It’s a historic day in New York City, with both teams opening new ballparks to real fans — with the Cubs and the Red Sox in town, to boot. We run down the coverage of the big events from a variety of news sources.It’s a historic day in New York City, with both teams opening new ballparks to real fans — with the Cubs and the Red Sox in town, to boot. We run down the coverage of the big events from a variety of news sources, as everyone and their uncle have previewed the new ballparks.
Nicolai Ouroussoff decries the retro looks of Citi Field and Yankee Stadium, though he admits it’s an appropriate architectural style for New York City and ends up recommending both, with a slight nod to Citi Field. And it is the style made famous by Populous, the designer of both facilities.
Richard Sandomir looks at the long paths both teams took in getting new facilities.
Alan Schwarz looks at how teams have fared after moving into new ballparks. It’s a mixed record, to be sure.
Fans complain about high prices at the ballpark. Tickets are much more expensive, but concession prices are lower. Once they get to the new ballpark, the complaining ceases.
Food at the new ballparks will be more varied than in the past; steak at Yankee Stadium, lobster and haure cuisine at Citi Field. Some food will be cheaper, some more expensive.
CITI FIELD
Mets players look forward to playing new digs; we’re guessing they’re glad to be out of Shea Stadium. They are.
John Jeansonne looks at how the plans for the new ballpark differ from the original 1998 proposal — and how they are the same in many others.
YANKEE STADIUM
During first workout, player scurry to figure out the quirks of the new ballpark.
Team feels spoiled by the new digs. They are.
George Vescey recalls the days when New York City had three ballparks: Yankee Stadium, the Polo Grounds and Ebbets Field — and proudly proclaims all three to be superior to the two new ballparks. Gotta love an old curmudgeon complaing how things not being the same as when he was a kid.
Harvey Araton thinks there are too many amenities at the new Yankee Stadium.
Even Hal Steinbrenner wonders if some of the seats at Yankee Stadium aren’t overpriced. We assume he’s talking solely about the unsold ducats.
New Yankee Stadium has a high level of swagger — or arrogance, according to Ken Davidoff.
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