. It's unfinished and already looks dingy. I'm hoping they give that portion a little more love. I noticed that parts of NYS's interior isn't complete and some finishing touches are in the process of being made or will be made.



Now the positives, other than what I already have written.

1. What can I say that already hasn't been said? Breathtaking, regal, awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping. NYS is that and so much more.

The moment you arrive at the ballpark from Babe Ruth Plaza, to Gate 4 and then the Great Hall, this place is chill-inducing. I've been to many a ballpark and never have I been so impressed with any of the new parks. (Still have to visit Citi). Take away NYS's homage to the team that plays there and still, NYS just does it right. It truly is regal in look, feel and attitude. I recommend anyone who hasn't been there to give it a try, because if you don't you'll be missing out on something special.

2. The concourses are extremely wide and easy to navigate, even with fans at the concessions, walking both direction and watching the game from there. It is also quite attractive; I can't understand any negative reaction to the concourses. In addition, unlike RYS, the concourses at NYS have been designed in such a straightforward, logical manner that it is extremely easy to navigate your way through them. And you get an amazing view of entire view of the field from the concourse An excellent, excellent, job all around.

3. The field and sightlines. Whoever said that NYS has bad sightline, does not have a cozy, intimate feel in the stands, either hasn't been to NYS or needs to make an appointment with their optometrist pronto.

NYS uniquely blends its historical imposing look with a great view of the field no MATTER where you sit. Whereas the stand in RYS seemed distant, there is much more a feel of "togetherness" within different sections of the stadium. Where fans once looked like dots in RYS, now, from the same proximity, you can see them clearly as your eyes scan the entire stands. I don't know how they did it, but somebody surely earned their big bucks on this one.

Also, the seats are angled perfectly toward the infield - not the floors of the sections themself, but the entire section of seats in each row turns in a bit. You never have to crane your neck again.

4. Did I mention how comfy the seats and seating area are? Tremendous legroom, and wide, cushiony, comfortable seats? I know, only the field level seats have cushions, but aside from the partial plan I'm splitting at these seats, I also bought tickets for a game in the grandstand (and bleachers), so I'll draw a comparison then.

5. The "good" food I had. The Noodle Bowl was surprisingly good. We had beef with noodles, dumplings and egg roll. All made fresh and tasty.

The sushi was OK as well. Not Nobu, but good enough ballpark fare.

Carl's Steak sandwich was mmm tasty. Again, we sampled and shared different things mostly out of my curiosity, and I am still pretty stuffed.

Lots more positives, but I'll save that for another time. One more thing. Today's crowd wasn't very large due to the time and weather, but when Melky hit the game winning homer (and other big Yankee moments) the roar of the crowd rivaled RYS. What I think is different is the sound and tome of the roar. At RYS it was more of distant echo, wheras at NYS the roar is right in your face, something I attribute to the more "intimate" setting and closeness.Excellent review. Very thorough and informative.

[Rob R]

Excellent review. Very thorough and informative.
Thank you, mrak. I appreciate that.

[Captain Cold Nose]

I just removed a whole slew of political posts. That doesn't belong here. Keep your propaganda to baseball, please.

[NYFan1stYankFan2nd]

Been wanting to do this since the old joint. . . Ha! It's pretty sloppy . . but then again . . . so am I.

Urrr . .beg pardon on the score. It's just how it should have been :crazy

Doh - dee - doh - DOH - DOHH!! :rofl: :hyper: :rofl:

[metfan61]

:clapping
My first impressions.

Before I list the positives and negatives (oh, there are some) about NYS, I'll preface it by saying that we have an absolute winner here. When I first walked in, strolled the concourses and took my seat, I wasn't so sure. Then the familiarity kicked in - by golly, this IS Yankee Stadium, no ifs, and or buts. Only it wasn't a clone or replica of it's predecessors, but rather a whole new entity; a stadium that will stand on it's own. Still, the familiarity is there, and if I were blindfolded and planted in my seat before the blindfolds were removed, there would be no doubt who plays in the ballpark. It screams "Yankees" from the get go.

That said, as I walked past RYS, prior to and after the game, a sunken feeling came over me. In all RYS splendor and regal qualities, I'll miss the dirt, grime and antiquity of the place because it was all about the game and nothing else. On the other hand, as regal and awe-inspiring as NYS certainly is -perhaps the most beautiful ball park in the game - I was left with the feeling that it wasn't a ballgame I watched, but an event. That's how NYS presents itself, and I pray to God that once the newness settles in, the ballgame becomes the priority. There is no guaranty that this will happen, but I can only hope. Right now NYS is too "slick" too clean, to spanking brand new, with a faint scent that a baseball game is going on in the air, and more like a gathering.

I'll first list the negatives, and want to make clear that they don't detract from my overall good impressions, but they do exist, and maybe with some work things will improve.

Negatives:
1. Burying Monument Park, as almost an afterthought, is a crying shame. The exclusive Audi Club, Legend's Suite and Mohegan Sports Bar gets more exposure? What's wrong with this picture? NYS isn't alone in this but the catering to and segregation of the ultra-rich seems to have taken precedence over what matters to the average fan.

2. A bit too much friggin neon. Enough with the scrolling purples, greens reds and blues. From the Great Hall, to the concourse, to once you enter the field and the LED ribbon board, I'm seeing a seeing a sea of sharp, shocking, in your face color patterns that are unbecoming to the overall look and feel of NYS. Can we get a little subtlety here and less Times Square?

3. The frieze. Love it, glad as hell it's returned where it belongs. But, maybe I'm being picky here, but it comes across as flat and a little one dimensional. I think that too much ornamentation wouldn't have looked good in the NYS design, but maybe it's something I'll have to get used to. I wouldn't mind if it were even a little more ornate, but, oh well. No biggie.

Also, maybe it's me, but from the beginning, I was always afraid that the frieze wouldn't stand out. Now I'm almost thinking that it stands out a little too much; that it's height could have been shortened a bit and not look as overpowering. I think that a shorter (in height only) frieze might have looked more subtle and tasteful.

Again, a minor disappointment, because I'd rather live with it than without.

4. I sampled some of the food today and I can tell you that Lobel's Prime Rib sandwich is a total rip-off, is tasteless, and the juice that they throw on it tastes weird. Save your $15 and walk away from this one. Also I wish that they soon get rid of that pretentious, nonsensical, Lobel's Steak window and toss the buffoon cutting the meat. THIS DOES NOT BELONG IN A BALLPARK.

The Nathan's dogs from Nathan's concession stand was unusually greasy, had no "snap" and was on a freakin stale bun. I wasn't in the mood to complain or get another one, so I just tossed it. And for godssakes, Mike's Deli, you call yourself an Italian deli, and from Arthur Ave., to boot, yet you serve your food on soft, spongy bread?! Get yourself some REAL Italian bread, that's fresh and with a hard crust. Surely you and the Yanks can afford to do that instead of ripping customers off out of greed.

5. A small narrow stretch of hallway behind the bleachers and in between the RF and LF concourse, looks like an afterthought. It's unfinished and already looks dingy. I'm hoping they give that portion a little more love. I noticed that parts of NYS's interior isn't complete and some finishing touches are in the process of being made or will be made.



Now the positives, other than what I already have written.

1. What can I say that already hasn't been said? Breathtaking, regal, awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping. NYS is that and so much more.

The moment you arrive at the ballpark from Babe Ruth Plaza, to Gate 4 and then the Great Hall, this place is chill-inducing. I've been to many a ballpark and never have I been as impressed with any of the new parks. (Still have to visit Citi). Take away NYS's homage to the team that plays there and still, NYS just does it right. It truly is regal in look, feel and attitude. I recommend anyone who hasn't been there to give it a try, because if you don't you'll be missing out on something special.

2. The concourses are extremely wide and easy to navigate, even with fans at the concessions, walking both direction and watching the game from there. It is also quite attractive; I can't understand any negative reaction to the concourses. In addition, unlike RYS, the concourses at NYS have been designed in such a straightforward, logical manner that it is extremely easy to navigate your way through them. And you get an amazing view of entire view of the field from the concourse An excellent, excellent, job all around.

3. The field and sightlines. Whoever said that NYS has bad sightline, does not have a cozy, intimate feel in the stands, either hasn't been to NYS or needs to make an appointment with their optometrist pronto.

NYS uniquely blends its historical imposing look with a great view of the field no MATTER where you sit. Whereas the stand in RYS seemed distant, there is much more a feel of "togetherness" within different sections of the stadium. Where fans once looked like dots in RYS, now, from the same proximity, you can see them clearly as your eyes scan the entire stands. I don't know how they did it, but somebody surely earned their big bucks on this one.

Also, the seats are angled perfectly toward the infield - not the floors of the sections themself, but the entire section of seats in each row turns in a bit. You never have to crane your neck again.

4. Did I mention how comfy the seats and seating area are? Tremendous legroom, and wide, cushiony, comfortable seats. I know, only the field level seats have cushions, but aside from the partial plan I'm splitting at these seats, I also bought tickets for a game in the grandstand (and bleachers), so I'll draw a comparison then.

5. The "good" food I had. The Noodle Bowl was surprisingly good. We had beef with noodles, dumplings and egg roll. All made fresh and tasty.

The sushi was OK as well. Not Nobu, but good enough ballpark fare.

Carl's Steak sandwich was mmm tasty. Again, we sampled and shared different things mostly out of my curiosity, and I am still pretty stuffed.

Lots more positives, but I'll save that for another time. One more thing. Today's crowd wasn't very large due to the time and weather, but when Melky hit the game winning homer (and other big Yankee moments) the roar of the crowd rivaled RYS. What I think is different is the sound and tone of the roar. At RYS it was more of a loud, but somewhat distant echo, whereas, at NYS, the roar is right in your face, something I attribute to the more "intimate" setting and closeness.

Geez Rob, How was your stomach after all that food? :laugh Nice review :clapping

[mandrake]

I just removed a whole slew of political posts. That doesn't belong here. Keep your propaganda to baseball, please.

Thanks Captain. I come to this forum to learn about the new park since I am going here on the 30th, and all I saw yesterday was idiotic political hatchet jobs. Please, I could put on CNBC and Fox and have them yell at each other. Here....I want baseball. Thanks for removing the junk !

[YanksRule]

4. I sampled some of the food today and I can tell you that Lobel's Prime Rib sandwich is a total rip-off, is tasteless, and the juice that they throw on it tastes weird. Save your $15 and walk away from this one.

It's funny you say that because when I was in the Main Suite, I was sitting in front of this insanely rich and spoiled family who has 4 personal season tickets in the Main Suite.. and the guy said that he had his wife go down every game to wait on the 30 minute line to get those sandwiches because they were so great and the best food he has ever had at any ballpark

[NYBase]

Originally Posted by Rob R
4. I sampled some of the food today and I can tell you that Lobel's Prime Rib sandwich is a total rip-off, is tasteless, and the juice that they throw on it tastes weird. Save your $15 and walk away from this one.


It's funny you say that because when I was in the Main Suite, I was sitting in front of this insanely rich and spoiled family who has 4 personal season tickets in the Main Suite.. and the guy said that he had his wife go down every game to wait on the 30 minute line to get those sandwiches because they were so great and the best food he has ever had at any ballpark

This dude loved it

http://newstadiuminsider.blogspot.com/2009/04/lobels-steak-sandwich-at-new-yankee.html

I hated the garlic fries. I can still taste them and it gives me the shakes.

[Yankees12]

My first impressions.

Before I list the positives and negatives (oh, there are some) about NYS, I'll preface it by saying that we have an absolute winner here. When I first walked in, strolled the concourses and took my seat, I wasn't so sure. Then the familiarity kicked in - by golly, this IS Yankee Stadium, no ifs, and or buts. Only it wasn't a clone or replica of it's predecessors, but rather a whole new entity; a stadium that will stand on it's own. Still, the familiarity is there, and if I were blindfolded and planted in my seat before the blindfolds were removed, there would be no doubt who plays in the ballpark. It screams "Yankees" from the get go.

That said, as I walked past RYS, prior to and after the game, a sunken feeling came over me. In all RYS splendor and regal qualities, I'll miss the dirt, grime and antiquity of the place because it was all about the game and nothing else. On the other hand, as regal and awe-inspiring as NYS certainly is -perhaps the most beautiful ball park in the game - I was left with the feeling that it wasn't a ballgame I watched, but an event. That's how NYS presents itself, and I pray to God that once the newness settles in, the ballgame becomes the priority. There is no guaranty that this will happen, but I can only hope. Right now NYS is too "slick" too clean, to spanking brand new, with a faint scent that a baseball game is going on in the air, and more like a gathering.

I'll first list the negatives, and want to make clear that they don't detract from my overall good impressions, but they do exist, and maybe with some work things will improve.

Negatives:
1. Burying Monument Park, as almost an afterthought, is a crying shame. The exclusive Audi Club, Legend's Suite and Mohegan Sports Bar gets more exposure? What's wrong with this picture? NYS isn't alone in this but the catering to and segregation of the ultra-rich seems to have taken precedence over what matters to the average fan.

2. A bit too much friggin neon. Enough with the scrolling purples, greens reds and blues. From the Great Hall, to the concourse, to once you enter the field and the LED ribbon board, I'm seeing a seeing a sea of sharp, shocking, in your face color patterns that are unbecoming to the overall look and feel of NYS. Can we get a little subtlety here and less Times Square?

3. The frieze. Love it, glad as hell it's returned where it belongs. But, maybe I'm being picky here, but it comes across as flat and a little one dimensional. I think that too much ornamentation wouldn't have looked good in the NYS design, but maybe it's something I'll have to get used to. I wouldn't mind if it were even a little more ornate, but, oh well. No biggie.

Also, maybe it's me, but from the beginning, I was always afraid that the frieze wouldn't stand out. Now I'm almost thinking that it stands out a little too much; that it's height could have been shortened a bit and not look as overpowering. I think that a shorter (in height only) frieze might have looked more subtle and tasteful.

Again, a minor disappointment, because I'd rather live with it than without.

4. I sampled some of the food today and I can tell you that Lobel's Prime Rib sandwich is a total rip-off, is tasteless, and the juice that they throw on it tastes weird. Save your $15 and walk away from this one. Also I wish that they soon get rid of that pretentious, nonsensical, Lobel's Steak window and toss the buffoon cutting the meat. THIS DOES NOT BELONG IN A BALLPARK.

The Nathan's dogs from Nathan's concession stand was unusually greasy, had no "snap" and was on a freakin stale bun. I wasn't in the mood to complain or get another one, so I just tossed it. And for godssakes, Mike's Deli, you call yourself an Italian deli, and from Arthur Ave., to boot, yet you serve your food on soft, spongy bread?! Get yourself some REAL Italian bread, that's fresh and with a hard crust. Surely you and the Yanks can afford to do that instead of ripping customers off out of greed.

5. A small narrow stretch of hallway behind the bleachers and in between the RF and LF concourse, looks like an afterthought. It's unfinished and already looks dingy. I'm hoping they give that portion a little more love. I noticed that parts of NYS's interior isn't complete and some finishing touches are in the process of being made or will be made.



Now the positives, other than what I already have written.

1. What can I say that already hasn't been said? Breathtaking, regal, awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping. NYS is that and so much more.

The moment you arrive at the ballpark from Babe Ruth Plaza, to Gate 4 and then the Great Hall, this place is chill-inducing. I've been to many a ballpark and never have I been as impressed with any of the new parks. (Still have to visit Citi). Take away NYS's homage to the team that plays there and still, NYS just does it right. It truly is regal in look, feel and attitude. I recommend anyone who hasn't been there to give it a try, because if you don't you'll be missing out on something special.

2. The concourses are extremely wide and easy to navigate, even with fans at the concessions, walking both direction and watching the game from there. It is also quite attractive; I can't understand any negative reaction to the concourses. In addition, unlike RYS, the concourses at NYS have been designed in such a straightforward, logical manner that it is extremely easy to navigate your way through them. And you get an amazing view of entire view of the field from the concourse An excellent, excellent, job all around.

3. The field and sightlines. Whoever said that NYS has bad sightline, does not have a cozy, intimate feel in the stands, either hasn't been to NYS or needs to make an appointment with their optometrist pronto.

NYS uniquely blends its historical imposing look with a great view of the field no MATTER where you sit. Whereas the stand in RYS seemed distant, there is much more a feel of "togetherness" within different sections of the stadium. Where fans once looked like dots in RYS, now, from the same proximity, you can see them clearly as your eyes scan the entire stands. I don't know how they did it, but somebody surely earned their big bucks on this one.

Also, the seats are angled perfectly toward the infield - not the floors of the sections themself, but the entire section of seats in each row turns in a bit. You never have to crane your neck again.

4. Did I mention how comfy the seats and seating area are? Tremendous legroom, and wide, cushiony, comfortable seats. I know, only the field level seats have cushions, but aside from the partial plan I'm splitting at these seats, I also bought tickets for a game in the grandstand (and bleachers), so I'll draw a comparison then.

