When you think of New York City, you think of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and of course the New York Yankees. The Pinstriped athletes are one of the most iconic symbols of New York City.
After the last game of this season, Yankee Stadium will be torn down and replaced with a bigger, newer, state-of-the-art stadium. (Currently the 2 arenas stand across the street from one another.) I wanted to attend a game in “the house that Ruth built” before it was razed. And so we purchased our tickets and headed out to the ballpark.
We had great seats, in the upper deck just right of home plate. We could see the entire diamond and it provided us with a fantastic view of all the action. We were surrounded by a seasoned group of colorful and opinionated fans who intermittently yelled out good natured one-liners at the opposing team.
We got into the spirit too as we root, root rooted for the home team. We leapt to our feet and cheered at the top of our voices when A-Rod hit the only homerun of the game. We chuckled and gave each other knowing glances when Derek Jeter bunted, making it to 1st base, but more importantly allowing another player to score a run.
I eagerly anticipated each of the traditional elements of the game. I couldn’t wait to grab a couple of franks and brews. I was delighted when the vendors called their wares “Beer Here!” and actually threw bags of Cracker Jacks to their customers in the stands. It tickled me when the diamond combers performed their coordinated dance routine to "YMCA" during the seventh inning stretch. I was touched as the 50,682 people who were in attendance at the game all got to their feet to sing “God Bless America” and “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”
It was an outstanding evening. The Yankees shutdown the Oriels, 8 to nothing. The weather was perfect and we had a great time.
While it was all very lovely, there were a few things that made the experience… well, less than ideal. For example, I think there are too many distractions. Honestly, between the DJ and the ads, games and interviews on the jumbo screen there wasn’t really time to watch the game. Several times I found myself looking at the screen and missed some key plays.
Also, getting through security can be a hassle. No bags, satchels, briefcases or backpacks are allowed. Unless you are a regular attendee, you wouldn't know this. If you have a bag, you can check it at the bowling alley across the street from the stadium for $5. (But of course there is a line and that’s another 5 bucks you weren’t planning on spending). Security guards search all purses and pat-down some patrons.
Depending on where the seats are, tickets go for $12 to $400. Check out the Yankees' website for a complete schedule and ticket prices.
Insider Tips
After the last game of this season, Yankee Stadium will be torn down and replaced with a bigger, newer, state-of-the-art stadium. (Currently the 2 arenas stand across the street from one another.) I wanted to attend a game in “the house that Ruth built” before it was razed. And so we purchased our tickets and headed out to the ballpark.
We had great seats, in the upper deck just right of home plate. We could see the entire diamond and it provided us with a fantastic view of all the action. We were surrounded by a seasoned group of colorful and opinionated fans who intermittently yelled out good natured one-liners at the opposing team.
We got into the spirit too as we root, root rooted for the home team. We leapt to our feet and cheered at the top of our voices when A-Rod hit the only homerun of the game. We chuckled and gave each other knowing glances when Derek Jeter bunted, making it to 1st base, but more importantly allowing another player to score a run.
I eagerly anticipated each of the traditional elements of the game. I couldn’t wait to grab a couple of franks and brews. I was delighted when the vendors called their wares “Beer Here!” and actually threw bags of Cracker Jacks to their customers in the stands. It tickled me when the diamond combers performed their coordinated dance routine to "YMCA" during the seventh inning stretch. I was touched as the 50,682 people who were in attendance at the game all got to their feet to sing “God Bless America” and “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”
It was an outstanding evening. The Yankees shutdown the Oriels, 8 to nothing. The weather was perfect and we had a great time.
While it was all very lovely, there were a few things that made the experience… well, less than ideal. For example, I think there are too many distractions. Honestly, between the DJ and the ads, games and interviews on the jumbo screen there wasn’t really time to watch the game. Several times I found myself looking at the screen and missed some key plays.
Also, getting through security can be a hassle. No bags, satchels, briefcases or backpacks are allowed. Unless you are a regular attendee, you wouldn't know this. If you have a bag, you can check it at the bowling alley across the street from the stadium for $5. (But of course there is a line and that’s another 5 bucks you weren’t planning on spending). Security guards search all purses and pat-down some patrons.
Depending on where the seats are, tickets go for $12 to $400. Check out the Yankees' website for a complete schedule and ticket prices.
Insider Tips
- Don't bring a bag. I wish there was a list of rules I could point you to, but the closest I could find is the A to Z stadium guide.
- Bring extra cash. We only spent $25 per ticket, but we spent over $60 on food.
- Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to allow time to get through security and find your seats.
- Use public transportation. There is parking, but it is expensive and inconvenient. Subways and buses make stops at the stadium. I recommend HopStop.
