Hello Mets fans. If the Subway Series will be your first trip to the Bronx, we’ve been there a few times so we’re here to help you out.
This is the “Great Hall” which is Bronxese for “Rotunda.”
Here at the hall you will see that the Yankees have honored more former Mets (Willie Randolph and Yogi Berra) than the Wilpons have.
Even if you park ($19 and you definitely want to do the pre-paid parking because the Yankees have an annoying system – read here) you should walk around and enter through Gate 4 or 6. Don’t come in through Gate 8 or you will feel like you are in the subway.
In the Great Hall you will see the Hard Rock. I haven’t been in there yet, and while everyone else is standing around here or heading to the new Monument Park, I suggest you head to whatever the second level is called and find the Yankees Museum (click for review) which also formers former Mets including Lee Mazzilli.
By now you’re thinking that the place is awesome, but that’s because I sent you to the two best things. If you have some time, when you walk out of the museum walk straight toward the field and find this guy (pictured on left). He sells old baseball cards and old yearbooks. A cool place we’ll get into more tomorrow.
As you explore the stadium you will find many areas that look like this. You probably think I took this in some subway station or sub-basement of some government building. Nope, this is what all the ramps look like. If I remember correctly this is one of the connections from the bleachers to the main parts.
Since you are likely a Mets fan and not rich you won’t be sitting in $1000 seats. so you’re probably in the uppers or the bleachers. This view on the left is from the bleachers. I think these are some of the best seats you can get.
However, make sure your seats aren’t too close to center field or you won’t be able to see half the field. Unfortunately Yankee Stadium (like Citi Field) has lots of obstructed views.
While you’re hanging out in the Bleachers don’t forget to get a $7 Johnny Rocket’s shake. I think it’s the best bang for your buck since you’ll be quenched and full. More about food choices tomorrow.
If you get lost, look for this nice lady. The Yankees have plenty of folks like this around to help you.
Finally you will make your way to your seats in the uppers.
Here’s my original review from back in April, where I called the place “The Phantom Menace” (you know, the thing that doesn’t live up to the hype but you just can’t admit it to yourself at first.)
Plenty of more pics and links throughout the week. Remember that it won’t be easy to get autographs.
Make sure you come back and tell your Yankees friends to say hi.
For more about the Stadium you will want to check out New Stadium Insider
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I made a point on my blog a week or so ago that it should be real interesting to hear the take of a mass number of Mets fans visiting Yankee Stadium III and then a mass number of Yankees fans visiting the former Shea Stadium parking lot, given how each side has complaints on their OWN stadiums.