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Yankee Stadium - Home of the New York Yankees
Yankee Stadium was built in 2009, after the franchise spent nearly nine decades in the now-extinct stadium located across the street bearing the same name. Though the previous Yankee Stadium lost much of its charm during the 1974-1975 renovation, there was sadness by many fans as they said goodbye. The change was inevitable as one of the most popular franchises in the world is also one of the most profitable and there was just no way to add all of those money-making features in the old stadium.
Enter the new Yankee Stadium, a ballpark that gave me mixed feelings. Prices have skyrocketed in this stadium, keeping the common fan well away from the diamond. Those high prices include the insanely expensive “Legends” Suites, the seats closest to the infield, which are typically half-empty. This has created an embarrassing scene during playoff games. Secondly, the atmosphere and general noise in the new stadium just feels different.
On the other hand, this is a ballpark with a ton of great features and the whole place feels like a museum to the Yankees. Designers looked back to the old stadium (pre-1970s renovation) and included the iconic frieze, Monument Park, the Bleachers, the short porch in right, and the beautiful entrance way. Combine this with the modern luxury of wide concourses and many good food options and the ballpark is a great home for Yankees fans.
What is FANFARE?
The FANFARE scale is our metric device for rating each stadium experience. It covers the following:
- Food & Beverage
- Atmosphere
- Neighborhood
- Fans
- Access
- Return on Investment
- Extras
Each area is rated from 0 to 5 stars with 5 being the best. The overall composite score is the "FANFARE Score".
Food & Beverage
5
Wherever you may be inside one of the three concourses, a food stand is likely close by. This is a good thing as the food is decent and there are many options. Even the basics are better than usual and they start with a New York tradition, the Nathan's Hot Dog. Hebrew National's brand is also available. French Fries come in various forms too like Garlic, Sweet Potato, and Cheese. Other classic NYC favorites such as corned beef deli sandwiches and knishes are available at the stadium. Also worth a try are the several items from another region or part of the world. Asian stands feature noodles and sushi (I bet long time fans never though they would hear "Sushi" and "Yankee Stadium" in the same sentence), while a "Wholly Guacamole" stand serves up beef nachos. American regional favorites include Carolina Barbeque and Philly Cheesesteaks. As for beer, it's a little misleading as the signs for "Beers of the World" don't quite live up to the lofty expectations. Though there's a decent variety to choose from, Blue Moon, Heineken, Stella Artois, and Hoegarden look to be the only imports from around the "world".
In addition to the concession food, there are two restaurants located near Gate 6 that are open to the public. The Hard Rock Café has a Yankees touch to it and is open even to non-ticket holders. A much more upscale experience is reserved for NYY Steak, where reservations are likely needed even if you have a game-day ticket. The steakhouse is quite sharp inside and promotes itself as having some of the finest steaks around.
Atmosphere
5
Yankee Stadium has a large capacity for a ballpark as it holds over 50,000 and is set up with three tiers of seating that extend a bit into the outfield. Filling in the area where the seating bowl stops are the bleachers. Field Level seats are broken up by the Legends Suites near the field that are completely closed off to the general public. The entire level is hard to attain (or afford) tickets to and there are more common fans located higher up. While the second deck (Main Level) is good, be careful of the seats that are far back in the section as an overhang will obstruct views of fly balls. The best seats in my opinion are the Grandstand sections in the 400 level. Up here, there is a good overview of the game and many seats are protected by a roof with the iconic frieze hanging off. It may not be as close and on top of the field as the upper-level in the old stadium, but there are still good seats to be had up here. Crowd noise is decent too as the roof helps to enclose things a bit. For an interesting atmosphere, head to the bleachers, where fans are rowdy (but not quite as crazy as before). Just watch the seats near the center of the bleachers as there are some awful obstructions.
