Subscribe to SI
Give the Gift of SI
Extra MustardSI On CampusFantasyPhoto GalleriesSwimsuitVideoFanNationSI KidsTNT
Posted: Tuesday September 12, 2006 11:18AM; Updated: Tuesday September 12, 2006 12:18PM
Free E-mail AlertsE-mail ThisPrint ThisSave ThisMost PopularRSS Aggregators
New York Yankees
Yankee Stadium
Bronx, N.Y :: Opened: 1923 :: Capacity: 57,545
John Iacono/SI
Average Ticket Price: $28.27
Average Cost of Concessions and Souvenirs: $95.50
How expensive is stadium parking?
• FREE: 9%
• $5-$10: 8%
• $10-$15: 39%
• $15-$20: 26%
• More than $20: 15%

Is public transportation a viable option?
• Never: 6%
• Worth it if you have a lot of time and patience: 15%
• A good option to avoid rush hour: 12%
• Pretty easy if you know the system well: 34%
• The only way to go: 31%

How would you rate traffic getting to and from the game?
To the game:
• A slow-moving parking lot: 20%
• Slow, but usually steady: 37%
• Moves well outside of rush hour: 19%
• Aside from the occasional bottleneck, it's good: 13%
• A smooth ride at all times: 6%

From the game:
• A slow-moving parking lot: 41%
• Slow, but usually steady: 34%
• Moves well outside of rush hour: 8%
• Aside from the occasional bottleneck, it's good: 8%
• A smooth ride at all times: 4%
How would you rate the number of restrooms for men and women?
• Bring a map: 4%
It depends on the section: 16%
• Never more than a short walk away: 26%
• A satisfactory amount: 24%
• Plenty: 15%

How long is the wait to use a bathroom?
• Always available: 28%
• 1-5 minutes: 58%
• 5-10 minutes: 9%
• More than 10 minutes: 3%

How would you rate the variety of food/beer concession options?
• Limp hot dogs, bland peanuts, even blander beer: 12%
• Nothing fancy, but the staple foods are tasty: 24%
• A little variety of food and drinks available at specific locations: 27%
• A nice variety but locations are spread out: 21%
• You name it, they have it around almost every corner: 12%

How much will a meal at the ballpark cost you?
• $5-$10: 4%
• $10-$20: 49%
• $20-$30: 32%
• $30-$40: 6%
• More than $40: 6%

How would you rate the entertainment options aside from the game?
• Nonexistent: 22%
• So many games/promotions and scoreboard highlights that the game is lost in the background: 3%
• Typical mascot antics/scoreboard quizzes and fun music: 19%
• Some unique promotions/antics, but it sometimes distracts from the game: 7%
• A nice balance that draws your attention when the game is stopped but doesn't distract from the action on the field: 46%
For many, Yankee Stadium "speaks for itself," with a history that "permeates" the place and "ghosts that generally show up on cue." Plaques of Yankees greats in Monument Park and an All-Star at almost every position help imbue a sense of pride in the place, too, we'd imagine. Underneath the bravado, though, is a park that can be "very dirty sometimes," where hallways are "narrow and overcrowded," where seats often are "uncomfortable" and where "heated exchanges between fans often lead to children's ears being covered." Yes, the crowds may be "loud and aggressive" but at the same time "electrifying," an apt reflection of New York City. Unfortunately, "extortionary" food and drink prices also seem in line with city life here. Too bad the quality is no better than fast food at best. Our advice: stick with the sausage and peppers, but "the bread could be better." Despite "all of the negatives, it's still one of the best places to see a ball game ... because it's Yankee Stadium."
Hey, did we mention that three subway lines leave you right outside the stadium? "Only go to and from the ballpark; this isn't the type of neighborhood you want to linger in." The street leading into the stadium does have a few, "overpriced" memorabilia shops and Stan's Bar, which is probably best described as a "nice, crappy ballpark dive." Be aware, though, that non-Yankees fans will not be suffered greatly anywhere around here. "When you walk out of the park with all of the singing fans after a victory, the Bronx is a giant party. But when the crowd thins out, run for your life." Did we mention how close the subway is?
2006 record: 85-56 (all statistics through Sept. 10)
Players worth the price of admission: Derek Jeter (.345 Avg., 91 RBIs, 98 runs), Jason Giambi (36 HRs, 106 RBIs, 85 runs), Mariano Rivera (33 saves, 1.90 ERA, 49 Ks).
There's nothing intimate about Yankee Stadium. It's big, it's imperious, it's rough -- and not only around the edges. But in possessing those traits, it couldn't be a better reflection of the city it calls home. And while Yankees fans may know deep down that the park is flawed, the fact that it's still their stadium engenders a kind of loyalty in defending it. Being a perennial playoff participant surely helps gloss over many an inconvenience, but the fans' love of the place stems from more than the standings. It's part of the fabric of the town, much like Fenway is in Boston. The passion with which fans in both cities cheer is personal, and why watching an important game at either generates a buzz you'll never forget.

Search