5. The "good" food I had. The Noodle Bowl was surprisingly good. We had beef with noodles, dumplings and egg roll. All made fresh and tasty.

The sushi was OK as well. Not Nobu, but good enough ballpark fare.

Carl's Steak sandwich was mmm tasty. Again, we sampled and shared different things mostly out of my curiosity, and I am still pretty stuffed.

Lots more positives, but I'll save that for another time. One more thing. Today's crowd wasn't very large due to the time and weather, but when Melky hit the game winning homer (and other big Yankee moments) the roar of the crowd rivaled RYS. What I think is different is the sound and tone of the roar. At RYS it was more of a loud, but somewhat distant echo, whereas, at NYS, the roar is right in your face, something I attribute to the more "intimate" setting and closeness.

Great review! I'd agree with most of what you said (at least the non-food related stuff - I still haven't eaten at NYS... then again I haven't eaten anything at OYS since about 2004 ;)). I have to disagree on the frieze though - the fact that it stands out is perfect to me. The old frieze (23-73) was pretty overpowering as well - it's part of that overwhelming quality that OYS had and now NYS has, I'd say.

Burying Monument Park has been one of the biggest complaints so far, and I'm not sure there's a single person who doesn't agree. Between the dark stone (which I love, BTW) and the shadow from the Sports Bar, it's way too dark in there (the dark stone would be perfectly fine and would looks fantastic out in the open, but with little light getting into MP, it makes MP look like a cave from a distance). The neon lights are a bit overbearing too, but having been to many new parks where that's the norm, I've gotten used to it.

Sightlines are fantastic. What you said about the fans no longer looking like dots is true. I don't know how they made it such a difference from RYS, but it is, and it looks great. And the sightlines of the field are great too - you don't feel too far away even in the back of the bleachers or the top row of the Grandstand.

[YanksRule]

This dude loved it

http://newstadiuminsider.blogspot.com/2009/04/lobels-steak-sandwich-at-new-yankee.html

I hated the garlic fries. I can still taste them and it gives me the shakes.

Oh, I loved the garlic fries.. although I had horrible breath for the rest of the night.. totally worth it.

[Rob R]

It's funny you say that because when I was in the Main Suite, I was sitting in front of this insanely rich and spoiled family who has 4 personal season tickets in the Main Suite.. and the guy said that he had his wife go down every game to wait on the 30 minute line to get those sandwiches because they were so great and the best food he has ever had at any ballpark

Judging by what I ate, I don't think this guy's money accounts for his family's taste in food. I'll put it to you this way - I've had much better prime rib at weddings and hotel buffets, which isn't exactly saying very much.

Lobel's sandwich was absolutely tasteless and for supposed aged meat it wasn't very tender, certainly not melt-in-your-mouth tender. And like I said, the juice did nothing to improve it. They were generous with the amount of meat they put in it though. It's also surprising because they sell top prime meat in NYC; I guess they just don't know how to cook it well.

The coolest thing about it is that it's wrapped in plastic paper that looks like the NY Times with various older NY Yankee-related articles. I actually wiped mine off and kept it, so I can read all of it.

[Gary Dunaier]

the guy said that he had his wife go down every game to wait on the 30 minute line to get those sandwiches because they were so great and the best food he has ever had at any ballpark

"At any ballpark" would seem to be the operative words in that sentence.

[YanksRule]

I gotta say the make or break thing about NYS is access to the field level concourse. It's so nice being able to walk around on that level and still being able to see the game, to be able to wait on line for food, and just turn around and see everything from that great angle, to have access to the extra amenities, etc.

It's a great sight to walk through the great hall which is more of a mall and meeting place than a ballpark, and then through a little hallway and to see the entire field and stands- the atmosphere changes so much.. it's almost the same feeling as walking through the portals at RYS.

If the Yanks followed through on the whole "need field level tickets to access the field level concourse", I think the experience of the ballpark would be completely different.

[NYBase]

Oh, I loved the garlic fries.. although I had horrible breath for the rest of the night.. totally worth it.

I know I'm the minority on this one. Most people do love them.

Yeah... It sounds like everything I would've liked... but it tasted like they just dropped globs of this on the fries.



:coffee

[Rob R]

This dude loved it

http://newstadiuminsider.blogspot.com/2009/04/lobels-steak-sandwich-at-new-yankee.html

I hated the garlic fries. I can still taste them and it gives me the shakes.

I don't know man. I know people who swear by overrated food and even crap. I guess it's all subjective, but if there's one thing I think I know, it's food.

[Yankees12]

I really have to try these garlic fries sometime for myself. I heard the cheesesteaks were real good from a friend of mine too - they sure as hell looked good.

[Rob R]

I really have to try these garlic fries sometime for myself. I heard the cheesesteaks were real good from a friend of mine too - they sure as hell looked good.
The cheesesteaks were good- at least to me. I know Mr. Bombay concurs.

[NYBase]

I don't know man. I know people who swear by overrated food and even crap. I guess it's all subjective, but if there's one thing I think I know, it's food.

Yah, we're all different. That dude loved it, you disliked it. I hated the garlic fries and YanksRule loves them. Part of what makes life fun :)

[Rob R]

Great review! I'd agree with most of what you said (at least the non-food related stuff - I still haven't eaten at NYS... then again I haven't eaten anything at OYS since about 2004 ;)). I have to disagree on the frieze though - the fact that it stands out is perfect to me. The old frieze (23-73) was pretty overpowering as well - it's part of that overwhelming quality that OYS had and now NYS has, I'd say.

Burying Monument Park has been one of the biggest complaints so far, and I'm not sure there's a single person who doesn't agree. Between the dark stone (which I love, BTW) and the shadow from the Sports Bar, it's way too dark in there (the dark stone would be perfectly fine and would looks fantastic out in the open, but with little light getting into MP, it makes MP look like a cave from a distance). The neon lights are a bit overbearing too, but having been to many new parks where that's the norm, I've gotten used to it.

Sightlines are fantastic. What you said about the fans no longer looking like dots is true. I don't know how they made it such a difference from RYS, but it is, and it looks great. And the sightlines of the field are great too - you don't feel too far away even in the back of the bleachers or the top row of the Grandstand.

Thanks. :). Don't get me wrong, I'm ecstatic that the frieze is back and love it as well, but I wish it weren't so flat-looking and just a little more ornate.

As far as the size, I wanted it to stand out and be somewhat overpowering, but the way the grandstand is positioned, it comes across as a little too large (height-wise) and maybe a little too dominating. Which is weird, because I was hoping it wouldn't get lost. OYS's frieze, in addition to it's great detail, protruded further out due to the longer length of the roof, so the frieze size looked more in proportion to the grandstand and rest of the field. In NYS, it's set back more. Maybe I have to get used to it because I always envisioned it to look more like the photos of OYS. But like I said, it's no biggie and I'd much rather have it than not.

And yes, the sightlines are AWESOME throughout.

[Gary Dunaier]

Some random thoughts on the new Yankee Stadium...

It does have a corporate, "mall-ish" feel to it... but somehow I felt that it was appropriate for the Yankees.

Taking pictures of game action from the lower concourses will be difficult because the overhang from upper levels goes out so far... it looks like I'll have to crouch down and use a Zoom lens...

The frieze will affect my ability to get photos from the very last row of the upper deck because it will be in the picture, which in and of itself is fine but it also blocks the view of some of the nearby buildings, which is one of my obsessions...

Didn't like that they had a curtain directly behind home plate on the field level...

I liked being able to see the game from the outfield point of view. I was surprised the Bleacher Cafe was open to the public - maybe this was common knowledge but I just happened to miss the info - and I was thrilled to be able to get some shots from dead center. Always wondered what it would look like on the television if the cameraman was located in dead center instead of off to an angle... now I know.

Surprised to find Opening Day programs available in one of the team stores. Against my better judgment I bought one, even though it was $5.00 more than the regular program and except for the cover photo was exactly the same (at least the Mets gave you 8 extra pages in their Opening Day program)... I also bought a regular program...

Still have plenty to explore... my next time there will be Saturday, for the Joel Osteen event... it will be interesting to see how they set up the place...

[Rob R]

:clapping

Geez Rob, How was your stomach after all that food? :laugh Nice review :clapping
LOL.. still hurting. Thankfully, my better half split most everything with me. It was more of a taste test at my request. She thinks I was nuts, but played along anyway.

And thanks for the compliment. Like I said, I wasn't going to pull any punches, and those were my initial impressions. But, overall, 2 thumbs up for NYS.

[Yankees12]

Didn't like that they had a curtain directly behind home plate on the field level...

Supposedly the reason for that is that pitchers complained on workout day that the light coming in from Gate 4 was getting right in their line of sight from the mound, and they're looking for a permanent fix (i.e. a wall) to replace the curtain.

(I'm assuming it was on workout day, since that curtain was there for the first exhibition.)

[Gary Dunaier]

It was more of a taste test

Geez... you must be wealthy if you can afford all of that ballpark food (and at Yankee Stadium prices!).

A "Nathan's" hot dog, crinkle-cut freedom fries and a non-souvenir soda (still without lids!) cost me $17.75!!!!!

[Rob R]

Geez... you must be wealthy if you can afford all of that ballpark food (and at Yankee Stadium prices!).

A "Nathan's" hot dog, crinkle-cut freedom fries and a non-souvenir soda (still without lids!) cost me $17.75!!!!!

LOL. Who needs to pay the stinkin' mortgage anyway?

[Cool Papa B.]

LOL.. still hurting. Thankfully, my better half split most everything with me. It was more of a taste test at my request. She thinks I was nuts, but played along anyway.

And thanks for the compliment. Like I said, I wasn't going to pull any punches, and those were my initial impressions. But, overall, 2 thumbs up for NYS.

One food I would reccomend to ANYONE going to NYS is Brother Jim's pulled chicken sandwich with a side of hush-puppies.Mmmmm!!! That sandwich was DELICIOUS!!! I was about about to get another one atnight game against the Cubs, but I wanted to sample the Highlanders hotdog. Did you Rob or anyone else try that pulled chicken sandwich? And if so what did you think of it?

[Rob R]

One food I would reccomend to ANYONE going to NYS is Brother Jim's pulled chicken sandwich with a side of hush-puppies.Mmmmm!!! That sandwich was DELICIOUS!!!

Funny you should say that. That was going to be my next stop till my stomach begged me to stop. I'll have to wait for the next homestand and based on your recommendation, I'm there! Haven't tried the pulled chicken.

[ipitch]

4. I sampled some of the food today and I can tell you that Lobel's Prime Rib sandwich is a total rip-off, is tasteless, and the juice that they throw on it tastes weird. Save your $15 and walk away from this one. Also I wish that they soon get rid of that pretentious, nonsensical, Lobel's Steak window and toss the buffoon cutting the meat. THIS DOES NOT BELONG IN A BALLPARK.

^ This doesn't belong in ballpark?...



5. The "good" food I had. The Noodle Bowl was surprisingly good. We had beef with noodles, dumplings and egg roll. All made fresh and tasty.
The sushi was OK as well.

^ ...but THIS does?

[Lafferty Daniel]

Guys, thanks for the reviews & pics. I feel like I'll actually know my way around when I visit.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. This ballpark is better than I thought it would be when I first saw the renderings & model. Can't wait to check it out in person next time I vacation in New York.

[Rob R]

^ This doesn't belong in ballpark?...



^ ...but THIS does?

Noodle Bowl vs. the Lobel "Store?" One is a concession stand, the other a monkey cutting meat behind a glass window, purely for no other purpose than advertising and promoting his product. What's next, David Oreck vacuuming a piece of carpet behind a glass window?

[tugger]

Geez... you must be wealthy if you can afford all of that ballpark food (and at Yankee Stadium prices!).

A "Nathan's" hot dog, crinkle-cut freedom fries and a non-souvenir soda (still without lids!) cost me $17.75!!!!!

Hey, freedom ain't free.

[mandrake]

Noodle Bowl vs. the Lobel "Store?" One is a concession stand, the other a monkey cutting meat behind a glass window, purely for no other purpose than advertising and promoting his product. What's next, David Oreck vacuuming a piece of carpet behind a glass window?

Rob. Enjoyed reading the review. One thing I liked is the 'negatives'. A true fan easily can give us the positives of his fave team, but an objective review needs the 'all is not perfect' spin. And you did a great job !

One thing I am eager, no,.. make that desperate to find out. As far as the Audi Club and/or the Mohegan Sports Bar: can you always upgrade your ticket; do you get a seat to watch the game there; is everything included in the upgrade price?

I have gone through the threads but can't find what I 'thought' I had read.
The NYY site does not give single game info.......

[Rob R]

Rob. Enjoyed reading the review. One thing I liked is the 'negatives'. A true fan easily can give us the positives of his fave team, but an objective review needs the 'all is not perfect' spin. And you did a great job !

One thing I am eager, no,.. make that desperate to find out. As far as the Audi Club and/or the Mohegan Sports Bar: can you always upgrade your ticket; do you get a seat to watch the game there; is everything included in the upgrade price?

I have gone through the threads but can't find what I 'thought' I had read.
The NYY site does not give single game info.......

Thanks, mandrake. Coming from a truly objective fan like yourself is a compliment.

Re the Mohegan Sports Bar, the last I heard (and I don't believe has been confirmed) is that the seating portion will be sold to the public on a game to game basis, while access to the rest of the bar is for field level patrons only, at an additional cost, as to not make it overcrowded. I declined the opportunity myself, hence I haven't done much investigating, but I'll try to find out and let you know.

[ipitch]

Noodle Bowl vs. the Lobel "Store?" One is a concession stand, the other a monkey cutting meat behind a glass window, purely for no other purpose than advertising and promoting his product.

But, yet you bought a $15 sandwich at the Lobel "Store" anyway. Hmmm.

[CoreyNYC]

Thanks, mandrake. Coming from a truly objective fan like yourself is a compliment.

Re the Mohegan Sports Bar, the last I heard (and I don't believe has been confirmed) is that the seating portion will be sold to the public on a game to game basis, while access to the rest of the bar is for field level patrons only, at an additional cost, as to not make it overcrowded. I declined the opportunity myself, hence I haven't done much investigating, but I'll try to find out and let you know.

It is available. Pick a game and do a search on Ticketmaster. I checked it out the other day out of curriosity. It is a rip off at $90 (before Ticketmaster fees). Why pay $90 to sit behind a window in a bar in deep CF when the bleachers below are $5-$15????

Or you can sit on top of the bar in those 2 rows of seats in front of the concessions for an even more ridiculous $125.

[Rob R]

It is available. Pick a game and do a search on Ticketmaster. I checked it out the other day out of curriosity. It is a rip off at $90 (before Ticketmaster fees). Why pay $90 to sit behind a window in a bar in deep CF when the bleachers below are $5-$15????

Or you can sit on top of the bar in those 2 rows of seats in front of the concessions for an even more ridiculous $125.
There are smart consumers and not-so-smart consumers. That old PT Barnum adage.

As I've said, the bleachers are the best bargain in the sports world and the view is tremendous, unlike RYS. You're literally on top of the field. I sat there for a couple of minutes to chew the fat with someone and was amazed and impressed. The players in the infield actually look life-size and you can notice every little detail, including the precise location of the pitch.

[Yankeefan3783]

Great review Rob R. I agree with pretty much everything you stated. I've sat in the Terrance and Grandstand sections so far, and the views have been phenomenal. Personally, I find NYS intimate, and the crowd noise does get loud, especially when the Yankees get something going.

[Yankeefan3783]

There are smart consumers and not-so-smart consumers. That old PT Barnum adage.

As I've said, the bleachers are the best bargain in the sports world and the view is tremendous, unlike RYS. You're literally on top of the field. I sat there for a couple of minutes to chew the fat with someone and was amazed and impressed. The players in the infield actually look life-size and you can notice every little detail, including the precise location of the pitch.

Agreed. I especially love the food court/standing area above CF. I want to get bleacher tickets to at least one game this season, and experience the game from there. If it's as good as I think it is, I'm going to try to buy a partial season plan for next season in the bleachers (if it's available).

[Rob R]

But, yet you bought a $15 sandwich at the Lobel "Store" anyway. Hmmm.
No, I bought it because I know of Lobel's, wanted to try it and it was a concession stand seperate from the Lobel's demo window.

Again, I have no problem with them selling sandwiches, even if it was tasteless to me and the au jus wasn't very pleasing.

[Rob R]

Great review Rob R. I agree with pretty much everything you stated. I've sat in the Terrance and Grandstand sections so far, and the views have been phenomenal. Personally, I find NYS intimate, and the crowd noise does get loud, especially when the Yankees get something going.
Thanks. The Sox series at NYS will be the litmus test and I have a feeling the crowd noise level won't disappoint.

