Ballpark Visited:
Yankee Stadium Submitted By: Jim Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark: This is, after all, Yankee Stadium.
The House That Ruth Built. The Home of Champions. Baseball's most
historic ballpark. But beyond that, it really is an excellent place
to watch a baseball game. Yankee Stadium and Dodger Stadium in Los
Angeles--another excellent baseball venue--are the two largest pure
baseball parks in the world. The sight lines in this ballpark are
great; and unexpectedly so. Although my seat was down the right
field line at the very top of the upper deck, I was pleasantly
surprised at how close to the action I really was. And for the
sightseers in the audience, you can get some really good views of
the Manhattan skyline through the grates at the top of the upper
deck on the first base side, too! Even though the field dimensions
here are not symmetrical, the ballpark's architectural lines are
very balanced. The overall effect is a very clean and uncluttered
look; not like the overly busy and cluttered designs of the current
crop of ballparks. I liked that a lot. And hearing Bob Sheppard,
the venerable PA announcer who's been calling games at Yankee
Stadium since Mickey Mantle was a rookie, in person was a genuine
treat, too. One treat that I missed, unfortunately, was visiting
Monument Park. But that was my fault for not getting to the
ballpark early enough.
Cons of the ballpark: There's no nice way to put this.
Yankee Stadium sits right in the middle of a dump. The neighborhood
surrounding the ballpark is simply horrible. Access by car is a
major headache, and what little parking there is around the ballpark
is not cheap. The Yankees also need to make better selections of
music they play over the PA system. They play way too much loud,
angry hip-hop, rap and head-banging stuff. I know this is New York
City we're talking about here, but come on! The Yankees have a
long-standing reputation for class and style. The music they play
at Yankee Stadium should reflect this. Why not give Ed Olston, the
Yankee Stadium organist, more playing time? Fortunately, Bob
Sheppard doesn't try to sound like Michael Buffer, the way so many
other ballpark PA announcers do. That would REALLY be bad!
Additional Comments: Based on the information and pictures
I've seen on this Web site, the new Yankee Stadium is going to
duplicate the clean and balanced look of this ballpark while at the
same time reincorporating some of the more distinctive elements of
the original 1923 design that were lost in the mid-1970s
renovation. I heartily applaud this. It looks like the new park is
going to be great. I think, however, that it would be better if the
Yankees were to use the 1976 dimensions (312 on the left field line,
430 to left center, 417 to straightaway center, 385 to right center
and 310 on the right field line) at the new park instead of the
current Yankee Stadium dimensions. But that's 2009. For now, Yankee
Stadium remains a "must see" for any genuine baseball fan. Get
there before it becomes the Yankee Museum!
Ballpark Visited:
Yankee Stadium Submitted By: Charles Grade: D
Pros of the ballpark: The seats we were in had a wonderful
view of the entire field and most seats appeared to offer the same.
The fans are really into the game and although I am NOT a Yankee
fan, I do love baseball and respect passionate fans and Yanks fans
are definitely that.
Cons of the ballpark: I never got the feeling that "the
babe", or anyone before the 1970's for that matter, played in this
ballpark. This looks like nothing more than a typical park out of
the 1970's. Seats are small and don't have a lot of legroom. The
concourse area is small and crowded and has the feel of a basement.
The neighborhood immediately around the park reminds me of our trip
across the Mexico border. I/we had the feeling that we were in the
slums and it was nasty and trashy. Concessions are expensive but
that's typical New York. There is no smoking area which sucks and
you can't carry a bag or backpack into the game.
Additional Comments: The team may be good, but the stadium
sucks! I have been to 11 current parks and the old Busch stadium and
this one is the worst of them all. Anyone that is thinking of
visiting before they build their new stadium, I would definitely say
wait until they open up the new park. From just a purely baseball
fans' standpoint, this place is an ok place to go if you are a die
hard Yanks fan and only care about the game. But if you want
anything more and are expecting anything more, you will be sorely
disappointed. Stay at home and watch it on TV!!..you will get the
same experience!!
Ballpark Visited:
Yankee Stadium Submitted By: Lance McNeil Grade: B
Pros of the ballpark: It's a classic, pure and simple. "The
House That Ruth Built" is definitely one of the most legendary
sports facilities ever built. Moreover, Yankee Stadium is large and
for its age, fairly aesthetically pleasing. Everything about it
screams "timeless" and for an older stadium, it's a decent place to
catch a game.
Cons of the ballpark: Its age: While its longevity is clearly
an asset and should be applauded, there's no denying that a
replacement should be on the way. The structure itself is worn and
it lacks many of the amenities of newer ballparks. Additionally,
the neighborhood surrounding it is suspect and needs some
redevelopment for Yankee Stadium to live up to its potential.
Finally, for a city as immense and diverse as New York, I really
believe they could do better with their concessions. They're
overpriced (I suppose that's to be expected) but what really
disappointed me was the thin selection.
Additional Comments: It's a good place and everyone who is
able should visit it before it's demolished and the new Yankee
Stadium is christened. Again, you'll get the most bang for your
buck by eating/drinking before or after the game. Oh, and bring
your camera!
