Ballpark Digest

Monument Park was preserved to the greatest extent possible with the monuments kept in place behind the center-field wall. Get to the ballpark early in order to see the display. With any ticket other than the Bleachers, you can visit Monument Park as soon as the gates open (two hours prior to game time) up to 45 minutes before the first pitch. Access is via the staircase at the end of the aisles between the Field and Main level seats at Section 36. In total, the Yankees have retired the numbers of 16 players, not too surprising when you consider their better than two dozen World Championships. With plans for a new stadium by 2009 across the street to the north at what is now Macombs Dam Park, the essence of Monument Park will be kept in its entirety at the new location. Heavens, you shouldn’t disturb the spirits of Maris, Mantle, Gehrig and Ruth -- even if the Curse of the Bambino was vanquished in 2004. Until construction starts, though, the Macombs Dam Park is a nice place to throw a ball around before the game in the shadows of the old stadium.

Every seat is nicely angled toward the infield action. The stadium is essentially divided into two areas – the main stadium horseshoe and the bleacher area. Although the right field bleachers are relatively good seats for $12, you have no access to the main stadium area and you’ll go without beer. The Yankee bleacher bums made those cheap seats infamous over the years, but the no-alcohol policy has pretty well cleaned up the situation. In the main stadium, Tier Reserved sections 13-14 are also non-alcohol – and value-priced at $19. Rows A-E are especially desirable – fewer seats to the row and closest to the action.

The better bet is the main stadium seating. The best Yankee tickets are difficult to score – at least through conventional channels. Season tickets at the seven highest levels, from Field Championship to Main Reserved MVP, are all sold out in advance.

However, for a price you should be able to locate some quality ticket offers by contacting a broker. For most games, the best selection of tickets available will be at the spacious Tier level (third deck). All Tier Box MVP tickets ($45 in advance) give you a good view of the action. Less desirable are the Tier Boxes ($40). Most often, you will usually find nearly as good a seat in the $19 Tier Reserved sections.

You might want to entirely avoid Tier level seating, especially if you have any fear of heights. The steep angle is conducive to viewing the game, but prompts some fans to complain of vertigo. Your best value in the lower levels are Main Reserved ($40), especially sections 19-22 near first and third bases, and sections 33-36 at either end of the horseshoe inside the foul lines. All of the Main Reserved seats offer you shade and weather protection from the overhang. The Yankees provide many good seating opportunities for fans in wheelchairs and their companion – at a significant discount. Without commenting on the owner himself, this is one of several classy touches provided by the Yankees management.