Opening day for the new Yankee Stadium is not too far away now; while for eager fans, it may seem like an eternity, Spring 2009 will soon be upon us and fans will be able to see and experience the latest chapter in Yankees history for themselves. While there are some who are of the opinion that with the old stadium an important piece of New York history will be lost; and indeed Yankee Stadium has seen a lot of changes in the South Bronx in the last 86 years, the new stadium promises to be something which fans new and old alike will enjoy. The new $1.3 billion Yankee Stadium will be a worthy addition to the Yankees and to the up and coming South Bronx.
Moving the stadium has been an idea since 1980 when the owner wanted to move the stadium to a safer area. Over the years, the South Bronx had become a dangerous neighborhood. While considerations were discussed and discarded new interest came to the team and by the early 90's attendance and security were up. This did not stop thoughts of a new stadium however; it just determined that the new stadium could remain in the Bronx.
However, the cost of building a new stadium was a challenge. The team's hopes were raised when former Mayor Giuliani proposed city funding for new stadium construction for both of the city's baseball teams. Giuliani's plan included $800 million in construction funds, $390 million to be invested in improved transportation to the stadiums (via the MTA's B,D and 4 train lines to Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and the 7 line to Queen's Shea Stadium). Both teams would also have received $25 million for planning and the Mets another $80,000 of debt forgiveness.
However, current Mayor Michael Bloomberg opted to use the escape clause in these contracts upon taking office. However, the Giuliani administration had allowed a clause in the contract permitting the teams to leave the city should the escape clause be used by the city. Thankfully for New York baseball fans, the city and the teams were able to come to an agreement and planning for the new stadiums in the Bronx and Queens continued.
A lot of care has gone into the design of the new Yankee Stadium. Built of Indiana limestone which will circle the entire facility, the park will look quite a bit like the old stadium did prior to 1974 renovations. A replica of the copper frieze which was present on the former stadium will be featured. While the new park will look much like its predecessor on the outside, the interior will feature a number of new amenities for fans, including two new restaurants which will be open all year.
Whether you are a fan of the new Yankee Stadium or fear that a vital piece of Bronx history will be lost, it can be agreed upon that the new home of the Yankees will be one which preserves the character of the old while offering the comfort of the new. The construction of the first Yankee Stadium was a risk taken by the team; one which paid off for the team and the city - and it looks like history just might repeat itself in the Bronx next spring.
Moving the stadium has been an idea since 1980 when the owner wanted to move the stadium to a safer area. Over the years, the South Bronx had become a dangerous neighborhood. While considerations were discussed and discarded new interest came to the team and by the early 90's attendance and security were up. This did not stop thoughts of a new stadium however; it just determined that the new stadium could remain in the Bronx.
However, the cost of building a new stadium was a challenge. The team's hopes were raised when former Mayor Giuliani proposed city funding for new stadium construction for both of the city's baseball teams. Giuliani's plan included $800 million in construction funds, $390 million to be invested in improved transportation to the stadiums (via the MTA's B,D and 4 train lines to Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and the 7 line to Queen's Shea Stadium). Both teams would also have received $25 million for planning and the Mets another $80,000 of debt forgiveness.
However, current Mayor Michael Bloomberg opted to use the escape clause in these contracts upon taking office. However, the Giuliani administration had allowed a clause in the contract permitting the teams to leave the city should the escape clause be used by the city. Thankfully for New York baseball fans, the city and the teams were able to come to an agreement and planning for the new stadiums in the Bronx and Queens continued.
A lot of care has gone into the design of the new Yankee Stadium. Built of Indiana limestone which will circle the entire facility, the park will look quite a bit like the old stadium did prior to 1974 renovations. A replica of the copper frieze which was present on the former stadium will be featured. While the new park will look much like its predecessor on the outside, the interior will feature a number of new amenities for fans, including two new restaurants which will be open all year.
Whether you are a fan of the new Yankee Stadium or fear that a vital piece of Bronx history will be lost, it can be agreed upon that the new home of the Yankees will be one which preserves the character of the old while offering the comfort of the new. The construction of the first Yankee Stadium was a risk taken by the team; one which paid off for the team and the city - and it looks like history just might repeat itself in the Bronx next spring.
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