Ballpark Survival Guy’d: Yankee Stadium

Photo: Rob Tringali/Sportschrome / Contributor (Getty Images)

Yankee Stadium Guide
1 E 161st St
Bronx, NY 10451
www.mlb.mlb.com/stl

Our next installment within the Stadium Guy’d tour takes us to Yankee Stadium, and if anyone knows anything about baseball, they know that there is no sports franchise with a history as rich as the Yankees.

The Complete Yankee Stadium Guide

The current Yankee Stadium has only been open since 2009 and therefore pales in comparison to the lore within the ‘House that Ruth built.’ But Yankee Stadium II is even more beautiful and covets the history that has made the franchise so great while bringing in the new elements fans demand in 2014.

Fun Facts

New York Yankees

• Originally founded in 1901 as the Baltimore Orioles before moving to New York as the Highlanders in 1903. 
• Babe Ruth was born in Baltimore.
• The Yankees have 40 pennants (AL championships) and 27 World Series titles, by far the most in baseball history (Cardinals are second with 11).
• Yankee Stadium I opened in 1923 and was the first three-tiered stadium in the United States. It was demolished following the 2008 season.
• The Yankees are one of four MLB teams without a mascot. However, they did have ‘Dandy,’ the pinstriped bird from 1982-1985.

Ballpark Perks & Info

The Inside Experience

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com

The opportunity to meet a Yankees player currently on the roster, along with a stadium tour and great seats. The only question is, will the player you meet be that backup rookie second baseman?

Hands On History

No other baseball organization is as full of the rich history of the New York Yankees. Here they get to show it off. Upon purchase of a ticket, you get to actually hold 10-15 artifacts, which may include:

• Babe Ruth bat – 1922-1923
• Mickey Mantle bat – 1958 World Series
• Derek Jeter jersey from his 3,000th hit game – July 9, 2011
• Mickey Mantle outfielder’s glove – 1963
• Home plate from final game at Yankee Stadium and first game at present Stadium
• World Series rings – 2000 and 2009
• Ichiro Suzuki bat and batting helmet – 2012
• Reggie Jackson bat – 1986
• World Series trophy (available years include ’77, ’78, ’96, ’98, ’99, ’00, ’09)

For the Kosher – Alcohol-free Seating

Alcohol-free seating is available in the Grandstand Level in Sections 407A and 433. No alcohol is allowed in this area, to be consumed or sold.

Food is Allowed!

Food is allowed into Yankee Stadium if it’s inside a clear plastic bag. Local recommendations include picking up a meal from the Banana Deli on 161st St or Feeding Tree. No bottles or cans are allowed.

Snapshots

Where to take your picture

Popular meeting spots include Gate 6 or The Great Hall. The Great Hall extends from Gate 4 to Gate 6 between the exterior wall and interior of the stadium.

Yankee Stadium Attractions

Monument Park

newyork.yankees.mlb.com

“Monument Park, a museum in and of itself, recognizes former Yankees greats. On game days, it opens with the gates and remains accessible for Guests’ enjoyment until 45 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the game (subject to capacity limitations). Please note that the line to Monument Park may close earlier than the Park itself. Signage directs Guests to Monument Park. Yankee Stadium Team Members (please see “Yankee Stadium Team Members”) are also available to assist Guests.”

New York Yankees Museum

“A museum within the museum that is Yankee Stadium – is located adjacent to Gate 6 on the Main Level and tells baseball’s and the Yankees’ storied history through exhibits of historic artifacts. Guests can enjoy the museum free of charge on game days from the time the gates open until the end of the eighth inning. On non-game days, Guests can experience the museum as part of Yankee Stadium tours.”

Shopping

Great Hall Store – located at Gate 6 and is open year-round

New Era Yankee Stadium Flagship Store – located on the Main Level behind home plate.

Home Plate Store – located in the Great Hall behind home plate, houses the largest selection of Yankees merchandise and memorabilia at the Stadium.

Where to sit

Photo: Rob Tringali/Sportschrome / Contributor (Getty Images)

The bleacher seats are considered the best value but not for those with kids as the crowd can get rowdy and full of foul language. The seats in sections 226-227B (third base side) and 213-214B (first base) offer great views for great value. The next group of main-level seats further into the outfield, 228-230 and 210-212 aren’t considered bad either.

Section 203 – The Bleacher Creatures! — considered the most famous section of seats in MLB, the Bleacher Creatures are a wild bunch of fans and friends who have called the seating area home for years. They consider themselves the “real” fans of the Yankees. Don’t be caught dead wearing merchandise of or cheering for the opposing team here.

There are some seats with obstructed views throughout the park. Here is one blog dedicated to advice on how to avoid them.

The Yankees virtual venue can be viewed here.