Completing the stadium is the huge center-field scoreboard, which is impressive in both size and clarity. There are a ton of stats that get displayed on the board, plus video replays are beautiful. The stack of scoreboards and ads block out what is a rather bleak outside view of the South Bronx. The large scoreboard is part of the grand appeal of the stadium as seats are roomy and concourses are wide. It all starts as fans enter into the Great Hall. This striking, open-air (but covered) entrance acts as an introduction to the ballpark before getting to the concourses.
Several traditions carried over from the old stadium make this place stand out from other ballparks. It all starts in the top of the first inning, when the Bleacher Creatures go through "Role Call" as they chant each Yankee's name out in the field until acknowledged. After a home run, (which is likely to happen as the Bronx Bombers are known to send some out of the park) the unmistakable chimes from 2Unlimited's "Workaholic" blare out from the speakers. Later in the game, the grounds crew dances to "YMCA" during the 6th inning, "God Bless America" is played in the middle of the 7th and "New York, New York" can be heard as soon as the game is over. All of these elements enhance the atmosphere at Yankee Stadium.
Neighborhood
2
For nearly a century, the Bronx has been home to the Yankees. The borough includes such attractions like the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Gardens. These are well worth visiting, but are a 15-minute drive way. The stadium itself is located in the South Bronx section, an area not really worth visiting once you venture further away from the stadium. Immediately near the ballpark, the completion of Heritage Field in Macombs Dam Park provides a more pleasing setting with well maintained ball fields. Though the most visible restaurant when you enter the Yankee Stadium vicinity is McDonald's, there are some other bars and restaurants that bring in fans before and after games. Two of the more popular places are Stan's and Billy's, located right near each other on River Ave. This may be a neighborhood ballpark, but Wrigleyville it is not.
Fans
4
Ahh, the Yankee fan. You are either one of them or you can't stand them. One aspect not to be argued with is that there are a lot of them as the Yankees are one of the most popular sports teams in the world. The fan base is huge, yet New York has only led the league in attendance once during their first three full seasons in the new stadium (none if you go by percent of capacity). Crowds do not fill the park like they do in Boston, Philadelphia or San Francisco and there are dots of blue seats for each game (including the Saturday game I attended, which looked like a crowd between 30,000 and 35,000). This is more likely a reflection of the high stadium prices as opposed to the fan support. The new Yankee Stadium just seems to be missing a certain buzz and electricity that the old Stadium had. The traditions may have made the trip across the street, but that undeniable magic and spark is down a notch here.
With that being said, it still can get quite loud (especially in the Grandstand) and Yankee Stadium has fans that are able to create a lot of noise, making it enjoyable to watch a game in.
Access
4
While Yankee Stadium is easily accessible by car, using New York City's extensive mass transit system is a much better route. The Yankee Stadium stop on the subway system is available using the B, D and 4 lines, which run through Manhattan and the Bronx. From Midtown Manhattan, the trip is about 25 minutes. There is also a Metro North train that stops nearby and it goes up into the southern Hudson Valley. Heading up to the game is easy, but expect a crowded exit as people jam into the station.
Where you are likely to find traffic both to and from the game is by car as New York traffic can get quite busy on the Major Deegan Expressway (Interstate 87) and the Cross Bronx Expressway (I-95). If you do choose the car route, the good news is that it is relatively easy to get to the ballpark as either Exits 3, 4, 5 or 6 off of I-87 will lead fans to the area. Surrounding the ballpark are some large garages, along with other parking lots.
Bathrooms are widely available in the ballpark, with plenty of room and space.
Return on Investment
3
It has been well advertised that the prices here are very expensive and it is quite true as a game at Yankee Stadium features the highest overall cost in the league. From parking to concessions to tickets, the Yankees are near the top of the league and the significant amount of tickets that cost at least $100 per game have led to many empty seats (even in the playoffs, where empty seats or "suites" can be found closest to the field as they cost over $1000 per game).