[Yankeefan3783]

Thanks. The Sox series at NYS will be the litmus test and I have a feeling the crowd noise level won't disappoint.

Definitely. I actually have tickets to Yanks vs Sox, but for the August series. Should be exciting and loud.

[Rob R]

I want to get bleacher tickets to at least one game this season, and experience the game from there. If it's as good as I think it is, I'm going to try to buy a partial season plan for next season in the bleachers (if it's available).

Maybe we should go to all Yankee-related sites and tell them how much the bleachers suck. That'll get an opening for you...lol

I had bought bleacher tickets a couple of weeks ago for a May game that I won't be using my partials. Section 235 second row, Now that I know the view, I'll almost be able to shake hands with Johnny Damon.

[Coach Bombay]

Supposedly the reason for that is that pitchers complained on workout day that the light coming in from Gate 4 was getting right in their line of sight from the mound, and they're looking for a permanent fix (i.e. a wall) to replace the curtain.

(I'm assuming it was on workout day, since that curtain was there for the first exhibition.)

Is was there the day of the workout

[Ralf]

Ticket exchange proposition:

Any Yankee ticket holder who would like to see Citi, I'm willing to exchange my 2 seats for Sunday, May 31 v. Marlins for 2 tickets to NYS. Since my seats are in the Promenade Boxes (just off 3B) at Citi, I was hoping to at least get seats on the Terrace level at NYS - they seem to be comparable.

PM if interested.

[mandrake]

Maybe we should go to all Yankee-related sites and tell them how much the bleachers suck. That'll get an opening for you...lol

I had bought bleacher tickets a couple of weeks ago for a May game that I won't be using my partials. Section 235 second row, Now that I know the view, I'll almost be able to shake hands with Johnny Damon.

If you have tickets to the main level, or even grandstand, can you visit the bleachers ?

[Rob R]

If you have tickets to the main level, or even grandstand, can you visit the bleachers ?
You can visit all parts of the stadium no matter where you are sitting, however, you'd have to present a ticket to enter the area (unless you somehow sneak in). I knew somebody sitting there who was cool with the person guarding the entrance, and that's how I gained access.

But, I love the fact that the concourses are open to anybody, regardless of where you are sitting.

[Rob R]

Another thing, as most have mentioned, the entire stadium staff was friendly and seemed to go out of their way to make you comfortable. There was no tension and no uptightness as there was with the security guards at NYS who were basically wannabe FBI agents. A whole different, more relaxing tone and nobody was intrusive.

I did however notice, that they try to clear the stands more quickly after the game. I guess they already got your money out of the concession stands, so it's adios to all.

[Gary Dunaier]

Noodle Bowl vs. the Lobel "Store?" One is a concession stand, the other a monkey cutting meat behind a glass window, purely for no other purpose than advertising and promoting his product. What's next, David Oreck vacuuming a piece of carpet behind a glass window?

No... Vince Offer, or Vince Shlomi, or whatever the heck his name is, will be doing an in-person demonstration on the wonders of the Sham Wow... but we'll only be doing it for the next twenty minutes, because we can't do this all day... :eek:

[Rob R]

No... Vince Offer, or Vince Shlomi, or whatever the heck his name is, will be doing an in-person demonstration on the wonders of the Sham Wow... but we'll only be doing it for the next twenty minutes, because we can't do this all day... :eek:
LOL..I'd rather see him on the CF dunk tank. Can you throw rotten tomatoes there?

[Yankeefan3783]

I don't know if anyone here has done this, but after Sunday's game my girlfriend and I stuck around the stadium, and went to where the players exit (near Gate 2), and saw Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Mark Teixeira and other Yankee players exit the stadium in their cars. There's no barriers or anything, so you can get very close (2-3 feet) and wave or cheer to the players. I also saw Paul O'neill, Ken Singleton, Michael Kay, Hal Steinbrenner, as well as the Indians leaving on the team bus.

[toefer]

I also saw Paul O'neill, Ken Singleton, Michael Kay, Hal Steinbrenner, as well as the Indians leaving on the team bus.

Traitors! (I know that's not what you meant)

[toefer]

This may have been posted before, but I came across this yesterday when ordering some tickets, and it's actually a pretty helpful/cool thing to have... at least until SeatData gets enough photos to add NYS to their site:

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/nyy/ballpark/new_stadium_seat_selector.jsp

[frank72]

Hi guys,
Great review of the Mohegan Sun Sports Bar on River Avenue Blues today. Check it out:

http://riveraveblues.com/

[tiscipa165]

Maybe we should go to all Yankee-related sites and tell them how much the bleachers suck. That'll get an opening for you...lol

I had bought bleacher tickets a couple of weeks ago for a May game that I won't be using my partials. Section 235 second row, Now that I know the view, I'll almost be able to shake hands with Johnny Damon.

I sit in 235 with my Sunday plan, row 9. I was originally given (and purchased) section 408, row 14. Thankfully, my rep hooked me up, got me a refund for the difference, and out of the dreaded OF grandstand near the foul pole.

[Rob R]

I sit in 235 with my Sunday plan, row 9. I was originally given (and purchased) section 408, row 14. Thankfully, my rep hooked me up, got me a refund for the difference, and out of the dreaded OF grandstand near the foul pole.

Thanks to your rep you made out BIGtime. Outstanding view of the game and way cheaper, no less.

[Cool Papa B.]

Rob. Enjoyed reading the review. One thing I liked is the 'negatives'. A true fan easily can give us the positives of his fave team, but an objective review needs the 'all is not perfect' spin. And you did a great job !

One thing I am eager, no,.. make that desperate to find out. As far as the Audi Club and/or the Mohegan Sports Bar: can you always upgrade your ticket; do you get a seat to watch the game there; is everything included in the upgrade price?

I have gone through the threads but can't find what I 'thought' I had read.
The NYY site does not give single game info.......

I don't know if you read my thoughts on the Audi club last week, but a friend and I was able to upgrade our field level seats-ticket face value at $125 each- to the Audi Club for $15 more each. These tickets were a gift to me so we figured it wasn't that much extra and we would have spent more than $15 for food any. With this upgrade the food was included.

[YanksRule]

Supposedly the reason for that is that pitchers complained on workout day that the light coming in from Gate 4 was getting right in their line of sight from the mound, and they're looking for a permanent fix (i.e. a wall) to replace the curtain.

(I'm assuming it was on workout day, since that curtain was there for the first exhibition.)


I'm not sure if they will put a wall up, since before the game, the curtain is always open meaning when we walk in Gate 4, one of the first things we see is the field instead of a giant black "wall"

[tiscipa165]

Here is the view from section 235, I sit here on Sundays. Can't beat it for $12.

[Cool Papa B.]

Thanks to your rep you made out BIGtime. Outstanding view of the game and way cheaper, no less.

hey Rob, there were a few things that I didn't agree with on your review-we all have our own preferences and views-but for the most part I agree with what you said. I think the frieze stands out fine. I don't think it's too much. I actually feel it should be taller not shorter because then the grandstands might standout more and make up for the lower angle. And I think a new stadium will always feel slick. It's like buying a new pair of jeans or a new house. It takes time to break in and put your own "signature' on it.

The thing I like the most about NYS is that it feels like it has always been there. It's grand, but it doesn't stick out like a soar thumb.

[SparkyL]

hey Rob, there were a few things that I didn't agree with on your review-we all have our own preferences and views-but for the most part I agree with what you said. I think the frieze stands out fine. I don't think it's too much. I actually feel it should be taller not shorter because then the grandstands might standout more and make up for the lower angle. And I think a new stadium will always feel slick. It's like buying a new pair of jeans or a new house. It takes time to break in and put your own "signature' on it.

The thing I like the most about NYS is that it feels like it has always been there. It's grand, but it doesn't stick out like a soar thumb.

I also agree with the size of the frieze. If they made it shorter it would lose its familiar proportion and looked stretched. And it "needs" to dominate (in fact, in the original artist renderings with the smaller frieze we all felt that it wouldn't), just like it did at OYS.

[SparkyL]

I'm not sure if they will put a wall up, since before the game, the curtain is always open meaning when we walk in Gate 4, one of the first things we see is the field instead of a giant black "wall"

Maybe they can put in one-way glass like on the Sports Bar . . . . and unlike the batter's eye, it doesn't have to be pure black - so if some light leaks thru that would be OK, it just needs to eliminate the glare. We just don't want to lose the initial sight of the field walking in from Gate 4.

[The House That Ruth Built]

Another thing, as most have mentioned, the entire stadium staff was friendly and seemed to go out of their way to make you comfortable. There was no tension and no uptightness as there was with the security guards at NYS who were basically wannabe FBI agents. A whole different, more relaxing tone and nobody was intrusive.

I noticed the same thing. My first encounter with one of the people with the circlular "How may I help you sign" was in Babe Ruth Plaza. I was looking around, taking in all the sights and sounds. I don't know, but maybe I looked a little lost. A guy started twirling his sign as he walked up to me..."Haya doin, Welcome to Yankee Stadium, can I help you with anything?" My first reaction was that it was a guy trying to sell me something, kinda like the Bank of America people (sign up and get a free Yankees blanket today) and that sort of thing. Then I noticed more of these ushers, if thats what you call them. Then I said to myself "Holy ****, i'm at the wrong Stadium!"

Everyone from the ushers and vendors and everyone in between seemed like they were "nice" people. My only question is, how long will it last?

[YanksRule]

More food reviews and photos of NYS

http://howfresheats.blogspot.com/2009/04/howfresh-eats-new-yankee-stadium.html

[SparkyL]

One thing I am eager, no,.. make that desperate to find out. As far as the Audi Club and/or the Mohegan Sports Bar: can you always upgrade your ticket; do you get a seat to watch the game there; is everything included in the upgrade price?

I have gone through the threads but can't find what I 'thought' I had read.
The NYY site does not give single game info.......


Thanks, mandrake. Coming from a truly objective fan like yourself is a compliment.

Re the Mohegan Sports Bar, the last I heard (and I don't believe has been confirmed) is that the seating portion will be sold to the public on a game to game basis, while access to the rest of the bar is for field level patrons only, at an additional cost, as to not make it overcrowded. I declined the opportunity myself, hence I haven't done much investigating, but I'll try to find out and let you know.

The seating areas for both are for ticketed fans only and that is your actual ticket for the game. Audi includes food, Mohegan doesn't.

Details: http://baseball-fever.com/showpost.php?p=1490737&postcount=685

[YanksRule]

Another thing, as most have mentioned, the entire stadium staff was friendly and seemed to go out of their way to make you comfortable. There was no tension and no uptightness as there was with the security guards at NYS who were basically wannabe FBI agents. A whole different, more relaxing tone and nobody was intrusive.


That reminds me of a quote from espn (http://espn.go.com/page2/s/ballparks/yankee.html):

15. Ushers: They screen for ignorant and hostile applicants. Then they hire them.



I did however notice, that they try to clear the stands more quickly after the game. I guess they already got your money out of the concession stands, so it's adios to all.

It depends where you are though.. when I was walking around the great hall and concourses a good 15 mins after the game when it was pretty empty, the ushers were still super friendly.

[YanksRule]

BTW anyone else find it strange that they charge the same for a Bud Light as they do a Hoegaarden or Peroni? At the old stadium Heineken was $1 more than Miller and Bud, and Hoegaarden is way better than Heineken...

[jalbright]

Folks,

This is not the place for political commentary. If you want to discuss those matters, go elsewhere. This is a baseball-only site. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

[NYBase]

Hi guys,
Great review of the Mohegan Sun Sports Bar on River Avenue Blues today. Check it out:

http://riveraveblues.com/

Hey... waddayouknow... he liked it.

[NYBase]

BTW anyone else find it strange that they charge the same for a Bud Light as they do a Hoegaarden or Peroni? At the old stadium Heineken was $1 more than Miller and Bud, and Hoegaarden is way better than Heineken...

Shhhhh..... they'll "correct" that ;)

[metfan61]

Here is the view from section 235, I sit here on Sundays. Can't beat it for $12.



Shhhhh, don't say it too loud, you'll ruin a good thing.

[SparkyL]

I was at the game last night and the roll call was very loud. Does anyone know off hand the number of bleacher seats in NYS vs RYS?

NYS: 5,259 Regular 4,949, ADA 64, SRO, 228

RYS: 5,562

[SparkyL]

Tier Reserved: 15,652 Grandstand: 11, 314
Tier Box: 7,995 Terrace: 6,777

[SparkyL]

What are people's opinions on the Audi Club ? I thought I saw that it cost $140 but includes food? Can anyone supply details, please?

$65 of the ticket cost is for the food. Drinks are extra. Cool Papa has been in there . . .


Speaking of which - another very un-explored area is the Hall of Fame Lounge, which is right next to the Audi Club - at the every end of the Suite level. I've seen it from the staircase . . anyone been there or know how to gain access to that area?

[Cool Papa B.]

More food reviews and photos of NYS

http://howfresheats.blogspot.com/2009/04/howfresh-eats-new-yankee-stadium.html

Interesting review. LOL...Man, you're killing me yanksRule. Since you uploaded that pic of the dessert you got from the delta lounge, I've been jonesing for ice cream and brownies...LOL. Now you link a review with pics of all that good food!!! They better have that dessert available at the terrace lounge on May 4(first game at the stadium against Boston) because I'll be there

[Greg B.]

I know I'm the minority on this one. Most people do love them.

Yeah... It sounds like everything I would've liked... but it tasted like they just dropped globs of this on the fries.



:coffee

How do they prepare the things? I suspect you might not be far off the mark.

To me, they sound absolutely horrible. I like a balanced garlic flavor when it is cooked in, say, a nice Italian recipe, but raw garlic on anything (or worse, dried powdered garlic) just is vile. But as you say, people seem to love them. I'm baffled.

[Cool Papa B.]

A little off topic guys, but Wang made a start in AAA today. 7 innings, 91 pitches (70 for strikes), 5 earned runs.

http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2009/04/new_york_yankees_pitcher_chien.html

[donut726]

A little off topic guys, but Wang made a start in AAA today. 7 innings, 91 pitches (70 for strikes), 5 earned runs.

http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2009/04/new_york_yankees_pitcher_chien.html

meh, still pretty awful, but it's likely going to take some time to straighten out his mechanics (if that's even the issue.)

[80SHOCK]

Too bad you can't see the street from inside and see inside the stadium from outside street level anymore thanks to the curtain.
I really liked that feature.

[donut726]

Too bad you can't see the street from inside and see inside the stadium from outside street level anymore thanks to the curtain.
I really liked that feature.



why not add a wall of tinted glass like the one used for the batters eye. this way, you can see the field from the concourse, but still serves the purpose of the curtain

[80SHOCK]

^ Good idea hopefully the Yankees do it.

[Kentucky Bomber]

A little off topic guys, but Wang made a start in AAA today. 7 innings, 91 pitches (70 for strikes), 5 earned runs.

http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2009/04/new_york_yankees_pitcher_chien.html

Not AAA, unfortunately, Advanced A Phillies players in Tampa. Nardi Contreras, Yanks pitching guru said his slider was excellent and the hard ground and less experienced teammates he had let grounders go for hits. An improvement, if not a gigantic one. He seems to be lacking arm stregnth.

Look for Wang to be DL'd, Steven Jackson to be sent down and Phil Hughes and Mark Melancon to join the big club. They are eating the International League alive.

[SparkyL]

Maybe they can put in one-way glass like on the Sports Bar . . . . and unlike the batter's eye, it doesn't have to be pure black - so if some light leaks thru that would be OK, it just needs to eliminate the glare. We just don't want to lose the initial sight of the field walking in from Gate 4.


why not add a wall of tinted glass like the one used for the batters eye. this way, you can see the field from the concourse, but still serves the purpose of the curtain

Hmmm . . where did I here that before??

[NYFan1stYankFan2nd]

Got hundreds of photos to sort through and will try to find any that might be unique. That'll be hard, since you guys have just about covered everything.

I'll also give my "review" in a bit.

Just a couple of quickies:





That last photo - of the stairway descending from the new Metro-North station just south of Gate 4 OYS - just rang the mother of all bells in my head:

SOMEHOW incorporate part of that OYS into the new YS-Metro North stop!!

RIng-a-DING DING DING!!!! :crazy

[DM23MVP]

A little off topic guys, but Wang made a start in AAA today. 7 innings, 91 pitches (70 for strikes), 5 earned runs.

http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2009/04/new_york_yankees_pitcher_chien.html

He actually pitched in an extended Spring Training game against the Phillies Minor Leaguers, I'm pretty sure that they were only Single A and Rookie ball players. That would explain why he had 11 strikeouts.

[baseballman1243]

Some of my pics from last sunday. Section 431B row 12. Not saying the seats because then everyone will know who I am. lol Oh yea and btw i'm not sure if anyone mentioned this, but they don't let you go down to the short porch anymore for BP. But I walked under the bleachers and no one was manning their station for the box seats in front of the bleachers so I easily walked down there.



















