Ballpark Digest

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Yankee Stadium (old) / New York Yankees
Page 2: Yankee Stadium Renovated
Page 3: Concessions, Summary
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You might want to get to your seat early. The concourses on every level are very tight, making it difficult to navigate quickly as game time approaches. Yankee fans have many favorable attributes – and getting to the game early is one of them. Consequently, the squeeze presented by narrow concourses is considerably alleviated. The original Yankee Stadium was a nightmare if you needed to use the bathroom – there weren’t nearly enough of them. The 1976 renovation somewhat improved the situation, but you still have a tight squeeze here compared to any modern venue. An interesting touch is the women’s restrooms finished in baby pink wall tiles and flooring. The reaction from my companion was “very 1950s.”

CONCESSIONS
Food choices are fairly standard for the most part, and you will pay New York prices (typically 25 cents higher than the prices at Shea). The selection of hot dogs and sausages are especially broad with quality Hebrew National kosher wieners a featured item ($4.75). With some effort, you can find some more exotic fare, including Wok & Roll Chinese and sushi, a stand featuring “Imported Beers of the World” (as well as premium domestic brands), and a very popular fresh-squeezed lemonade stand ($4.75). Tier Level concessions are on par or better than Main and Field level; Loge Level offerings are limited (with most food service provided within the club and loge seating areas).

Ballpark vendors at Yankee Stadium probably are the most entertaining and knowledgeable you’ll ever find. They have a good selection of food and beer, and they regularly come to every corner of the ballpark. Unlike so many other venues, you find that most of the good times happen right at your seat. Yankee fans know the game and they love to visit with their neighbors when there’s a lull in the action. If the team falls behind, the fans get even more engaged as look forward to another patented Yankee comeback.

By state law, smoking is prohibited throughout the ballpark. The Yankees drive the point home tersely with signs stating, “Smokers will be ejected.” Much the same as attitude is expressed toward bringing in large bags – not at all surprising in the post-9/11 era. “All bags should be left at home/work,” the stadium guide states. Many vendors along River Avenue (east side of the stadium) will offer you a bag check -– even if your bag is considerably smaller than the 16”x16”x8” maximum allowed.

FOR THE KIDS
Other than playing catch at the park near the stadium, you won’t find much to keep the kids entertained at this venue. The highlight might be food – pick from hot dogs, lots of ice cream offerings and lemonade.

BEFORE/AFTER THE GAME
You can take your pick of bars and restaurants and souvenir stands catering to Yankee fans along River Avenue directly across from the stadium. One of the more popular watering holes is Stan’s Sports Bar and Restaurant. Your best bet for a truly New York deli sandwich experience (but not open after a night game) is the Court Deli – located two short blocks east of the stadium at 161st St. and Walton Ave. The Bronx Courthouse is located across the street. Quite a wide variety of restaurants are available in this area, but none nearly as popular as the Court Deli. As for other areas around the stadium, you won’t find much interesting to do and some parts of the neighborhood are not very safe.

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