However, this is a place and team that any sports fan should see at least once and there are some workarounds to make the experience a little easier on the wallet. First, skip out on the insane $35 parking garages nearby and use the widely available mass transit system. Trains from New Jersey, Long Island, Southeast New York, and Connecticut all converge on New York's Penn Station. The subway ride from there is just $2.25. Secondly, instead of paying $12 for a deli sandwich or $5 for a water, bring in your own food and drink, which is allowed here. If you want a bottled beer though, you'll have to fork over $9. Lastly, for tickets, go with a Grandstand or Bleacher seat, which cost between $15 and $33. These sections make up around 30% of the seating in the stadium and the Grandstand seats in particular are fine places to watch a game.
Extras
3
It is worth getting to Yankee Stadium a few hours before the game starts to check out a couple attractions. The first is the famous Monument Park, located in Center Field and open until 45 minutes before the first pitch. I don't know how early you need to get in as I was there a full hour and a half prior to game time and found it to be closed as the line snaked on seemingly forever. If you are lucky enough to get in, the park is full of monuments, plaques, and retired numbers that honor the greatest Yankees.
A more attainable goal may be a visit to the Yankees Museum in the main concourse. There is a line, too, and the museum probably should have been bigger with more of a Yankees timeline or history, though the small area is well worth a look. Several cool displays are in here. Be sure to check out the display case of World Series Rings and each World Series trophy since 1977.
Lastly, a tip of the cap to the ushers and stadium employees who are polite and more than willing to help. Though the politeness may seem manufactured, it is still a nice touch. Just be prepared to hear "Welcome to Yankee Stadium" at least a dozen times on your visit.
Follow all of Sean's journeys at Stadium & Arena Visits.
Crowd Reviews
Yankee Stadium: The House That Ruth Would Have Built
Total Score: 4.29
- Food & Beverage: 5
- Atmosphere 5
- Neighborhood: 3
- Fans: 4
- Access: 5
- RoI: 4
- Extras: 4
The new Yankee Stadium is from top to bottom an amazing, modernized, well thought out ballpark. The outside structure is reminiscent of the original 1923 ballpark, while the inside is very spacious. No longer are you forced to squeeze through the narrow hallways or walk up/down the overly crowded ramps to go from one level to the next.
The new stadium is full of escalators, wide staircases and ramps, as well as elevators. Aside from the structural changes, the new stadium is full of great restaurants, a wide variety of concessions, with a multitude of tributes to the great Yankees and Yankee teams of the past and present. It is modern, luxurious, but it still looks like the old Yankee Stadium, which makes you feel right at home.
boo the yankees
Total Score: 0.00
- Food & Beverage: 0
- Atmosphere 0
- Neighborhood: 0
- Fans: 0
- Access: 0
- RoI: 0
- Extras: 0
go fishercats
Bowling for Yankees
Total Score: 4.29
- Food & Beverage: 5
- Atmosphere 5
- Neighborhood: 3
- Fans: 5
- Access: 3
- RoI: 4
- Extras: 5
One of my favorite things about Yankee Stadium is the bowling alley (Ball Park Lanes) outside the stadium. It's nothing special, just a divey place, but a good place to spend an hour post game while the traffic dies down.
Over-rated...clap, clap, clap-clap-clap
Total Score: 3.71
- Food & Beverage: 2
- Atmosphere 5
- Neighborhood: 3
- Fans: 5
- Access: 4
- RoI: 3
- Extras: 4
My excitement about seeing this mammoth stadium was tempered a bit by the security checkpoint. The subway access is great...much like Wrigley. However, it took about 20 minutes to get through security, and I barely got to my seat in time for the game. The food was pretty poor...the pizza I had was on par with most junior high cafeterias, hot dog was lousy too. Beers at $11 a pop made me nauseous. My seat neighbors let me have some garlic fries, which were good. Fans are great...very into the game and their team. They showed a veteran with one arm on the jumbotron, and the standing ovation lasted minutes. It is an awe-inspiring view...the jumbotron is huge and the field still has a sense of history in its second year in existence. Get there very early to see Monument Park...I didn't have a chance before the game, and they close it during the game. I was disappointed by the neighborhood...maybe I didn't know where to look though.