Tarp Practice???

[baseballman1243]

[baseballman1243]

Final Pitch of the Game:

[donut726]

lmao

[Kentucky Bomber]

How do they prepare the things? I suspect you might not be far off the mark.

To me, they sound absolutely horrible. I like a balanced garlic flavor when it is cooked in, say, a nice Italian recipe, but raw garlic on anything (or worse, dried powdered garlic) just is vile. But as you say, people seem to love them. I'm baffled.

After hearing people sing the praises of garlic fries I finally tried them in Seattle. They were cold, wet and, to use your word, vile. I'm sure they weren't the best of all possible garlic fries, but I'm not all hot to try 'em again.

[Rob R]

I think the frieze stands out fine. I don't think it's too much. I actually feel it should be taller not shorter because then the grandstands might standout more and make up for the lower angle.


I also agree with the size of the frieze. If they made it shorter it would lose its familiar proportion and looked stretched. And it "needs" to dominate (in fact, in the original artist renderings with the smaller frieze we all felt that it wouldn't), just like it did at OYS.

The frieze size mention was fairly minor, and more an observation than complaint. I guess I'm more used to how it looked in photos of OYS, where the upper deck was much larger and steeper (plus it jutted out more), so the size of the frieze looked more balanced and in proportion to the upper deck.

I think a slightly shorter frieze would still have been dominant and would have been given the same balance. Maybe it looked a little "off" because I was comparing the friezes of the two stadiums.

It's something I can live with and still looks beautiful. If anything, higher on my wish list would have been a frieze that was a little less flat and plain- looking. Not necessarily as ornate as OYS, because of the modern design of NYS, but a little more than what it is. Also (and this is nitpicking) I may have preferred a less bright white, maybe an off-white or egg shell color. I think that wear and tear will take care of this until the next paint job. But that may be just me, because I also preferred the off-white of the old Yankee uniform to the current bright white.

[Rob R]

It depends where you are though.. when I was walking around the great hall and concourses a good 15 mins after the game when it was pretty empty, the ushers were still super friendly.


I was seated in the field level seats. They weren't rude at all, just seemed to be rushing people from the seating area, but in a polite manner. Sort of standing around to give you the message. They still remained super-friendly as you say. Seemed a little more rushed than at RYS.

Come to think of it, it was a 14 inning game that lasted 5 hours, so maybe everyone just wanted to get going.

[NYFan1stYankFan2nd]

Some of my pics from last sunday. Section 431B row 12. Not saying the seats because then everyone will know who I am. lol Oh yea and btw i'm not sure if anyone mentioned this, but they don't let you go down to the short porch anymore for BP. But I walked under the bleachers and no one was manning their station for the box seats in front of the bleachers so I easily walked down there.
















Tarp Practice???


Those closeup Frieze shots remind me of mah folks' vinyl picket fence hung upsad down . ..

GIT 'ER DUHHNN!!!!!!!! :hyper:

[soup]

they're discussing the stadium on baseball tonight - all the home runs

[YanksRule]

..........

[soup]

yeah they had the dude from HitTracker on there too

[curb my enthusiasm]

Question for those who have been there: What is the Yankees' policy for letting people stand in the concourses and watch the game? Are there certain sections where you can and can't do that?

[Rob R]

Question for those who have been there: What is the Yankees' policy for letting people stand in the concourses and watch the game? Are there certain sections where you can and can't do that?
From what I saw, you can stand just about anywhere, as long as you're not blocking the entrance to the seating area. When somebody blocks the entrance way, I've seen them politley ask people to move toward the side.

It's almost too good to be true. Of course, the closer you get to home plate, especially behind the backstop, the more crowded it gets and the harder to vie for good position.

[GordonGecko]

$65 of the ticket cost is for the food. Drinks are extra. Cool Papa has been in there . . .


Speaking of which - another very un-explored area is the Hall of Fame Lounge, which is right next to the Audi Club - at the every end of the Suite level. I've seen it from the staircase . . anyone been there or know how to gain access to that area?
Almost everything from A to Z at NYS is a complete and utter rip off (everything except grandstand + bleacher seating tickets). In St. Louis at their brand new park, for as little as $69 ($105 if you sit on the dugout) you get all you can eat INCLUDING unlimited beer (AI):
http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/stl/ballpark/seating_pricing.jsp

[curb my enthusiasm]

From what I saw, you can stand just about anywhere, as long as you're not blocking the entrance to the seating area. When somebody blocks the entrance way, I've seen them politley ask people to move toward the side.

It's almost too good to be true. Of course, the closer you get to home plate, especially behind the backstop, the more crowded it gets and the harder to vie for good position.

Thanks Rob. I'm going to a game in June, and I have bleacher tickets, but I would like to see some portions of the game from other vantage points as well. This is good news.

[Rob R]

Thanks Rob. I'm going to a game in June, and I have bleacher tickets, but I would like to see some portions of the game from other vantage points as well. This is good news.
I'm sure you're going to love it - the whole environment, the view from the bleachers and no restrictions, so you can roam as you please without missing any action.

[CFmets09]

the closed captioning sign with the carl pavano (crowd boos) is too funny

[Rob R]

That last photo - of the stairway descending from the new Metro-North station just south of Gate 4 OYS - just rang the mother of all bells in my head:

SOMEHOW incorporate part of that OYS into the new YS-Metro North stop!!

RIng-a-DING DING DING!!!! :crazy
You know, not a bad idea, at all.

[The House That Ruth Built]

From what I saw, you can stand just about anywhere, as long as you're not blocking the entrance to the seating area. When somebody blocks the entrance way, I've seen them politley ask people to move toward the side.

It's almost too good to be true. Of course, the closer you get to home plate, especially behind the backstop, the more crowded it gets and the harder to vie for good position.

I had Grandstand seats (420a) but I roamed down to field level and stood behind Section 125 for the Yanks 4 run inning on Tuesday. That's probably one of my favorite aspects of the open concourses.

[patriot174]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=ArMURSTeLCG.st6aEmQTjgIRvLYF?slug=ap-selig-nyticketprices&prov=ap&type=lgns

[BiZmaRK]

I recently received the Yankees ticket information and fan guide. In the Yankees A to Z section, it states with respect to cameras, "Tripods, extended length zoom lenses, other professional camera equipment, movie cameras and any other video or audio recording equipment are not permitted in Yankee Stadium."

My digital SLR with a zoom lens that can be extended out about 6 inches from the body of the camera, making the overall length of the camera about 9 to 10 inches. I've never been disallowed to take this camera or my previous film SLR (which was slightly larger) in to any baseball stadium. I wonder what they mean by "extended length".

My understanding of MLB policy was that any bags being carried into a MLB ballpark had to fit into something like a 16"x16"x8" box. So if the camera fits in a bag that fits in a box that size, then I'd think it would be acceptable.

While I haven't yet planned my first trip to Yankee Stadium (seats at the Oakland Coliseum that go for $35 sell for $375 at Yankee Stadium), I would certainly want to get a clearer picture of their camera policy before investing in a trip.

[Rob R]

A couple of more photos I took. I love the shots where the wall scoreboard is in the background. Very OYS retro. I think that it's going to be a main identifiable feature of NYS, just like the frieze. I also suggest that any ads that go above it have a blue background to blend in with the blue padding like the RF wall, where the Pepsi ad doesn't look intrusive.





As opposed to the less pleasing State Farm ad above the LF scoreboard. Please, Yanks, require that all the wall scoreboards ads have a navy blue background.

[tugger]

Those closeup Frieze shots remind me of mah folks' vinyl picket fence hung upsad down . ..

GIT 'ER DUHHNN!!!!!!!! :hyper:

So now we know. The frieze is made of vinyl.

[NYFan1stYankFan2nd]

I recently received the Yankees ticket information and fan guide. In the Yankees A to Z section, it states with respect to cameras, "Tripods, extended length zoom lenses, other professional camera equipment, movie cameras and any other video or audio recording equipment are not permitted in Yankee Stadium."

My digital SLR with a zoom lens that can be extended out about 6 inches from the body of the camera, making the overall length of the camera about 9 to 10 inches. I've never been disallowed to take this camera or my previous film SLR (which was slightly larger) in to any baseball stadium. I wonder what they mean by "extended length".

My understanding of MLB policy was that any bags being carried into a MLB ballpark had to fit into something like a 16"x16"x8" box. So if the camera fits in a bag that fits in a box that size, then I'd think it would be acceptable.

While I haven't yet planned my first trip to Yankee Stadium (seats at the Oakland Coliseum that go for $35 sell for $375 at Yankee Stadium), I would certainly want to get a clearer picture of their camera policy before investing in a trip.


Is it one of these - http://www.uncrate.com/men/images/2008/02/canon-super-telephoto-lens.jpg ? . . .

. . . . .


I didn't think so. You shouldn't have a problem. ;)

[NYFan1stYankFan2nd]

So now we know. The frieze is made of vinyl.

Now WHA didn't thay think'a thayat back in seventy-fower at the old playce?? :hissyfit: It's light enough it woulda worked!

[NYFan1stYankFan2nd]

A couple of more photos I took. I love the shots where the wall scoreboard is in the background. Very OYS retro. I think that it's going to be a main identifiable feature of NYS, just like the frieze. I also suggest that any ads that go above it have a blue background to blend in with the blue padding like the RF wall, where the Pepsi ad doesn't look intrusive.





As opposed to the less pleasing State Farm ad above the LF scoreboard. Please, Yanks, require that all the wall scoreboards ads have a navy blue background.



What's with the Captain? Is he mud-wrestlin or playing ball?

Oh, I get it. He's taking all the falls for that team right about now. Go Jeter!

[nymdan]

Has this been posted? A minute-by-minute account of NYY Steak by Paul Lukas:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=lukas/090422

[COLTS7]

Almost everything from A to Z at NYS is a complete and utter rip off (everything except grandstand + bleacher seating tickets). In St. Louis at their brand new park, for as little as $69 ($105 if you sit on the dugout) you get all you can eat INCLUDING unlimited beer (AI):
http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/stl/ballpark/seating_pricing.jsp


I could not agree more.

[curb my enthusiasm]

About the advertising on the left field wall: Does a company like Mastercard even need to advertise? Who in the world doesn't use Mastercard? It seems like a company such as that is just wasting their money. Is Mastercard going to go into the tank if they stop advertising?

Also, seeing a Canon ad is not going to make me buy a camera. And seeing a Budweiser ad doesn't make me want to drink beer. Finally, the most intrusive one, the State Farm ad over the left field scoreboard, is not going to make me want to use their insurance company.

It seems to me that advertising like this is pointless. I realize that it's a revenue stream for the Yankees, but does it really create revenue for the companies who are doing the advertising?

[stumpmerrill]

About the advertising on the left field wall: Does a company like Mastercard even need to advertise? Who in the world doesn't use Mastercard? It seems like a company such as that is just wasting their money. Is Mastercard going to go into the tank if they stop advertising?

Also, seeing a Canon ad is not going to make me buy a camera. And seeing a Budweiser ad doesn't make me want to drink beer. Finally, the most intrusive one, the State Farm ad over the left field scoreboard, is not going to make me want to use their insurance company.

It seems to me that advertising like this is pointless. I realize that it's a revenue stream for the Yankees, but does it really create revenue for the companies who are doing the advertising?


The expectation is not for fans to see those billboards and run to buy their products. It is about branding and even the biggest companies need to advertise to keep their name in the public eye.

[curb my enthusiasm]

Has this been posted? A minute-by-minute account of NYY Steak by Paul Lukas:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=lukas/090422

That was very funny. It's ridiculous how the TV's weren't tuned in to the Yankee game currently playing because the game was on My9 instead of YES.

[curb my enthusiasm]

The expectation is not for fans to see those billboards and run to buy their products. It is about branding and even the biggest companies need to advertise to keep their name in the public eye.

The point that I'm trying to make is that if Mastercard ceases advertising, I am not going to forget about them. Same goes with McDonald's or Citgo. These companies are so huge that they've become part of everyday life.

[80SHOCK]

Some moron wrote this somewhere in the stadium:

[Rob R]

Some moron wrote this somewhere in the stadium:



It's amazing how much rednecks get around.

[80SHOCK]

Really who roots for the Cowboys Jazz Ducks and Browns? :thumbsdown:

[Captain Cold Nose]

Really who roots for the Cowboys Jazz Ducks and Browns? :thumbsdown:

I thought that was Braves. It is a weird combination, though.

[MarcianoNY]

It's amazing how much rednecks get around.

Yankess???

[Rob R]

Yankess???
Yeah, that person isn't very bright either.

[YanksRule]

Yankess???


Yeah, that person isn't very bright either.

Good thing he didn't try to put Islanders also... that silent "S" will kill you every time...

[MarcianoNY]

Good thing he didn't try to put Islanders also... that silent "S" will kill you every time...

Probably one of these dudes who hates the Yankees but otherwise roots for every single team he has fantasy players from. This kid my brother goes to school with buys a jersey tee from every one of his fantasy players. I hate that stuff. Honestly that's about the only rationale I can think of for this dude's "eclectic" set of favorite teams. And even that doesn't really work.

[YanksRule]

Probably one of these dudes who hates the Yankees but otherwise roots for every single team he has fantasy players from. This kid my brother goes to school with buys a jersey tee from every one of his fantasy players. I hate that stuff. Honestly that's about the only rationale I can think of for this dude's "eclectic" set of favorite teams. And even that doesn't really work.

Could be in a military family too where he moved around a lot as a kid...

[Aviator_Frank]

Maybe it was the Long Eiland Ducks he was rooting for. . . . .

[80SHOCK]

I was watching Yankees Classics on the YES network. It was the game where Pedro sent Soriano and Jeter to the hospital in the first inning.
They panned around the stadium and there was not one ad on the outfield wall. Which is quite surprising considering it was 2003 not 1983.
Looked kind of weird though.

[scooterfan]

Except for the large ads under the frieze there were no ads anywhere else on the facade or the outfield walls until either 1989 or 1990, except for a very small Canon eos ad on the auxiliary scoreboard in the infield. If I'm not mistaken.

The MSG ad on the facade of the loge in either 1989 or 1990 was the first ad I recall seeing, and then with each successive year there were more and more ads. As bad as it got, the ads never dominated like they do now in the new stadium. The auxiliary scoreboard in the pre renovated stadium in the outfield looked so much better than it does now because there were no ads. Now the ads just devour it.

[SparkyL]

Except for the large ads under the frieze there were no ads anywhere else on the facade or the outfield walls until either 1989 or 1990, except for a very small Canon eos ad on the auxiliary scoreboard in the infield. If I'm not mistaken.

The MSG ad on the facade of the loge in either 1989 or 1990 was the first ad I recall seeing, and then with each successive year there were more and more ads. As bad as it got, the ads never dominated like they do now in the new stadium. The auxiliary scoreboard in the pre renovated stadium in the outfield looked so much better than it does now because there were no ads. Now the ads just devour it.

And the first outfield wall ads were the two Wiz ads in 1996.

[Twenty Seven]

Some moron wrote this somewhere in the stadium:




Why? Like, what does this person think as they do it? I don't get it. People are morons.

[RationalNYYfan]

Good thing he didn't try to put Islanders also... that silent "S" will kill you every time...

The guy who wrote that graffiti can go puck himself

[YanksRule]

I like this article:


New Stadium Is Still a Rude Home Away From Home for Enemy Fans

http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/22/new-stadium-is-still-a-rude-home-away-from-home-for-enemy-fans/

[Kentucky Bomber]

I recently received the Yankees ticket information and fan guide. In the Yankees A to Z section, it states with respect to cameras, "Tripods, extended length zoom lenses, other professional camera equipment, movie cameras and any other video or audio recording equipment are not permitted in Yankee Stadium."

My digital SLR with a zoom lens that can be extended out about 6 inches from the body of the camera, making the overall length of the camera about 9 to 10 inches. I've never been disallowed to take this camera or my previous film SLR (which was slightly larger) in to any baseball stadium. I wonder what they mean by "extended length".

My understanding of MLB policy was that any bags being carried into a MLB ballpark had to fit into something like a 16"x16"x8" box. So if the camera fits in a bag that fits in a box that size, then I'd think it would be acceptable.

While I haven't yet planned my first trip to Yankee Stadium (seats at the Oakland Coliseum that go for $35 sell for $375 at Yankee Stadium), I would certainly want to get a clearer picture of their camera policy before investing in a trip.

I took my camera in with an extendable zoom lens on Opening Day and got no hassle on it.

[BiZmaRK]

Is it one of these - http://www.uncrate.com/men/images/2008/02/canon-super-telephoto-lens.jpg ? . . .

. . . . .


I didn't think so. You shouldn't have a problem. ;)
Not anywhere close to that.