Ballpark Visited:
Yankee Stadium Submitted By: Jeff S. Grade: C
Pros of the ballpark: Well - it's Yankee Stadium but in name
only. Easily accessible by car or mass transit. Lots of space to
meet up with your friends around the park, lots of interesting
folks, and places to eat and drink before or after the game.
Cons of the ballpark: Older than Moses - good Lord! I mean
technically this is a stadium built in 1976 (pretty much killing the
history, and "feel" of the original old school park), it shouldn't
be in this bad a shape as it is. I'm surprised the FDNY hasn't
condemned this place actually, if everyone applauds the whole place
vibrates and feels like it's gonna come crumbling down. For a place
with 55,000 seats, the tickets are very expensive (to pay the
players quarter billion dollar payroll). In closing, I never felt
that "historic nostalgic" feeling people claim to feel when they go
into the "hallowed ground of The House that Ruth Built"....maybe
it's just me....
Additional Comments: I gave it a "C" JUST because it's Yankee
Stadium, if like the Royals played there, it would be an F.
Ballpark Visited: Yankee Stadium Submitted By: Tom
Wellman Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark:
Yankee Stadium, the House that Ruth built. Okay, it isn't brand
spanking new, but oh, how the walls of that stadium could speak,
what stories would say. The sightlines at Yankee Stadium are of
good quality, because you are close to action (probably with the
exception of the outfield bleachers, which there I have not sat) If
you get there right as the gates open, be sure to see monument park
out in left center field. Tells how all the Yankee greats have
played through these hallowed halls.
Cons of the ballpark: It does take a little while to get to
the upper levels at Yankee Stadium and the seats are steep but that
is Yankee Stadium for you. Also the ushers are pushy, but that is
New York. Last but not least are that tickets are in as not so much
as hard to come by but so expensive, but that is the Steinbrenner
Way.
Additional Comments: If you get there early enough you can
get official Yankee Stadium parking for $8, not bad for NY, also it
is in a covered parking garage. If you never been there whether you
are a Yankee hater, make the trip to there, it is worth it.
Ballpark Visited:
Yankee Stadium Submitted By: The Big Albowski Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark: Yankee Stadium in the greatest ballpark
in all the majors, hands down!!! There is no louder place in all of
baseball...especially when the place is full to capacity! The
bleacher Creatures keep all the fans into the game not like they
need to be persuaded) and you will not hear funnier chants at some
are hilarious! A true baseball experience!
Cons of the ballpark: Absolutely none. If you are a timid
person and afraid of other fans yelling absentees and such..you may
find your experience offensive. But if you love to party and
participate in torturing the opposing team and cheering the Yanks,
you will enjoy the experience fully.
Additional Comments: The "Roll Call" at the start of the game
in which the Bleacher Creatures chant every players name until they
tip there cap... is very unique and very fun to see. Unlike any
other ritual in baseball. Also the fans stand up on every 2nd strike
on a batter and cheer as loud as they can. Very knowledgeable fans.
IF you play well you will be a king. if not...you will wonder why
you get up in the morning.
Ballpark Visited:
Yankee Stadium Submitted By: Roger Grade: C
Pros of the ballpark: It
is historic. The presence of Babe Ruth and some of the other Yankee
greats can really be felt there.
Cons of the ballpark: The ballpark is not really a historic
marvel. It was basically rebuilt in 1976. There is no view of
anything except ads and some pretend old Yankee Stadium arches.
Although, it is not in a great area of town. It is crowded, and many
of the seats are not very good. For example, the bleachers in left
field are very far away from the field because they are behind the
bullpen and the monument park. The park also seems kind of dirty and
depressing.
Additional Comments: Yankee Stadium has developed a great
reputation due to the players who play there. However, I found it
kind of dark, dirty, and boring. Except for the fact that when I
went there the Yankees came back late in the game and won, my
experience was not all that unique, and frankly, not what it was
cracked up to be.
Ballpark Visited:
Yankee Stadium Submitted By:
Ryan McNeil Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark: The fans in this place are intense-
when Mariano Rivera came on in the ninth inning, the hair on the
back of my neck stood on end. The sightlines are great, and the
stadium is VERY conviently located near the subway, a good feature
for those who don't want to drive in The Bronx. In a strange way, so
much of The House That Ruth Built is about intimidation- the
neighborhood, the fans, the tall, narrow design of the building. You
can't help but feel overwhelmed when you watch a game here. This is
baseball as it's supposed to be played...and I'm not even a Yankees
fan!
Cons of the ballpark: The corridors don't look like they've
been touched in ages, and since there are no windows they're a
little on the dark and drab side. Getting to monument park is the
biggest headache, since the line snakes all the way up to the second
deck. Very little selection of food, and just try to find an usher
in your section. For being baseball's "Tiffany Franchise" you would
think the team store would be more like Tiffany's...nope. The place
is small, crowded, and doesn't even offer all of the merchandise
that can be found inside.
Cons of the ballpark: There's no frills here- no rock pile in
centerfield, no retractable roof, no fountains, and no
fireworks...it's old school, hardcore, baseball. Don't even think
about cheering against the Bronx Bombers here, it's a safety risk.
The fans aren't quite as nuts as they've been made out to be, but
they mean business nonetheless. Every baseball fan should see one
game here in their lifetime.