A's fan in The Bronx
Total Score: 4.14
- Food & Beverage: 4
- Atmosphere 5
- Neighborhood: 2
- Fans: 5
- Access: 5
- RoI: 3
- Extras: 5
Yankee Stadium is an undeniably beautiful structure and was an absolute treat to experience in person. Its gargantuan rotunda make moving around the ballpark a breeze and the scintillating bigscreen is one suited for kings. There are a lot of cool things to check out around the ballpark including the Yankee Museum and Monument Park. Though on the website it says Monument Park closes 45 minutes before the game, you MUST get there at least 90 minutes before first-pitch as the security guard informed me it takes a while to get everyone out (I couldn't help but feel if I was wearing a different hat I may have been granted entry).
All sorts of food are available ranging from traditional ballpark fare to sushi and even what looked to be a fine dining restaurant...my girlfriend and I literally laughed out loud when we saw it. Regardless, there is nourishment for everyone!
My one complaint about the beverages is the lack of craft beer (clear west-coast beer snobbery here) options with only imported or macro options. I figured if there was a market for sushi at the ballpark, there ought to be one for India pale ales.
The fans were quite impressive (and that is tough for me to say). They were clearly knowledgable, applauded great defensive plays by the visiting team and honored a former World Series MVP in Hideki Matsui. They were engaged with the game until the final pitch. Talking to one fan who has had a partial season ticket plan for a decade, he said "[the fans] aren't like at the old Yankee Stadium". I might be an outsider or naive but I had no complaints.
We took the subway to the game from midtown Manhattan and it was easy. Each ride is $2.25 and you don't have to worry about parking. We were able to purchase tickets through someone unable to attend the night prior. $15 per ticket sat us in the second to last row in sec 417 (a $20 value). Many prefer to sit in the grandstands instead of the bleachers as a large dining/box club area in center field creates a partial obstruction.
Overall, it was a great experience and was an important place for me to cross off my list. I was not disappointed with the structure, experience or fans.
Worst of the new stadiums, Boring and expensive
Total Score: 2.14
- Food & Beverage: 3
- Atmosphere 2
- Neighborhood: 2
- Fans: 2
- Access: 2
- RoI: 2
- Extras: 2
The old Yankee stadium had history, and a little character. Yes, the upper level was steep, and the food was terrible, but it had character and history. Unfortunately, take away that, double the costs, and you have the new Yankee Stadium. I was expecting a lot from the new Yankee Stadium. It's one of the most expensive in Baseball, and sure one would expect a team such as the Yankees to pull out the stops. Sadly, it appears their only concern was how to maximize profits. And it starts before you even enter the stadium. Parking outside the stadium was $35. Almost TWICE what it costs to park at nearby Citifield. The backless metal bleachers remain, and, to make things worse, the view from most of them to Center Field is obstructed. Ticket prices are sky high. The food, while better than at the old stadium, is still nothing to write home about, and typically overpriced. What's worse, you often have to visit several stands to complete an order as most are limited in what they sell. The two main attractions other than the field are the museum and Monument Park. Unfortunately, fans can't see both in a single visit as they only open 2 hours before game time, and close off the lines an hour later. My biggest complaint, however, other than the costs, is that for a new stadium, it simply lacks any character. Of all the new stadiums I've been to, this one is as bland as the team.The museum is ok, and Monument Park is a nice tribute to Yankee greats, but other than that, the park offers NOTHING. If you're not a Yankee Fan, skip this one. It's a huge disappointment
New, but doesn't wow
Total Score: 3.14
- Food & Beverage: 3
- Atmosphere 3
- Neighborhood: 3
- Fans: 2
- Access: 5
- RoI: 2
- Extras: 4
The New Yankee Stadium is nice, but it just doesn't wow you with it's mystic or history like the old Yankee Stadium did.