[The House That Ruth Built]

Good thing he didn't try to put Islanders also... that silent "S" will kill you every time...

You would be surprised. They spelled it wrong on the Stanley Cup!

[YanksRule]

Is it one of these - http://www.uncrate.com/men/images/2008/02/canon-super-telephoto-lens.jpg ? . . .

. . . . .


I didn't think so. You shouldn't have a problem. ;)

pshh.. that's nothing compared to this..



Only $30,000 on amazon, and doesn't even need a tripod... http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-200-500-Ultra-Telephoto-Nikon-Cameras/dp/B0013DAPNU/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1203366400&sr=8-1

[SparkyL]

By the way, YanksRule - how are you getting tickets to areas like the Delta Suite, StubHub?

[YanksRule]

By the way, YanksRule - how are you getting tickets to areas like the Delta Suite, StubHub?

Yeah, since the weather was so crappy and it was midweek for a "boring" opponent, I knew there would have a lot of tickets available the night before, and sellers would be getting desperate. If i was a seller I'd rather sell them for way below face value and at least get SOMETHING for the tickets rather than eat the entire cost. We can call it the Circuit City effect.. tickets put on final clearance =)

Those Delta tickets cost me $100, and that same night I saw Legends Suites behind the plate for $250.

[curb my enthusiasm]

Yeah, since the weather was so crappy and it was midweek, I knew there would have a lot of tickets available the night before, and sellers would be getting desperate. If i was a seller I'd rather sell them for way below face value and at least get SOMETHING for the tickets rather than eat the entire cost.

Those Delta tickets cost me $100, and that same night I saw Legends Suites behind the plate for $250.

If you buy tickets through stubhub the day before a game, how do you get the tickets? Can you print them at home right away, or do you pick up the tickets at willcall?

[YanksRule]

If you buy tickets through stubhub the day before a game, how do you get the tickets? Can you print them at home right away, or do you pick up the tickets at willcall?

Stubhub is all ticketfast (print at home) now.. the reason being for speed/cost for them, plus the Yanks print $100 as the face value of the Delta Suite tickets that actually cost $800. This stops the entire secondary market BESIDES stubhub- No scalper will get $800+ for tickets that say $100 on them.

Of course, with these prices, no scalper including stubhub will get $800 no matter what

[DM23MVP]

pshh.. that's nothing compared to this..



Only $30,000 on amazon, and doesn't even need a tripod... http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-200-500-Ultra-Telephoto-Nikon-Cameras/dp/B0013DAPNU/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1203366400&sr=8-1

No tripod? LOL That kid's arm looks like it's going to snap.

[curb my enthusiasm]

Stubhub is all ticketfast (print at home) now.. the reason being for speed/cost for them, plus the Yanks print $100 as the face value of the Delta Suite tickets that actually cost $800. This stops the entire secondary market BESIDES stubhub- No scalper will get $800+ for tickets that say $100 on them.

Of course, with these prices, no scalper including stubhub will get $800 no matter what

Cool, thanks. One of these days I'm going to look for a Delta Suite ticket (or any good seat) and see if I could find one at a low price.

[YanksRule]

Cool, thanks. One of these days I'm going to look for a Delta Suite ticket (or any good seat) and see if I could find one at a low price.

Yeah, that afternoon game on the 22nd, I saw them for as low as $85.

[GordonGecko]

Cool, thanks. One of these days I'm going to look for a Delta Suite ticket (or any good seat) and see if I could find one at a low price.

You could have gotten a pair of Legends for $150 /each on stubhub to Wednesday's game

[YanksRule]

No tripod? LOL That kid's arm looks like it's going to snap.

He better not.. with that lens and full frame camera, he's holding a brand new BMW in his hands

[GordonGecko]

He better not.. with that lens and full frame camera, he's holding a brand new BMW in his hands

Or a pair of front row Yankees tickets to 5 games

[YanksRule]

Or a pair of front row Yankees tickets to 5 games

Yeah, and a pair of season tickets there can buy you this instead..

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1505-Simpson-Court_Nashville_TN_37211_1105917681

(it doesn't have the same effect with NYC area prices)

[mrakbaseball]

The point that I'm trying to make is that if Mastercard ceases advertising, I am not going to forget about them. Same goes with McDonald's or Citgo. These companies are so huge that they've become part of everyday life.Mastercard is the official credit card of MLB.

[NYBase]

(deleted post)

[BiZmaRK]

pshh.. that's nothing compared to this..



Only $30,000 on amazon, and doesn't even need a tripod... http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-200-500-Ultra-Telephoto-Nikon-Cameras/dp/B0013DAPNU/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1203366400&sr=8-1
No camera needs a tripod. But depending on the type of lens and the lighting, a tripod can make a big difference.

[Mario Mendoza...HOF Lock]

I was talking to some Yankee fans and their opinion of the stadium was mixed. We all love the frieze. The grey seats in the bleachers are cool & reminiscent of the old stadium, and the exterior is classy and a tribute to the original stadium. The consensus view of the interior (albeit all from photos and TV views) was negative, especially the split lower levels and upper deck.

Personally, I hate the split decks, especially downstairs. It was done for no other reason than conspicuous justification for overpricing the lower Legends section seats. I think the lower level will eventually (within 20 years) be reverted back to the way it was at the old stadium. The lower level looks more suited to a hockey arena during a basketball game, with seats in front of the boards. Just my opinion, but I think this look (and functionality) will look dated sooner than the Yanks would have realized. I may be in the minority, but after seeing this stadium, I actually am nostalgic for the old renovated stadium, because it actually looked like a ballpark.



Perhaps when I get there next month I'll feel differently.

[mrakbaseball]

I was talking to some Yankee fans and their opinion of the stadium was mixed. We all love the frieze. The grey seats in the bleachers are cool & reminiscent of the old stadium, and the exterior is classy and a tribute to the original stadium. The consensus view of the interior (albeit all from photos and TV views) was negative, especially the split lower levels and upper deck.

Personally, I hate the split decks, especially downstairs. It was done for no other reason than conspicuous justification for overpricing the lower Legends section seats. I think the lower level will eventually (within 20 years) be reverted back to the way it was at the old stadium. The lower level looks more suited to a hockey arena during a basketball game, with seats in front of the boards. Just my opinion, but I think this look (and functionality) will look dated sooner than the Yanks would have realized. I may be in the minority, but after seeing this stadium, I actually am nostalgic for the old renovated stadium, because it actually looked like a ballpark.
Perhaps when I get there next month I'll feel differently.If those lower seats were occupied, no one would be making such a big deal about it. What was the last ballpark built without a split-upper deck? Petco in 2004 I believe.

[TinoM24]

personally i dont have a problem with the lower deck being split like that. the way its done, the first row in the non-legends part is raised above the walkway so people constantly walking by don't obstruct your view of the game.

[metsforever7515]

Hey, I have a question about the upper deck. Does anyone have the view from Grandstand Outfield 408? I'm looking to buy Subway Series tickets and I don't want to cluelessly buy them without ever having been there. Thanks. :waving

[TinoM24]

Hey, I have a question about the upper deck. Does anyone have the view from Grandstand Outfield 408? I'm looking to buy Subway Series tickets and I don't want to cluelessly buy them without ever having been there. Thanks. :waving

use the 3d selector on the Yankees' site. its not a terrible seat, though theres a slight chance youll miss whatever play happens at the RF wall. I'll be one or 2 sections over in 407 for the 6/13 game.

[toefer]

use the 3d selector on the Yankees' site. its not a terrible seat, though theres a slight chance youll miss whatever play happens at the RF wall. I'll be one or 2 sections over in 407 for the 6/13 game.

Yeah, it's not perfect but it's probably the best you can do for a new stadium right now.

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/nyy/ballpark/new_stadium_seat_selector.jsp

As for the upper-deck talk, I think the split upper-deck is the thing I like the least about the new stadium. I know that it's the way stadiums are generally made today, but when designing NYS the idea should never be "let's look at what today's stadiums are like". To me, the huge one-piece upper-deck is as defining a part of YS as the frieze, or 314, or MP.

I haven't been there yet to see in person, but from pictures and TV, it seems like RYS felt more intimidating for opposing players, as if the crowd (particularly the tier crowd) was right on top of you. In the new place, it seems more spaced out and relaxed, which is odd considering, in general, the seats are closer.

[toefer]

Also, quick question....

Is there a recommended area to park for the new stadium, or is it the same pretty much anyhwere? I generally don't drive to games, but next week I will.

[scooterfan]

You won't have trouble finding parking. Keep in mind from the get go because of the smaller capacity you're competing with 7 thousand fewer fans who aren't looking for parking spaces. And with the thousands of fans who aren't selling their tickets on third party sites, next week against Anaheim only 40 thousand people will actually be in attendance for each game even though the official attendance will be around 45 thousand plus for each game.

I always park up on the Grand Concourse for free. On the southbound side of the street south of the Courthouse in the 150's. I usually have good luck finding a spot and it's easy for me to catch the Deegan South at 138th and Grand Concourse just before I pick up the Bruckner.

[scooterfan]

I was talking to some Yankee fans and their opinion of the stadium was mixed. We all love the frieze. The grey seats in the bleachers are cool & reminiscent of the old stadium, and the exterior is classy and a tribute to the original stadium. The consensus view of the interior (albeit all from photos and TV views) was negative, especially the split lower levels and upper deck.

Personally, I hate the split decks, especially downstairs. It was done for no other reason than conspicuous justification for overpricing the lower Legends section seats. I think the lower level will eventually (within 20 years) be reverted back to the way it was at the old stadium. The lower level looks more suited to a hockey arena during a basketball game, with seats in front of the boards. Just my opinion, but I think this look (and functionality) will look dated sooner than the Yanks would have realized. I may be in the minority, but after seeing this stadium, I actually am nostalgic for the old renovated stadium, because it actually looked like a ballpark.



Perhaps when I get there next month I'll feel differently.

Mario, for all the fans who say this stadium "IS" Yankee Stadium, the picture you've just posted with the decks so far back... looks absolutely nothing like Yankee Stadium. This is why the fans you've spoken to have a mixed opinon of the stadium.

I would love to see the Steinbrenner family sell the team and take Cashman, Trost, and Levine with them. The team is poorly constructed and although I'm confident they will be in the Playoffs I don't think they'll go far. The Yankees right now have one of their worst outfields in the history of the franchise. It's tough watching Santana kick A$$ every game striking out 10 plus and watch 300 pound Sabathia pitch like the most expensive #4 starter in baseball. And it's tough to see Joba completely lose his mojo and aura, and prove with every pitch what every baseball analyst in America has been saying that he belongs in the bullpen.

[The House That Ruth Built]

Mario, for all the fans who say this stadium "IS" Yankee Stadium, the picture you've just posted with the decks so far back... looks absolutely nothing like Yankee Stadium. This is why the fans you've spoken to have a mixed opinon of the stadium.

Have you been to the new Stadium yet? I swear to God, by the 5th inning I forgot I was in a new building and I felt like I was in the old Stadium. The upper decks may be recessed a bit, but the sightlines are fantastic. I sat in Grandstand Section 420A (directly behind home plate) and I felt closer and more on top of the action there then in say Section 3 in the Tier Reserved in the old Stadium. If you haven't been yet, you can't possibly judge it accurately.

[YanksRule]

Hey, I have a question about the upper deck. Does anyone have the view from Grandstand Outfield 408? I'm looking to buy Subway Series tickets and I don't want to cluelessly buy them without ever having been there. Thanks. :waving


What row is available? I sat in 405 row 10 for the 22-4 massacre. Unfortunately I didn't have a camera for that game, but the view really was nice. To look out and see the frieze and the flags.. Really nice. And it definitely isnt too high. I'm not sure if you can see the tv screen there, but you have a great view of the manual scoreboard to keep track of the count and such.

My one complaint was I couldn't see the right field wall so I missed out on seeing the hrs. It is definitely worth $20 though, if just for the atmosphere of Yankees-Mets.

You can also check out the bleachers. Even the left field ones are close to the field. And if you get the $5 ones you can stand around the bleacher food court or find standing room on the field level.

[COLTS7]

Have you been to the new Stadium yet? I swear to God, by the 5th inning I forgot I was in a new building and I felt like I was in the old Stadium. The upper decks may be recessed a bit, but the sightlines are fantastic. I sat in Grandstand Section 420A (directly behind home plate) and I felt closer and more on top of the action there then in say Section 3 in the Tier Reserved in the old Stadium. If you haven't been yet, you can't possibly judge it accurately.

I’ve been to the new stadium and looking out toward the outfield I don’t think it looks anything like RYS. The CF restaurant (which I think looks awful), the way they ran the rows of seating in front of the bleachers, the over sized 100 x 60 HD video board, the over kill on all the ads, etc, etc; I think looks nothing like Yankee Stadium. In addition the way the grandstand was cutoff on the ends takes away from the classic look the upper deck had at the old stadium.

The lower lever of the exterior façade looks great but they totally blew it with how the upper part of the façade was finished. The frieze looks very good but to me looses something with how the grandstand was cut off. I agree the sight lines are good, and I like the open concourses, but for me the more I think about it there isn’t a whole lot more I really like. Over all I am very disappointed in how the stadium turned out.

I for one was all for this new park but to me its obvious now who they built this stadium for. It wasn’t for the die hard Yankee fan; rather it was for Mr. Wall Street & Mr. IBM. The recent picture posted showing how the lower level is segregated by a wall illustrates this. I have a big problem with it, and a big problem with how this stadium is more about being an event than it is about baseball.

In RYS you went to see a game; period. Not to eat in fine restaurants, or to sit in fancy bars, or to eat sushi or visit an art gallery or watch some guy butcher meat. Call me old school but to me this stadium will never come close to the “Baseball” experience you had at RYS. It’s too much about being an event, and too little about the actual game, and if the fans in Chicago or Boston are smart they will fight like hell to keep their baseball parks.

[jimmyjimjimz]

There's this married priest (I think he's a priest) doing something at The Stadium tonight. Is anyone going? I don't know if it's a concert or a Billy Grahm type thing, or what.



Over all I am very disappointed in how the stadium turned out.

I for one was all for this new park but to me its obvious now who they built this stadium for. It wasn’t for the die hard Yankee fan; rather it was for Mr. Wall Street & Mr. IBM. The recent picture posted showing how the lower level is segregated by a wall illustrates this. I have a big problem with it, and a big problem with how this stadium is more about being an event than it is about baseball.

In RYS you went to see a game; period. Not to eat in fine restaurants, or to sit in fancy bars, or to eat sushi or visit an art gallery or watch some guy butcher meat. Call me old school but to me this stadium will never come close to the “Baseball” experience you had at RYS. It’s too much about being an event, and too little about the actual game, and if the fans in Chicago or Boston are smart they will fight like hell to keep their baseball parks.


Are you forced to go to the hard rock or the steakhouse or the museum or Tommy Bahamas? No. Are you forced to watch a guy cut meat? No. Are you forced to eat sushi? No (thank God). Are you forced to go to an art gallery? No. I don't understand what you're complaining about.

And the stadium was built for Wall Street? Dude, you do realize some bleacher tickets are $5, and the rest are $12. The upper deck tickets go from $20-$25. Maybe the first few rows (the $2500 seats) were made for "Mr. Wall Street", but there ARE affordable seats in the stadium. I really don't understand what you're complaining about. Is it the food prices? If it is, then yeah, I agree with you, the food is overpriced, but that's baseball for ya. The food is overpriced @ CitiField too, I bet. And it's overpriced @ The Garden and Giants Stadium and Continental Airlines Arena or the ipod arena or whatever it's called now. That's how sports is.

And once again, baseball is the cheapest ticket you can get.

[Strawman]

That's the now infamous NYS moat - I agree, hideous, non-baseball, anti-New York and an thick obscene gob splattered onto the face of real Yankees fans.

[COLTS7]

"Are you forced to go to the hard rock or the steakhouse or the museum or Tommy Bahamas? No. Are you forced to watch a guy cut meat? No. Are you forced to eat sushi? No (thank God). Are you forced to go to an art gallery? No. I don't understand what you're complaining about.

And the stadium was built for Wall Street? Dude, you do realize some bleacher tickets are $5, and the rest are $12. The upper deck tickets go from $20-$25. Maybe the first few rows (the $2500 seats) were made for "Mr. Wall Street", but there ARE affordable seats in the stadium. I really don't understand what you're complaining about". [/QUOTE]


The point is all that stuff in the ballpark to me changes the over all atmosphere of the stadium. No I’m not forced to go to any of it, but to me a lot of that stuff shouldn’t be there in the first place. They spent 1.5+ billion on this stadium most of which was spent on stuff for the Wall Street types, NOT for the average fan. They have sections of seats with no one in them. I guess that doesn’t have an impact on the over all atmosphere and feel in the stadium right? Look at the game in Fenway today; how many open seats to do see there?

