The New York Yankees are one of the greatest franchises in all of American sports with 27 World Series titles and a long history of remarkable players and unforgettable moments. However, many people don't know that the Yankees trace their roots back to 1903, when the struggling Baltimore Orioles moved to Manhattan and became the New York Highlanders. Since Highlanders was too difficult for sportswriters to type, the newspapers began to call the new team the Yanks or Yankees, and the name was officially adopted in 1913.
After nearly a decade at Hilltop Park, the Yankees signed a 10 year lease at the Polo Grounds, which they shared with the New York Giants. Finally in 1923, the team opened up Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, which would become one of the most famous sports venues in the world. After many great years at the storied park, the team opened a new version of Yankee Stadium in 2009 to give its fans a range of modern amenities.
The exterior of the new park, with a limestone and granite facade, is meant to emulate the appearance of the original, unrenovated Yankee Stadium. The new venue has the same dimensions as the old stadium, but is filled with concessions and attractions that are meant to improve the fan experience. A 56 ft. by 101 ft. high-definition scoreboard was placed in center field, and attendees can enjoy a wide range of luxury suites, martini bars, full-service restaurants and even a butcher shop. Fans should also be sure to stop by Memorial Park, an open-air museum located above center field. The area features plaques and retired numbers that illustrate the history of the many managers, players and staff that have made the Yankees into the proud franchise that it is today.
Fans were a bit worried about bad luck or retribution from the Bambino after closing the old stadium, but their fears were quickly assuaged during the Yankees' championship run during the ballpark's inaugural year in 2009. With the highest payroll in baseball and an enduring culture of excellence, the Yankees are perennial contenders that are always in the thick of the AL pennant race. With 27 championships, 40 World Series appearances and 17 division championships to their credit, the Yankees are sure to add a few more footnotes to their already extensive list of accomplishments in the coming years.
Sports at the Yankee Stadium
The New York Yankees use Yankee Stadium the most, but its size has made it a major facility for all types of sporting events. The stadium has hosted the Pinstripe Bowl. The New York City FC moved to Yankee Stadium in 2015 and are temporarily calling the stadium home until their new stadium is built.
Concerts at the Yankee Stadium
The Yankee Stadium occasionally hosts concerts for some of the biggest touring acts in the world since it has the ability to hold almost 90,000 people for concerts. Since it is very busy with sporting events, it doesn’t happen often, but artists like Justin Timberlake, Jay Z and Paul McCartney have filled the stadium for shows.
Yankee Stadium Venue Guide
What can I not take into Yankee Stadium?
Backpacks, large purses or bags, coolers, glass or plastic bottles and cans, laser pens, video cameras, firearms or knives, beach balls, blow horns, and any other devices that might interfere with any sports participant, other patron, audio/visual telecast or recording of the game or any technology-related service provided in Yankee Stadium.
Do my kids need a ticket?
Children 3 years old and younger, and also under 30 inches tall are allowed to enter Yankees stadium without a ticket, but must sit on a parents lap for the duration of the game. It is best practice to bring proof of your child’s age with you to the gate to ensure they are allowed to enter the stadium.
What’s the best way to get to the Yankee Stadium?
Parking at Yankee Stadium is a nightmare. There are a few garages in the area, located on the northeast and southwest corner of the stadium, but these are often reserved for season ticket holders, and pre-paid parking only. The best way to get to Yankees Stadium is to take the subway. There are multiple stations within a few blocks of the stadium and they are always packed with Yankees fans heading to and from the game.