It was $10 for a mug of hot cocoa and the fans were not there for the game, it was just about talking business. Bad outfield seats were $85 face value! The same seats with a better view are $12 in Pittsburgh.
The stadium is easy to get to with the public transportation, and if you know where to park just three blocks away, you can get parking for $18 for the day instead of the $35 lots.
Overall, the new Yankee Stadium is just middle of the pack, maybe the 20th best stadium in the major leagues. A real shame they ever built it.
Not all that
Total Score: 3.86
- Food & Beverage: 4
- Atmosphere 4
- Neighborhood: 3
- Fans: 5
- Access: 4
- RoI: 3
- Extras: 4
Unfortunately for fans of New York I think they got screwed when it comes to the new stadiums as they got 2 of the worst. Yankees Stadium just doesn't offer anything mind blowing. There are a couple cool items to the park but overall very overrated in my opinion.
A Castle fit for a king
Total Score: 4.86
- Food & Beverage: 5
- Atmosphere 5
- Neighborhood: 5
- Fans: 5
- Access: 5
- RoI: 4
- Extras: 5
(disclosure) I am a Yankee fan.
WOW, what a beautiful job they did, and it is big but comfortable. I do miss the old, but ya gotta roll with it. Food is great but prices inside can tend to be a little steep,
A Sox Fan Behind Enemy Lines
Total Score: 3.57
- Food & Beverage: 4
- Atmosphere 5
- Neighborhood: 2
- Fans: 4
- Access: 5
- RoI: 3
- Extras: 2
A small disclaimer or two. As a Red Sox fan, I'm not disposed to reflect positively on anything related to the Yankees. Also, my visit focused on the game and I didn't do a whole lot of walking around the stadium. Food: The other reviews are very positive. I wouldn't know since we ate before the game. The atmosphere was exactly what you would expect for the final game of the season against the Red Sox. The place was raucous and loud. The fans were hostile (I was wearing a Sox jersey and cap) but not excessively rude and not violent at all. I thought the surrounding neighborhood was pretty lousy. Not Detroit bad but not as nice as Pittsburgh. About the same as Boston or Flushing. Overall, the fans were great. I don't mind them giving me crap, I deserved it. There did seem to be a lot of drunk fans after the game so I'd hesitate to subject kids to that. Maybe it was an aberration. We spent the day wandering around Manhattan (Times Square and points south) and took the subway to Queens. I like the subway and it makes Yankee Stadium very accessible. I'd give a higher rating on Extras except that the memorial area closed long before we got to the park. I'd like to go back and check it out.
adding to above review
Total Score: 3.57
- Food & Beverage: 4
- Atmosphere 5
- Neighborhood: 2
- Fans: 4
- Access: 5
- RoI: 3
- Extras: 2
I forgot to give my impression of the stadium itself. I think the Yankees missed a great opportunity here. I understand that the sun affects how the field must be oriented but the view of the city from inside the stadium was just awful. All I could see from my upperdeck seats were a bunch of dilapidated buildings. Bummer. Also, on the walk to the upper levels, the stadium is closed off and doesn't offer any view at all. It reminded me of the old Veteran's Stadium in Philly. That's not good. I'd rank the stadium as the worst of the new stadiums.
Museum of Capitalisim
Total Score: 2.86
- Food & Beverage: 2
- Atmosphere 3
- Neighborhood: 2
- Fans: 4
- Access: 4
- RoI: 2
- Extras: 3
Yankee Stadium 2 fails to emulate the atmosphere that the first Yankee Stadium was famous for. The fans that can't afford $500 tickets are either WAY up in the 400 level or in the bleachers. The bleachers aren't bad seats, and are the way to go if you're going on a Tuesday when they're five bucks. Check ticket brokers like Stubhub for decent prices for any other game.
If you smoke, all of Yankee Stadium is smoke free. However, go through the Hard Rock Cafe on the 1st base side and there is an outdoor area where you can light up. Bring your ticket stub with you.