The number of $5, $12, $20, $25 seats is limited when compared to RYS. I guess I should be happy that the Yankees have 800 seats for $5 where you can’t see half the field. How fortunate I should feel as a fan that the Yankees thought of us when building the stadium

I fully understand that a team to a degree has to target the business segment and the rich fan segment, but it’s my belief that the Yankees have taken this to another level with this stadium. If you not turned off by any of it good for you.

[jimmyjimjimz]

That's the now infamous NYS moat - I agree, hideous, non-baseball, anti-New York and an thick obscene gob splattered onto the face of real Yankees fans.

don't they have an aisle like that @ The Garden? How is that anti-New York?

[scooterfan]

Are you forced to go to the hard rock or the steakhouse or the museum or Tommy Bahamas? No. Are you forced to watch a guy cut meat? No. Are you forced to eat sushi? No (thank God). Are you forced to go to an art gallery? No. I don't understand what you're complaining about.


I'm not forced to go to the steakhouse but unfortunately I have to look at it and all the other $hit inside the stadium.

In the old days after a loss like last night Steinbrenner would have been on the phone. Now, with the new regime in place the franchise accepts losing. Because in the 80s and early 90s when the team lost no one showed up. Now, the tickets are already sold, money is made, so winning isn't as important. I cannot fathom how you can turn down a generous offer to acquire the best left-handed pitcher in major league baseball.

[jimmyjimjimz]

I think I brought this up before, but who said people who work on Wall Street aren't baseball fans? Just because someone works on Wall Street and makes a good living doesnt mean they don't like baseball. Obviously the $2500 seats are empty. We're in a recession. How do you expect someone to buy a ticket to a baseball game for $2500? They made a mistake with some ticket prices. They didn't know it was gonna be this bad. No one did. They thought the big companies in Manhattan were gonna buy those seats. Those companies don't have the money right now. The idiots who bought those seats are gonna want a refund if they lower the price during the season, so theyre gonna have to wait till next season to lower the prices.

[SparkyL]

I think I brought this up before, but who said people who work on Wall Street aren't baseball fans? Just because someone works on Wall Street and makes a good living doesnt mean they don't like baseball. Obviously the $2500 seats are empty. We're in a recession. How do you expect someone to buy a ticket to a baseball game for $2500? They made a mistake with some ticket prices. They didn't know it was gonna be this bad. No one did. They thought the big companies in Manhattan were gonna buy those seats. Those companies don't have the money right now. The idiots who bought those seats are gonna want a refund if they lower the price during the season, so theyre gonna have to wait till next season to lower the prices.

I think you answered your own question. When people say "Wall Street types" they don't actually mean the individual people who work there, but the companies who will buy the tickets and then send people (salespeople, clients) who probably could care less about the game.

[YankeeStadium1923]

Have you been to the new Stadium yet? I swear to God, by the 5th inning I forgot I was in a new building and I felt like I was in the old Stadium. The upper decks may be recessed a bit, but the sightlines are fantastic. I sat in Grandstand Section 420A (directly behind home plate) and I felt closer and more on top of the action there then in say Section 3 in the Tier Reserved in the old Stadium. If you haven't been yet, you can't possibly judge it accurately.
Did you have to watch the Home Plate area through a net in those seats?

[SparkyL]

Did you have to watch the Home Plate area through a net in those seats?

I have 420b and at that distance you really don't notice the net.

[SparkyL]

"The point is all that stuff in the ballpark to me changes the over all atmosphere of the stadium. No I’m not forced to go to any of it, but to me a lot of that stuff shouldn’t be there in the first place. They spent 1.5+ billion on this stadium most of which was spent on stuff for the Wall Street types, NOT for the average fan. They have sections of seats with no one in them. I guess that doesn’t have an impact on the over all atmosphere and feel in the stadium right? Look at the game in Fenway today; how many open seats to do see there?

The number of $5, $12, $20, $25 seats is limited when compared to RYS. I guess I should be happy that the Yankees have 800 seats for $5 where you can’t see half the field. How fortunate I should feel as a fan that the Yankees thought of us when building the stadium

I fully understand that a team to a degree has to target the business segment and the rich fan segment, but it’s my belief that the Yankees have taken this to another level with this stadium. If you not turned off by any of it good for you.

Your point is basically on the mark. The Yankees have allocated too many seats and amenities to the very wealthy fan, and then overpriced those tickets to boot.

[jimmyjimjimz]

I think you answered your own question. When people say "Wall Street types" they don't actually mean the individual people who work there, but the companies who will buy the tickets and then send people (salespeople, clients) who probably could care less about the game.


I highly doubt they care less about the game. Just because they make a good living doesn't mean they never had a dream to one day be a baseball player. It doesn't mean they don't love the game. I'm sure at least 80% of them had a dream to play pro baseball one day. I'm sure a lot of them played baseball in high school. I'm sure a lot of them played Little League baseball too.

[YanksRule]

I highly doubt they care less about the game. Just because they make a good living doesn't mean they never had a dream to one day be a baseball player. It doesn't mean they don't love the game. I'm sure at least 80% of them had a dream to play pro baseball one day. I'm sure a lot of them played baseball in high school. I'm sure a lot of them played Little League baseball too.

No, they really don't care as much- if you are very wealthy, chances are your job requires you to work longer hours, or to take out clients for dinner (usually during the hours of 7-10), or travel a lot. With all of that, they do not have the time to watch and go to the games to become big fans.

I've sat in the expensive and cheap seats in both ballparks- half the people in the lower level don't give a crap about the game.. haven't you noticed that the lower stands always empty out before the upper deck, and the bleachers never empty early?

[NYFan1stYankFan2nd]

pshh.. that's nothing compared to this..



Only $30,000 on amazon, and doesn't even need a tripod... http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-200-500-Ultra-Telephoto-Nikon-Cameras/dp/B0013DAPNU/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1203366400&sr=8-1

:hyper: LOL :hyper: !!

Now we're getting carried away. I personally own a PowerShot 570 series:
http://www.itechnews.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/Canon-PowerShot-A570-iS-Camera.jpg

and don't see why security should hassle anyone with something like it.

[Yankees12]

I think people need to realize that baseball, like everything else in life, evolves. It's not a static thing with the only thing changing being the names of the players.

As a business, likewise, baseball has greatly evolved. Things catering to a wealthy clientele are a part of the game now. The Yankees would have to be idiots not to put these things in - why pass up on a significant chunk of money and a significant expansion of one's clientele, especially when you're literally building everything from scratch (i.e. it's not like they can't put in a steakhouse because there's no room in the Stadium, as is what would've happened at the old Stadium)? We're not even talking about pools or whatnot here, that solely serve to take kids away from the action and even further disconnect them from the game of baseball - we're talking about amentities aimed toward broadening the Yankees' clientele greatly.

The days of ballparks being brick, steel, and seats surrounding a grass field with the concession options being beer, hot dogs, and peanuts, are long gone. Baseball has evolved, both as a sport and as a business.

To say that NYS shouldn't have these new amentities is like saying a new office building shouldn't have high-speed internet hookups everywhere with the latest technology, or that a new school shouldn't have TVs and computers in every classroom with smart boards and capabilities for electronic books, just because that's the way office buildings and classrooms were in the past. Things evolve over time. Baseball isn't an exception to that rule.

And might I add, I don't see how these added amentities take away from your viewing pleasure of the game. I can tell you that when I'm at NYS, just like when I was at OYS or when I'm at any other stadium, there's only one thing that matters to me - the game. I don't pay any attention to the steakhouses or the art galleries or whatnot (at least not during the game) - nobody is forcing you to pay attention to those things. Even with all the new amentities surrounding it, there's still a game being played in the middle of NYS, and that's what counts the most.

[Strawman]

I think people need to realize that baseball, like everything else in life, evolves. It's not a static thing with the only thing changing being the names of the players.

As a business, likewise, baseball has greatly evolved. Things catering to a wealthy clientele are a part of the game now. The Yankees would have to be idiots not to put these things in - why pass up on a significant chunk of money and a significant expansion of one's clientele, especially when you're literally building everything from scratch (i.e. it's not like they can't put in a steakhouse because there's no room in the Stadium, as is what would've happened at the old Stadium)? We're not even talking about pools or whatnot here, that solely serve to take kids away from the action and even further disconnect them from the game of baseball - we're talking about amentities aimed toward broadening the Yankees' clientele greatly.

The days of ballparks being brick, steel, and seats surrounding a grass field with the concession options being beer, hot dogs, and peanuts, are long gone. Baseball has evolved, both as a sport and as a business.

To say that NYS shouldn't have these new amentities is like saying a new office building shouldn't have high-speed internet hookups everywhere with the latest technology, or that a new school shouldn't have TVs and computers in every classroom with smart boards and capabilities for electronic books, just because that's the way office buildings and classrooms were in the past. Things evolve over time. Baseball isn't an exception to that rule.

And might I add, I don't see how these added amentities take away from your viewing pleasure of the game. I can tell you that when I'm at NYS, just like when I was at OYS or when I'm at any other stadium, there's only one thing that matters to me - the game. I don't pay any attention to the steakhouses or the art galleries or whatnot (at least not during the game) - nobody is forcing you to pay attention to those things. Even with all the new amentities surrounding it, there's still a game being played in the middle of NYS, and that's what counts the most.
C'mon, baseball hasn't "evolved" - it's descended!

The creation of the infamous Yankee Stadium moat and the laughingstock-of-all-baseball 2,600-dollar seats is a descent into the swirling devil's maw of greed and madness. And this for a (rightfully) proud franchise and tradition driven by performance on the freaking field.

You shouldn't take this mess of a stadium disaster lying down - or to put it another way: why does Randy Levine still have a job?

His quote to the AP this week: "We're done talking about seats."

Basically, he spat in the faces of real baseball fans, of real Yankee fans. And did anyone note Derek Jeter's rather canny quote in today's Times about Fenway Park?

[RationalNYYfan]

I highly doubt they care less about the game. Just because they make a good living doesn't mean they never had a dream to one day be a baseball player. It doesn't mean they don't love the game. I'm sure at least 80% of them had a dream to play pro baseball one day. I'm sure a lot of them played baseball in high school. I'm sure a lot of them played Little League baseball too.


The biggest problem with "Wall Street Fans" isn't that they aren't passionate - it's that they dont show up to the games! I was talking to a guy who is pretty well off at his company. His company somehow bought season tickets to NYS for 10ish of their most respected/important employees, and the guy I was talking to happens to be one of them. The only problem is, the guy isn't even a baseball fan, let alone a Yankee fan. So he just graciously accepts these tickets from his superior, but he never uses them (he lives in California, by the way). So right now he's in the process of mailing them to friends and family or selling them on StubHub, because he has no interest in seeing these games.

But think about all the corporate people who are just arbitrarily given these tickets by their bosses. My guy happens to be a nice person; he spends his free time on StubHub or at the post office giving away his tickets so real fans can enjoy the new stadium. Imagine all the people in a similar situation as he, who don't have the time for baseball nor do they have the time to sell the tickets. Instead, they just don't go to the game and probably chuck the tickets. This leads to an emptier stadium. And maybe the reason why some of the most expensive sections of NYS are so barren is because they were all bought out by wealthy companies whose employees arent even baseball fans to begin with.

[RationalNYYfan]

C'mon, baseball hasn't "evolved" - it's descended!

The creation of the infamous Yankee Stadium moat and the laughingstock-of-all-baseball 2,600-dollar seats is a descent into the swirling devil's maw of greed and madness. And this for a (rightfully) proud franchise and tradition driven by performance on the freaking field.

You shouldn't take this mess of a stadium disaster lying down - or to put it another way: why does Randy Levine still have a job?

His quote to the AP this week: "We're done talking about seats."

Basically, he spat in the faces of real baseball fans, of real Yankee fans. And did anyone note Derek Jeter's rather canny quote in today's Times about Fenway Park?

What did he say?

[locke40]

What did he say?

Back inside, I asked one last person about Fenway’s constricted conditions. “No big deal, just part of the experience, what makes this place so unique and great,” Derek Jeter said.

Red Sox Preserving Fenway’s Winning Appeal (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/sports/baseball/26araton.html?_r=1&ref=sports)

[Mike Wagner]

Yes, baseball is a business. But, by grossly overpricing tickets, food, souvenirs, etc., baseball will alienate the true fans. This is a huge mistake.
People will spend a certain amount of money up to a point. When people are turned off by the greed, they will spend their money elsewhere.

How many hot dogs can you buy at Nathan's as compared to Yankee Stadium? How many beers and sodas can you spend at a local bar as compared to Yankee Stadium? The same for the prices at theme parks? Just because everyone does it does not make it right. When I go to one of these places I eat at a reasonably priced restaurant before hand because I resent being ripped off. More food, souvenirs, etc. would be sold volume wise if prices were more reasonable in the first place. To be ripped off leaves a hole in your pocket and a bad taste in your mouth.

And, as far as the gentleman from California who gives his tickets away to true baseball fans - God Bless him!!!!! He's doing what's right. Someone with that sort of character and those morals deserves to be praised by his peers.
He deserves every bit of success because of his kindness, and making sure the right people (baseball fans) get to go to a game.

When people do what is right and charge a decent price for tickets, food, etc., the experience is much more enjoyable because it's reasonably affordable. Nobody likes to be taken advantage of. Excessive prices will only alienate fans and prove to be a backlash to the teams we support (or formerly support) - depending on how fed up and alienated you may become.

-Mike Wagner

[SparkyL]

I think that it is dangerous for any business to have their more affluent customers not interested in their primary product.

[scooterfan]

Back inside, I asked one last person about Fenway’s constricted conditions. “No big deal, just part of the experience, what makes this place so unique and great,” Derek Jeter said.

Red Sox Preserving Fenway’s Winning Appeal (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/sports/baseball/26araton.html?_r=1&ref=sports)

Great column, thanks for posting it. Jeter's right. He gets it. The Red Sox ownership deserves tremendous credit for preserving a New England treasure.

[Rob R]

1. The NY Times is a minority owner of the Boston Red Sox. One look at their sports section and you'd think that the paper was based in Boston, with all the Sox bawl-washing they do.

2. Derek Jeter never says anything that would be considered even remotely negative in public. Never.

[NYBase]

ESPN HD looks like butt, always has. Wrong thread... but I felt like sharing that.

[YanksRule]

ESPN HD looks like butt, always has. Wrong thread... but I felt like sharing that.

Cause it's 720p and not 1080i

Anyways, I will post photos during the week, but the Yanks have covered the bottom part of some of the Great Hall "windows"... possibly to try to fix the wind currents?

Also, the Yankee Stadium firsts page is up on Retrosheets.. http://www.retrosheet.org/ballparks/yankee_stad_ii.htm

[Rob R]

Cause it's 720p and not 1080i

Anyways, I will post photos during the week, but the Yanks have covered the bottom part of some of the Great Hall "windows"... possibly to try to fix the wind currents?



Wow. Hot off the press. Did they cover it with glass or some other material?

[NYFan1stYankFan2nd]

Cause it's 720p and not 1080i

Anyways, I will post photos during the week, but the Yanks have covered the bottom part of some of the Great Hall "windows"... possibly to try to fix the wind currents?

Also, the Yankee Stadium firsts page is up on Retrosheets.. http://www.retrosheet.org/ballparks/yankee_stad_ii.htm

I can't believe 720 was the original HDTV standard - stuff on it looks so "archival" and too much like a flickery old movie! Thank heavens for 1080i/p. Both the flying baseballs at CITI and the cars at Tally' seemed to jerk their way along at their respective venues. Not to mention that Carl Edward's car would've earned him a double in baseball had it been a ball hit - after that Koselowski bassturd pit-maneuvered him up into the catch fence to win the race!!

Can't wait for 2015 when SuperHD is introduced: 2160p!!!! :eek:

[NYBase]

I can't believe 720 was the original HDTV standard - stuff on it looks so "archival" and too much like a flickery old movie! Thank heavens for 1080i/p.

Can't wait for 2015 when SuperHD is introduced: 2160p!!!! :eek:

It also doesn't help ESPiN HD that the signal is compressed a good deal

[YanksRule]

Wow. Hot off the press. Did they cover it with glass or some other material?

It's something else.. i couldn't tell what the material is... it looked like the back of a sign or something. Actually, it looks exactly like the back of the RYS scoreboard, but cleaner. It didn't look great, but they have a week to finish it up

[YanksRule]

Can't wait for 2015 when SuperHD is introduced: 2160p!!!! :eek:

Just wait till this.. http://nexus404.com/Blog/2008/06/21/super-hi-vision-shv-8k-projection-system-nhk-full-1080p-x16-hd-resolution-22-channel-sound/

The NHK also invented HDTV back in the 60's, but there was no way to send that much information over the air or wires yet.