What to eat

Best Yankee Stadium food

Hard Rock Cafe at Yankee Stadium (E 161st St and River Ave)

Open year-round – burgers, salads, BBQ. www.Hardrock.com – (646) 977-8888

NYY Steak Yankee Stadium

Located above Hard Rock Cafe Yankee Stadium inside Gate 6 —  Dry-aged USDA prime beef, fresh seafood and premium wines. www.nyysteak.com – (646) 97-STEAK.

Lobel’s Steak Sandwich

Located behind the left field foul pole on the field level concourse, Lobel’s is widely considered one of the best eateries Yankee Stadium has to offer.

Parm

Section 104 – A popular Manhattan spot that can be had in Yankees Stadium that offers a great $14 rendition of the restaurant’s famous meatball parm sandwich.

Melissa’s Farmers Market

A healthy option in section 121B.

Fan Advice

On Yankee Stadium

“I have sat in section 129 and there was a waitress that came and took our food and drink orders. Seat was in line with the left fielder. I definitely recommend having a waitress because they ran and got all your food and drinks for you. I have also sat in the bleachers in left field which was real fun. Drawback was you had to go get beer during the game. No beer vendors are allowed in the bleachers at Yankee stadium (too rowdy I was told).”

“The area is pretty sketchy around the stadium. I went to one day game at 12:15 and the bars outside the stadium closed at 5 pm. (Was told they wanted everything shut down by dark). Best advice is go early and drink at the dugout before the game and sit it seats with a server. Wear a Yankees shirt and act like a Yankees fan regardless of who you like. It makes it a real fun experience. People are really nice and like to have a good time!”

“Best food in the stadium – ground level garlic fries and the chx sliders are rocking.”

Best local bars and restaurants

Where to party with the locals

The Feeding Tree is widely recommended…. As is Molino Rojo.

The Court Deli – Jewish Delicatessen

Yankee Tavern – The rowdy neighborhood bar

Stan’s Sports Bar –  Where to grab a beer before the game

Billy’s Sports Bar & Restaurant – A three-floor club fan favorite.

The Dugout – “Best bar around Yankee Stadium” 

A complete list of eateries recommended by the Yankees can be found here.

Hotels

Highest rated on Yelp closest to Yankee Stadium

There aren’t many places you would to stay in Bronx, however when you do a search for New York City there are obviously endless options for all price-ranges that are still a close commute to the stadium.

Where to visit nearby

It’s New York City. Tour Manhattan. Not Bronx.

Yankees all-time moment you need to know

Mariano Rivera’s last game at Yankee Stadium.

Locals don’t want to hear…

• Anything in regards to the Red Sox.
• Anything negative surrounding Derek Jeter or Mariano Rivera.
• Anything in regards to the “YMCA” or ‘the wave.’
• You talking on your cell phone.

Don’t wear…

Red, as in the Red Sox.

Numbers To Know

Fans can confidentially text Yankee Stadium at 69900 for questions and/or concerns.

Transportation Tips

Car

From the local CBS affiliate:

“In short, avoid driving to the game at all costs. If you are driving, leave early, very early. If you arrive in the area 45 minutes before game time, you’ll probably miss the first inning. Allow at least 90 minutes to park and get to your seats without having to worry.

Try to avoid the Major Deegan Expressway if possible, but if you find yourself northbound on it, instead of exiting at Exit 4 (East 149th Street, Stadium), drive a little bit further and get off at Exit 5 (West 155th Street, Stadium). As long as you arrive at least 90 minutes early, this exit will save you time”

From the Major Deegan Expressway (Interstate 87) at the following exits:

Northbound I-87: Exit 3 (Grand Concourse and East 138th Street), Exit 4 (East 149th Street) and Exit 5 (East 161st Street)

Southbound I-87: Exit 6 (East 153rd Street and River Avenue) and Exit 5 (East 161st Street)

Parking ranges from $35-$55.

Public Transportation

By Subway: The No. 4 train (East Side) and the D train (Sixth Avenue) make stops at the 161st Street/Yankee Stadium subway stations, located on East 161st Street and River Avenue. B train (Sixth Avenue) service is also available, but only on weekdays. For more information, please visit www.mta.info or call the MTA at 511.

By Train: Metro-North offers train service to the Stadium from anywhere in its service territory. For more information, please visit www.mta.info or call the MTA at 511.

By Bus: Several New York City transit bus lines provide service to the Stadium. The Bx6 and Bx13 buses stop at East 161st Street and River Avenue; the Bx1 and Bx2 buses stop at East 161st Street and the Grand Concourse, a short walk from the Stadium; and the BxM4 stops at the Grand Concourse and East 161st Street (northbound) and East 158th Street (southbound).

For more information – www.mta.info or call the MTA at 511.

Related: Ballpark Survival Guy’d: Busch Stadium

Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports.

Photo Credit: Getty