The Cathedral of Baseball BUT I call it the Mausoleum!
Total Score: 3.71
- Food & Beverage: 3
- Atmosphere 4
- Neighborhood: 4
- Fans: 3
- Access: 4
- RoI: 3
- Extras: 5
The history of the Yankees speaks for itself but when I first went to the "new" stadium all I could think of was mausoleum. There were many opportunities to knock it out of the park with the food and in the Champions Club they do ... BUT ... You don't get the same bang outside the private club ... Oh well
Shoulda kept the old one
Total Score: 0.57
- Food & Beverage: 4
- Atmosphere 0
- Neighborhood: 0
- Fans: 0
- Access: 0
- RoI: 0
- Extras: 0
Tickets were too expensive, seats are in a bad viewing position, fans in center field can't even see that well because of the giant protruding wall. Bad experience except for the food. Fans are abusive, and that's saying something since I'm from the North and I am very tolerant of Northerners.
Find out what to look for when you are shopping for a hard drive
Total Score: 2.43
- Food & Beverage: 5
- Atmosphere 1
- Neighborhood: 2
- Fans: 4
- Access: 2
- RoI: -1
- Extras: 4
What to Look for in a Hard Drive That You Are Purchasing?
When you are going to buy laptop hard drive, it is extremely important to look for one that is going to be fast and large enough to accommodate all of your files and data needs. It
Yeah, it's just what I need, I'm about to have a new one
I always use Dell Hard Disk Drives, what about you, guys?
Gateway!!!lol
Find out what to look for when you are shopping for a hard drive
Total Score: 2.57
- Food & Beverage: 5
- Atmosphere -1
- Neighborhood: 2
- Fans: 2
- Access: 3
- RoI: 5
- Extras: 2
What to Look for in a Hard Drive That You Are Purchasing?
When you are going to buy laptop hard drive, it is extremely important to look for one that is going to be fast and large enough to accommodate all of your files and data needs. It
Yeah, it's just what I need, I'm about to have a new one
I always use Dell Hard Disk Drives, what about you, guys?
Gateway!!!lol
Find out what to look for when you are shopping for a hard drive
Total Score: 3.14
- Food & Beverage: 5
- Atmosphere 4
- Neighborhood: -1
- Fans: 4
- Access: 5
- RoI: 1
- Extras: 4
What to Look for in a Hard Drive That You Are Purchasing?
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Does anyone have a suggestes hotel to stay at?
Preferably outside of New York City but close enough to where I can drive or take the subway to Yankee Stadium. Or other suggestions to avoid traffic and "bad" neighborhoods.
by peregrintook69 | Dec 14, 2010 05:57 PM
RE: Does anyone have a suggestes hotel to stay at?
The closest decent hotel to the stadium that is still budget friendly is a Days Inn in the Bronx about a mile away. It's located at 997 Brook Avenue in the Bronx and runs about $110-$150 per night. It's not an awful neighborhood (lots of visitors to Yankee Stadium stay there), but I wouldn't call it 100% safe either.
If you're trying to avoid Manhattan and find a hotel that's in a safe neighborhood but budget friendly, I'd suggest one of the airport hotels in Queens near LaGuardia or JFK. These aren't close to the stadium, but you can drive there in 20-30 or take public transportation. Many of these hotels also offer shuttle service to the stadium, or at least to the closest subway stop. Otherwise, you'll have to stay in Manhattan, where you should be prepared to spend at least $200 for a decent room. Hope this helps!
by samanthabunten | Dec 15, 2010 05:56 AM
RE: Does anyone have a suggestes hotel to stay at?
Being the Midwest tightwad that I am, I would get on Priceline and bid about $65 for a Meadowlands, NJ hotel. The last two times I did this I got the Sheraton. You can then drive to Yankee Stadium or take the Path Train into NY. You get free parking for your car at the Sheraton too.
by CigarBoy | Mar 03, 2011 06:37 PM
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