[Robbyb26]

I love Jeter's quote! I've been to the new country club across from Yankee Stadium, and it was nothing that great. Bland at best. Starting with that lame attempt at a frieze. If your gonna do it, DO IT RIGHT! The great hall was kind of cool, but the Hard Rock was dumb and out of place. I took one look inside, and went around the block to The Yankee Tavern. Did anyone notice that the new urinals in the bathrooms are just slightly bigger than a paper cup. The noise level is DOWN!! So quiet. Intimidation factor GONE!! Anyone who says this place feels like Yankee Stadium is kidding him or herself. As I watch them get intimidated and embarrassed by the Red Sox and their annoying fan base ummm nation or whatever, I yearn for the days of Eddie Layton playing New York New York as I walk out of the dark tunnel into the the real cathedral of baseball. Bob Shepard welcoming everyone (who is this clown they have now?) Don Mattingly having a catch with Wade Boggs, or Mike Pags (depending on what era). Oneill stretching on the outfield grass. Freddie Sez banging his pots..Cousin Brusky serving his beers..The Cow bell guy..The real Bleacher Creatures and their chants and songs. (the role call was just one of several funny things those guys came up with. Ask Jay Buhner about it sometime). I miss watching those great teams taking the field in the same spot that Mantle, Gehrig, Ruth, Munson, and Joe D all actually played on. Robert Merrill singing the national anthem (I know he's dead..but Kelly Clarkson really? What's Daniel Rodriguez up to). The team is a mess, and so is the front office. Cashman is a fraud..Gene Michael put together the great teams. Trost, Levine - Just jumpin on the bandwagon. They can keep their Martini Bars, luxury boxes, and everything else they tried to stuff in this tribute to the Bernie Madoff era in NYC. I have never given credit to a fan of our rivals to the north, but guess what! They saved Fenway. Thank god they did, they might of ended up with something like this.:hissyfit:

[YanksRule]

It's something else.. i couldn't tell what the material is... it looked like the back of a sign or something. Actually, it looks exactly like the back of the RYS scoreboard, but cleaner. It didn't look great, but they have a week to finish it up

This is just to the right of Gate 4. Notice how not all of the windows have it...

[Rob R]

This is just to the right of Gate 4. Notice how not all of the windows have it...




Thanks for the info.

[Mattingly85MVP]

This is just to the right of Gate 4. Notice how not all of the windows have it...



I believe that's the back wall of the Tommy Bahama's martini bar

[Rob R]

Personally, I think that they should just cover all the arches with glass as they do on the other side. It just looks better. I see no rhyme or reason for keeping it open anyway, since there is enough air and ventilation flowing throughout the stadium.

[Mattingly85MVP]

Personally, I think that they should just cover all the arches with glass as they do on the other side. It just looks better. I see no rhyme or reason for keeping it open anyway, since there is enough air and ventilation flowing throughout the stadium.

agreed 100%, it looks unfinished...when they were building it I was wondering when they would put up glass windows, then was disappointed when that was the actual design

[Rob R]

Speaking of the non-article, typical NY Times, part owner of the Sox, typical honoring the team they own, has Jeter or anybody associated with that article, ever sat behind or near this, in their baby seat that is angled toward the outfield?

[Rob R]

agreed 100%, it looks unfinished...when they were building it I was wondering when they would put up glass windows, then was disappointed when that was the actual design

Same here. It made me scratch my head when I saw that it was actually completed. I think they were trying to be too artsy.

I suspect that over the years, we will see changes throughout, some subtle, some major, just like OYS and RYS.

[fitch94]

Three great quotes:

“There are those who want to build the Eighth Wonder of the World,” Larry Lucchino, the Red Sox’ president and chief executive, told me Friday. “We just wanted to preserve a nice little old ballpark.”

David Surabian of Providence, R.I., wanted to know if all the Yankee Stadium seats were cushioned, or “is it just the empty ones?”:laugh


and your Yankee Icon:

I asked one last person about Fenway’s constricted conditions. “No big deal, just part of the experience, what makes this place so unique and great,” Derek Jeter said.

[Strawman]

Great column, thanks for posting it. Jeter's right. He gets it. The Red Sox ownership deserves tremendous credit for preserving a New England treasure.
They do and the Yankees should have done the same .... this thing is both a PR and economic disaster.

Yet the real stadium - the actual baseball palace of all-time, not some phony martini bar moat-filled mausoleum - is still there, right across the street!

It's a preservation crime against the people of New York, Yankee fans most particularly, and baseball fans everywhere.

[scooterfan]

1. The NY Times is a minority owner of the Boston Red Sox. One look at their sports section and you'd think that the paper was based in Boston, with all the Sox bawl-washing they do.

2. Derek Jeter never says anything that would be considered even remotely negative in public. Never.

To be fair the entire sports media has praised the Red Sox the past 5 years because they've been by far the best team in baseball. Coming back from an 0-3 deficit is no easy task, in fact it's history. And, having a better season 3 out of the past 5 years against a franchise that regularly spends 70 million more on payroll is impressive, and because of this the red sox have earned a lot of respect. They're given credit where credit is due. Have you read the Torre/Verducci book? In the book Verducci painfully breaks down everything Theo Epstein has done right and everything Cashman has done wrong over the past 6 years. By 2005 Cashman started copying a lot of what Theo was doing in terms of scouting, player development and use of stats and video.

The New York Times sports section doesn't have much clout and if they have a Red Sox bias then so be it. Is anyone paying attention? Their sports section is an after thought. Even though the Post and the Daily News would cease publication tomorrow if Mort Zuckerman and Rupert Murdoch stopped putting money into these newspapers, their sports sections still carry tremendous weight in New York, and they're keeping them in business.

As for Fenway, a lot of Yankee fans love it. Most baseball fans love it.

[COLTS7]

I hate the Redsox but Fenway Park & Wrigley field are crown jewels and baseball is lucky to still have them. As for the support posts at Fenway; I’d take the pre 1976 Yankee Stadium support posts and all, small seats and all, any day over NYS.

[80SHOCK]

They likely will eventually put windows in the GH. That's probably a place too where wind is coming from.

[RationalNYYfan]

They likely will eventually put windows on the GH. That's probably a place too where wind is coming from.


Hopefully the same windows as seen in Gate 4?

[scooterfan]

The NY Times piece that people are complaining about is a column written by a NY Times columnist. It is not a news article. Columnists are supposed to give their opinions and he does. Columns aren't supposed to be fair and balanced.

Furthermore, just about every columnist in America has criticized the Yankees over the new stadium. One of the few columnists in New York who didn't criticize the stadium is Bill Madden and madden took a pass because he wants to preserve the access he has with the Steinbrenner family. Madden is kind of the "Georgie Boy" of the New York sports media because Steinbrenner has given him 30 years of material.....Incidentally, if you want to read a great book, and a funny one...go on Amazon and buy Damn Yankees co-written by Bill Madden.

[NYFan1stYankFan2nd]

Hopefully the same windows as seen in Gate 4?



I'm shocked that there aren't windows on the exterior side of that Great Hall, esp in a billion-plus dollar stadium. May as well not have windows - just openings - in the cockpit of the Space shuttle(!).

[Rob R]

To be fair the entire sports media has praised the Red Sox the past 5 years because they've been by far the best team in baseball. Coming back from an 0-3 deficit is no easy task, in fact it's history. And, having a better season 3 out of the past 5 years against a franchise that regularly spends 70 million more on payroll is impressive, and because of this the red sox have earned a lot of respect. They're given credit where credit is due. Have you read the Torre/Verducci book? In the book Verducci painfully breaks down everything Theo Epstein has done right and everything Cashman has done wrong over the past 6 years. By 2005 Cashman started copying a lot of what Theo was doing in terms of scouting, player development and use of stats and video.

The New York Times sports section doesn't have much clout and if they have a Red Sox bias then so be it. Is anyone paying attention? Their sports section is an after thought. Even though the Post and the Daily News would cease publication tomorrow if Mort Zuckerman and Rupert Murdoch stopped putting money into these newspapers, their sports sections still carry tremendous weight in New York, and they're keeping them in business.

As for Fenway, a lot of Yankee fans love it. Most baseball fans love it.

This post is so inaccurate, that as the baseball historian you seem to be, I'm frankly very surprised.

First let me say that when Yankees fans bring up their past glories, it's called arrogance. When Sox fans do likewise, it's charming. Reminder to Sox fans: The Phils are the champs. Sox fans tend to think that the Sox reinveted baseball, but I have a big surprise for them. They didn't.

As for the 2004 Sox champs, they were primarily a Dan Duquette team. Look it up. Yes, they added Schilling (who wanted to be a Yankee, but Colangelo hated the Yanks (see David Wells), who were offering more) and Ortiz, but without Pedro, Manny, Varitek, Nixon and most others, the Sox don't go anywhere. And are we forgetting that Theo put Manny on waivers that year?

In addition, you fail to mention that the 2004 and 2007 champion Sox had the largest payroll of ANY WS winner. Worse yet, the Red Sox had the biggest disparity in payroll against their World Series opponents, yet another baseball record. A perfect example of the rich vs. the poor. Those glutenous Sox!

As for stats and use of video tapes, surely you're aware that Cashman's mentor, Stick Michael, was utilizing these (plus the eye in the sky) when Theo was in diapers, when sabermetrics sounded like it was something out of the Flinstones and Bill James was a nobody. As a matter of fact, Theo himself has said that they used the Yankee model to build their ballclub, something that Cashman was already 2 steps ahead of.

As for the Theo/Cashman comparisons, for every Cashman blunder, there was a Gagne, Renteria, Lugo, Crisp etc. it's the luck of the draw, my friend. Theo (and Cash) is a good GM, but let's not make him out to be the genius that Sox fans love to bestow on him. The Sox won despite Theo's many mistakes. Without a colossal Yankee choke, the Sox do not win anything in 2004.

Now Verducci. Verducci is the final word on baseball because? He wrote a book and quite naturally he wanted it to sell. Do you think that a book of kudos thrown the Yankee's way would sell? Of course not.

And lastly, Fenway. It's very romantic to look at the old lady glowingly, and while it does have its charms, the reality is that Fenway is a rat-infested (not only their fans), minor league park with the comforts of a bed of nails. The obstructions, tiny seats that are angled toward the outfield and support columns make it one of the worst spectator stadiums in the world, not to mention the outlandish prices charged for those seats. For a first timer, after the initial "Wow" of the Green Monster, what your left dealing with with are seat angles that you have to crane your neck to watch the action, hence inducing neck pain, shots of the bat that you have to watch the flight of the ball between columns, and the sweat of some fat, pasty, drunk in shorts, dripping onto your leg. But, oh that Green Monster and it's so old!

[scooterfan]

[QUOTE=Rob R;1505269]This post is so inaccurate, that as the baseball historian you seem to be, I'm frankly very surprised.


As for the 2004 Sox champs, they were primarily a Dan Duquette team. Look it up. Yes, they added Schilling (who wanted to be a Yankee, but Colangelo hated the Yanks (see David Wells), who were offering more) and Ortiz, but without Pedro, Manny, Varitek, Nixon and most others, the Sox don't go anywhere.

Hate to harken back to the Verducci book, but he writes about Theo Epstein's personal courtship of Schilling and his trips out to the egomaniac's house in Arizona.

Wasn't the eye in the sky abolished in the early 90s? If I'm not mistaken Buck Showalter was the last guy to have this job? As for Verducci his book his half positive and half negative. The negative garners more press coverage. That's showbiz. After all the book is called the Torre years. The first half of the Torre era was great, the second half were a post season calamity. I'd take Joe Torre back in a New York minute. Girardi's so overrated and the bloom is off the rose. I wanted Torre gone after 2006 and wanted them to hire a real Yankee in Piniella, but as soon as the Yankee brain trust got cold feet and decided to bring back Joe in 2007 I feel they should have kept him for more than 1 year.

[Rob R]

Hate to harken back to the Verducci book, but he writes about Theo Epstein's personal courtship of Schilling and his trips out to the egomaniac's house in Arizona.

Wasn't the eye in the sky abolished in the early 90s? If I'm not mistaken Buck Showalter was the last guy to have this job? As for Verducci his book his half positive and half negative. The negative garners more press coverage. That's showbiz. After all the book is called the Torre years. The first half of the Torre era was great, the second half were a post season calamity. I'd take Joe Torre back in a New York minute. Girardi's so overrated and the bloom is off the rose. I wanted Torre gone after 2006 and wanted them to hire a real Yankee in Piniella, but as soon as the Yankee brain trust got cold feet and decided to bring back Joe in 2007 I feel they should have kept him for more than 1 year.

Yes, I'm aware of the courtship. Schilling wanted to be a Yank, Colangelo wouldn't let him, and Theo had a Thanksgiving dinner with Curt, with the promise that he'd hire Francona (Curt's buddy) if Curt decided to accept a trade to Boston.

Can't agree about Torre, though. He took over a team on the cusp. Buck was the better in game manager, and I believe would have had the same success. Torre's forte was his clubhouse managing, being a fatherly figure, but after he backstabbed some of his players in the book, that too is gone. As an in game manager, Torre was questionable at best, handled the bullpen exceptionally poorly and was known to blow out some pretty good arms.

[Rob R]

Wasn't the eye in the sky abolished in the early 90s?
I believe your correct. But as I said, the emphasis on stats (sabermetrics), OBP, OPS+ etc., was started by Stick and Theo said he used the Yankee model to build his club. I respect that he at least gave credit to the Yanks. Bill James takes it to another level, almost taking out the human element of the game, which I'm not thrilled about, but hey, while it works, it works. I suspect that in 10-20 yrs., some other dominant team will incorporate their own model, and that will become the new "fad" as long as that team is successful.

[scooterfan]

Showalter's another guy who's overrated. Probably explains why he's doing some occasional commentary at Bristol Clown Community College while Torre has the #3 managerial job in baseball behind the Yankees and the Red Sox. Showalter's the same guy who started Dion James instead of Strawberry in the 1995 playoffs. And after Mariano was so great in Game 2 against Seattle, Showalter should've had him on the mound instead Jack McDowell in Game 5.

Incidentally, Game 2 against Seattle in 1995 in which Leyritz hit that homerun was the best playoff game since the Bucky Dent game. I was sitting in the upperdeck and moved downstairs just before midnight. Can't move downstairs anymore as we all know!

[Rob R]

Showalter's another guy who's overrated. Probably explains why he's doing some occasional commentary at Bristol Clown Community College while Torre has the #3 managerial job in baseball behind the Yankees and the Red Sox. Showalter's the same guy who started Dion James instead of Strawberry in the 1995 playoffs. And after Mariano was so great in Game 2 against Seattle, Showalter should've had him on the mound instead Jack McDowell in Game 5.

Incidentally, Game 2 against Seattle in 1995 in which Leyritz hit that homerun was the best playoff game since the Bucky Dent game. I was sitting in the upperdeck and moved downstairs just before midnight. Can't move downstairs anymore as we all know!

Hmmm. I have to disagree.......to an extent. As in in game manager, Buck was terrific. He and Stick were responsible for bringing the Yanks back to respectability. I can't fault him for making a move in a game that we Monday morn quarterbacks might have disagreed with.

It's more his arrogance (after the Yank gig), stubbornness, petty rules and inability to communicate with superstars that did him in.

[fitch94]

This post is so inaccurate, that as the baseball historian you seem to be, I'm frankly very surprised.

First let me say that when Yankees fans bring up their past glories, it's called arrogance. When Sox fans do likewise, it's charming. Reminder to Sox fans: The Phils are the champs. Sox fans tend to think that the Sox reinveted baseball, but I have a big surprise for them. They didn't.

The Red Sox are easily the second most hated group of fans in baseball right behind Yankee fans. It has to do with one thing....winning. Everyone felt bad for Sox fans before 2004. Now people can't stand them. The Sox did reinvent baseball......they perfected it. :waving





As for the 2004 Sox champs, they were primarily a Dan Duquette team. Look it up. Yes, they added Schilling (who wanted to be a Yankee, but Colangelo hated the Yanks (see David Wells), who were offering more) and Ortiz, but without Pedro, Manny, Varitek, Nixon and most others, the Sox don't go anywhere. And are we forgetting that Theo put Manny on waivers that year?



You have to be kidding me.....right. Lets start with the pitching staff in '04 Schilling, Arroyo (1/2 the rotation)....then the rest of the team Millar, Bellhorn, Mueller, Cabrera, Reese, Kapler, and the entire bullpen was the doing of Epstein not the Duke.


In addition, you fail to mention that the 2004 and 2007 champion Sox had the largest payroll of ANY WS winner. Worse yet, the Red Sox had the biggest disparity in payroll against their World Series opponents, yet another baseball record. A perfect example of the rich vs. the poor. Those glutenous Sox!


Your telling me the Yankees of the 1920-2001 did not spend more money than the rest of baseball? BS. By the way the 2004 payrolls New York Yankees $ 184,193,950 and Boston Red Sox $ 127,298,500 .



As for stats and use of video tapes, surely you're aware that Cashman's mentor, Stick Michael, was utilizing these (plus the eye in the sky) when Theo was in diapers, when sabermetrics sounded like it was something out of the Flinstones and Bill James was a nobody. As a matter of fact, Theo himself has said that they used the Yankee model to build their ballclub, something that Cashman was already 2 steps ahead of.

The same model that the Steinbrenners went away from when the went after Mussina and Giambi. It was back to the 1980's Yankees who tried to buy the WS and not let their great farm system develop players.


As for the Theo/Cashman comparisons, for every Cashman blunder, there was a Gagne, Renteria, Lugo, Crisp etc. it's the luck of the draw, my friend. Theo (and Cash) is a good GM, but let's not make him out to be the genius that Sox fans love to bestow on him. The Sox won despite Theo's many mistakes. Without a colossal Yankee choke, the Sox do not win anything in 2004.

The Sox are have been able to be discipline about acquiring talent and the Yankees have not. The Sox have invested in the Farm System and the draft. The Yankees have gone after over priced Free Agent toys. Enjoy CC, AJ, and Tex.


Now Verducci. Verducci is the final word on baseball because? He wrote a book and quite naturally he wanted it to sell. Do you think that a book of kudos thrown the Yankee's way would sell? Of course not.

And lastly, Fenway. It's very romantic to look at the old lady glowingly, and while it does have its charms, the reality is that Fenway is a rat-infested (not only their fans), minor league park with the comforts of a bed of nails. The obstructions, tiny seats that are angled toward the outfield and support columns make it one of the worst spectator stadiums in the world, not to mention the outlandish prices charged for those seats. For a first timer, after the initial "Wow" of the Green Monster, what your left dealing with with are seat angles that you have to crane your neck to watch the action, hence inducing neck pain, shots of the bat that you have to watch the flight of the ball between columns, and the sweat of some fat, pasty, drunk in shorts, dripping onto your leg. But, oh that Green Monster and it's so old!

The place has never and will never be a place for a Yankee Elitist. You should have no trouble finding plenty of seats at the "8th Wonder of the World."

[/QUOTE]

[Rob R]

The Red Sox are easily the second most hated group of fans in baseball right behind Yankee fans. It has to do with one thing....winning. Everyone felt bad for Sox fans before 2004. Now people can't stand them. The Sox did reinvent baseball......they perfected it. :waving

Agreed. It means the Sox are doing things right, much like the Yanks are hated. But perfected? 2 WS wins in 90 years? Hardly


You have to be kidding me.....right. Lets start with the pitching staff in '04 Schilling, Arroyo, Millar, Bellhorn, Mueller, Cabrera, Reese, Kapler, and the entire bullpen was the doing of Epstein not the Duke.

And without Pedro, Manny, Varitek, Wakefield, Nixon, Damon, Lowe, etc., - all Duquette players - the Sox are where exactly?? And didn't Theo, the genius, put Manny on waivers that year?


Your telling me the Yankees of the 1920-2001 did not spend more money than the rest of baseball? BS. By the way the 2004 payrolls New York Yankees $ 184,193,950 and Boston Red Sox $ 127,298,500 .

I'm telling you that of all the WS winners, the gluttonous Sox have the largest payroll in baseball history, period. And against the two NL teams, the gluttonous Sox beat, the largest disparity in payroll ever. Look it up. Don't let the facts get in your way.


The same model that the Steinbrenners went away from when the went after Mussina and Giambi. It was back to the 1980's Yankees who tried to buy the WS and not let their great farm system develop players.
The same model that Theo admittedly copied from the Yanks and that Cashman has restored. What, the Sox couldn't do it their own way?



The Sox are have been able to be discipline about acquiring talent and the Yankees have not. The Sox have invested in the Farm System and the draft. The Yankees have gone after over priced Free Agent toys. Enjoy CC, AJ, and Tex.

Guess you only follow the Sox and aren't aware of the Yankee farm system and how well it was rebuilt in no time, especially considering the awful draft picks they got for being so good for so many years. And the Sox didn't want Tex or AJ (especially a couple of years ago?) :waving Very short memory. Theo was salivating over Tex for years and the Yanks blindsided the Sox, though Tex wanted no part of Boston, a.k.a. Mississippi North.

Anyway, enjoy living in the past. And in case you aren't aware, The Phillies are the world champs. :waving

[Edgar.Martinez]

sorry Rob. fitch has got you on this one.

[Rob R]

sorry Rob. fitch has got you on this one.

Please elaborate. Where? Where are my responses incorrect and where are his claims correct? Or is it just your opinion without knowing the facts?

Wait, now I get it! :rolleyes: :


Edgar.Martinez
Registered User

Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 23
I can tell most of you are Yankee fans. I am a Red Sox fan...
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[scooterfan]

Come on Rob, you don't need to take pot shots at Boston. If Boston is so bad why is it such a desirable place for so many wealthy New York Tri-staters to send their kids to college there. It's amazing how many New York accents you hear when you walk around the college campuses up there. Boston's very yuppie, extremely elitist, but they've done a good job keeping the city safe and liveable. I've been to Mississippi. The food is good at the buffets so it aint all bad.


Rob, no Yankee fan can win an argument over the 2004-2008 Red Sox/Yankee rivalry. They've kicked our a$$es every step of the way and they deserve our respect. They have mine. To me TEX is overrated. His glove work is similar to Tino and his offensive stats are just a hare better. Tino was a very good player, but he wasn't great. Tex has got to be better than Tino. And he's vulnerable to the high fastball with 2 strikes as we're all finding out.

[NYBase]

This thread is officially dead... same goes for the Citi one :crazy

[Edgar.Martinez]

It's just the way it is, and deep down ALL baseball fans know it. Even Yankee fans though they will never admit it. The Yankees have been a dynasty solely due to money. The Red Sox ARE the new Yankees. Yes, they sign free agent all-stars like every other MLB club, just not to the extent the Yankees do. New York RELIES on these all-stars, Boston's priority is building a solid team through their farm system, and building a great clubhouse atmosphere and team chemistry, which the Yankees haven't had since the 1940's. It's just the way it is, bud.

[Rob R]

It's just the way it is, and deep down ALL baseball fans know it. Even Yankee fans though they will never admit it. The Yankees have been a dynasty solely due to money. The Red Sox ARE the new Yankees. Yes, they sign free agent all-stars like every other MLB club, just not to the extent the Yankees do. New York RELIES on these all-stars, Boston's priority is building a solid team through their farm system, and building a great clubhouse atmosphere and team chemistry, which the Yankees haven't had since the 1940's. It's just the way it is, bud.


"Just the way it is." Great, eloquent job countering my facts! Ohhhkayyy...Next.

[Edgar.Martinez]

Perfect example as to why people hate Yankee fans...

[fitch94]

So lets get this straight......it was the Yankees who invented the idea of a strong farm system builds a dynasty? I guess they also came up with the idea of "You can never get enough pitching."

The fact is the Red Sox are discipline and the Yankee are not. CC, AJ, and Teixieira were just throwing money at a problem. Your team is top heavy and razor thin because those signings.

If Cashman has done such a good job of stocking the farm who did the Yankees not sign their 1st round draft pick last year? Actually they did not even sign their first 3 draft picks.

[Rob R]

Come on Rob, you don't need to take pot shots at Boston. If Boston is so bad why is it such a desirable place for so many wealthy New York Tri-staters to send their kids to college there. It's amazing how many New York accents you hear when you walk around the college campuses up there. Boston's very yuppie, extremely elitist, but they've done a good job keeping the city safe and liveable. I've been to Mississippi. The food is good at the buffets so it aint all bad.


Rob, no Yankee fan can win an argument over the 2004-2008 Red Sox/Yankee rivalry. They've kicked our a$$es every step of the way and they deserve our respect. They have mine. To me TEX is overrated. His glove work is similar to Tino and his offensive stats are just a hare better. Tino was a very good player, but he wasn't great. Tex has got to be better than Tino. And he's vulnerable to the high fastball with 2 strikes as we're all finding out.

Boston is a great town..............if you're white and/or rich.

As for Tex. Tex is vulnerable "as we are finding out?" Just where have you been the last 7 years when he's averaged .290 BA, 40 doubles, 36 homers, 120 ribbies, .378 OBP, .540 Slugging and a .918 OPS????

With your distorted "facts", you're hatred for the Yanks is becoming more and more obvious. Either that, or I've giving you too much credit for your understanding of the game. And FYI, I LOVED Tino, but he couldn't hold Tex's jock, that's how good Tex is. If you want to compare, let's just say that Tex is the best overall 1B the Yanks have had since Mattingly.

[scooterfan]

It's just the way it is, and deep down ALL baseball fans know it. Even Yankee fans though they will never admit it. The Yankees have been a dynasty solely due to money. The Red Sox ARE the new Yankees. Yes, they sign free agent all-stars like every other MLB club, just not to the extent the Yankees do. New York RELIES on these all-stars, Boston's priority is building a solid team through their farm system, and building a great clubhouse atmosphere and team chemistry, which the Yankees haven't had since the 1940's. It's just the way it is, bud.

Partially you're right. Whether it was the signing of Reggie and the Goose in 1977 and 1978, or acquiring Jeff Nelson and Tino Martinez and resigning Cone in 1996 etc, money has played a huge factor in determining the Yankees' success since Steinbrenner bought the team and the advent of big time local tv contracts. But, on a less dramatic scale, for the past 25 years money has played a huge role in making the Red Sox competitive just about every year as well. Without Red Sox money Theo Epstein is just an average Ivy League yuppie jock sniffer studying scouting reports. Just like Cashman. Whether it was having the resources to pay Lee Smith and Jeff Reardon in the late 80s, or paying Manny 20 million a year the Red Sox have always had the funds to stay competitive. Sure, they dont have the funds to blow money on Kei Igawa, but if they sign a guy who's a bust, just like the Yankees they can move on to the next guy.

Baseball's dead in so many major league cities. Pittsburgh and Kansas City would love to have a NESN and a YES but these metro areas are simply too small to bring in big time cable tv revenue.

[Edgar.Martinez]

amen! So, back to the Stadium..?

[Rob R]

Perfect example as to why people hate Yankee fans...
Why, because you respond to Yanks fans facts with , "Because it is what it is?" :laugh:laugh

At least fitch, as prejudiced as he may be for his team (as Yanks fans are about their team) seems to know the game and recognizes that my responses were correct. You've brought nothing to the debate, unless you want to rethink your response and elaborate as I asked. Where are my facts incorrect?

[Edgar.Martinez]

Why, because you respond to Yanks fans facts with , "Because it is what it is?" :laugh:laugh

At least fitch, as prejudiced as he may be for his team (as Yanks fans are about their team) seems to know the game and recognizes that my responses were correct. You've brought nothing to the debate, unless you want to rethink your response and elaborate as I asked. Where are my facts incorrect?

Okay Rob. you are right. good job bud! everyone's proud.

now can we move on?

[scooterfan]

36 homers and 120 rbis in this era is chicken feed. His stats don't impress me. He's the best 1st baseman since Mattingly. That aint saying much. Giambi was an embarrassment to the franchise. Read the Torre book folks. Joe didn't want him. George did. The Yankees should've kept Tino in 2002!!!! If Murcer played today..a guy who never drove in 100 runs...he'd have the same stats as TEX. Can you imagine if Mantle and dimaggio played today? Lord have mercy. Dimaggio would drive in 175 runs a year, hit 50 plus homers while Mickey would hit 70 homers a year...Juice free. These ballparks are bandboxes and they're eviscerating the integrity of modern day stats.

What's wrong with this picture. Sheffield has 500 homers. What a joke. Dimaggio didn't even hit 400. I can't imagine more than a handful of these modern day ballplayers serving this country during war time like Ted Williams, Dimaggio and so many great stars back then

[Rob R]

Okay Rob. you are right. good job bud! everyone's proud.

now can we move on?

Move on? This is a NYS thread. Have anything to say about NYS?

[Rob R]

36 homers and 120 rbis in this era is chicken feed. His stats don't impress me. He's the best 1st baseman since Mattingly. That aint saying much. Giambi was an embarrassment to the franchise. Read the Torre book folks. Joe didn't want him. George did. The Yankees should've kept Tino in 2002!!!! If Murcer played today..a guy who never drove in 100 runs...he'd have the same stats as TEX. Can you imagine if Mantle and dimaggio played today? Lord have mercy. Dimaggio would drive in 175 runs a year, hit 50 plus homers while Mickey would hit 70 homers a year...Juice free. These ballparks are bandboxes and they're eviscerating the integrity of modern day stats.

What's wrong with this picture. Sheffield has 500 homers. What a joke. Dimaggio didn't even hit 400. I can't imagine more than a handful of these modern day ballplayers serving this country during war time like Ted Williams, Dimaggio and so many great stars back then
Listen, maybe you should just enjoy Boston and we'll leave it at that. You're hatred for the Yanks is bordering on obsessive and unhealthy, and I'm sorry for putting the other posters through this by responding to you.

Your posts are WAY out there and no matter how reasonable anyone's response is to you, you'll just distort things - even with some mistruths - to voice your hatred of the Yanks.

Please don't tell me (us) how you're a lifelong Yankee fan and how you watched the Babe connect for one against Cy Young while eating 5 cent hot dogs and listening to Rizzuto at the mic. It doesn't matter at this point.

[Edgar.Martinez]

Okay, everyone loves their team but your need for online arguments is past bordering obsessive and unhealthy.

[NYBase]

Okay Rob. you are right. good job bud! everyone's proud.

now can we move on?

Yes, please!

New stadium is great... can't wait to see a game from my ticket plan seats this Thursday!

[Rob R]

Okay, everyone loves their team but your need for online arguments is past bordering obsessive and unhealthy.
Yo really don't have anything to say other than repeat other's lines and make them your own, huh?

Anyway, I love how the Yanks returned the frieze to the stadium and the limestone exterior looks exquisite. Any thoughts about NYS, or would you prefer to troll?

[scooterfan]

Rob, I had no intention of going down this road tonight. If the Yankees hadn't embarrassed themselves this weekend you wouldn't have read a peep out of me. Unlike you Rob, I can admit it when my team fails. And the Yankees are failing miserably, both on the field, at the box office, and in the court of public opinion.

The Yankees have absolutely no margin for error. When you demolish a historical landmark and charge fans over 2 thousand dollars to watch your team play you better put a product on the field that is light years ahead of the competition. And the Yankees aren't doing it. I'd never pay 2 thousand bucks to see an athlete play, but I'd pay a pretty penny to see Magic, Bird, Jordan or Tiger play, but no one on the Yankees at such a high price because they don't have anyone who is light years ahead of the competition. The same goes for the Red Sox.

As for Boston and New York they're two great cities. New York's a better place to visit, but Boston's a more manageable place to live in and commute to.

[80SHOCK]

Rob, I had no intention of going down this road tonight. If the Yankees hadn't embarrassed themselves this weekend you wouldn't have read a peep out of me. Unlike you Rob, I can admit it when my team fails. And the Yankees are failing miserably, both on the field, at the box office, and in the court of public opinion.

The Yankees have absolutely no margin for error. When you demolish a historical landmark and charge fans over 2 thousand dollars to watch your team play you better put a product on the field that is light years ahead of the competition. And the Yankees aren't doing it. I'd never pay 2 thousand bucks to see an athlete play, but I'd pay a pretty penny to see Magic, Bird, Jordan or Tiger play, but no one on the Yankees at such a high price because they don't have anyone who is light years ahead of the competition. The same goes for the Red Sox.

As for Boston and New York they're two great cities. New York's a better place to visit, but Boston's a more manageable place to live in and commute to.

I think you just need to get over the fact that there's a new stadium.
Really it's over. Stop crying over spilled milk.

[Edgar.Martinez]

I think you just need to get over the fact that there's a new stadium.
Really it's over. Stop crying over spilled milk.

The prices ARE quite ridiculous though. I don't think the organization is hurting that badly for money, considering you can sit front row and many ballparks for less than 80 bucks.

[scooterfan]

Yo really don't have anything to say other than repeat other's lines and make them your own, huh?

Anyway, I love how the Yanks returned the frieze to the stadium and the limestone exterior looks exquisite. Any thoughts about NYS, or would you prefer to troll?

The lower portion of the exterior looks great, especially if they fill the holes with glass, or anything. But the upper portion of the exterior looks like $hit. It ruins everything. Why did they go Saks 5th Avenue with the lower and Wal Mart with the upper. Why didn't they put a roof up like the old stadium?

Incidentally Rob, most of the yankee fans on this forum don't like me, which is fine, but I have never personally insulted anyone. The same can't be said for my opponents like you who have attacked just about everything I have written.... and me personally. Why all the personal insults? Is it a crime that I hate the new stadium, or am rational enough to point out the horrible moves this franchise has made?

[Edgar.Martinez]

actually i think he was insulting me haha