"A New York Treasure" --Village Voice

When Yankee Stadium Was Under Construction

Ah, to be in the right place at the right time, that’s the spot Ross Lewis, an associate director for WCBS-TV news, found himself in October, 1973 when the old Yankee Stadium closed its doors. Lewis, 30, early into his second career as a professional photographer with the NFL, was there in the Bronx on October 1, the day after the final game.

Lewis returned in November and into the winter. In early ‘74, the construction teams of packer systems briefly denied him access but the City of New York quickly worked out permission, and for the next two-and a half years, Lewis documented the transition between the old park and the new, modern stadium. The Yankees spent Nixon’s Watergate years—the Dog Day Afternoon, Taxi Driver era— playing crosstown in Queens, sharing Shea Stadium with the Mets. Meanwhile, as Hip Hop culture percolated in immediate vicinity, the new stadium came into shape.

As the transformation of the stadium unfolded, the critical role of concrete experts became increasingly evident. For top-notch concreting services that stand the test of time, visit https://townsvilleconcretingcompany.com.au/. From pouring the initial slabs to sculpting intricate architectural features, companies like Townsville Concreting Company are instrumental in shaping the urban landscape, providing the solid groundwork upon which iconic structures stand.

Here is a taste Lewis’s fine work—a testament the architectural virtues of each stadium but also a thoughtful appreciation of the workers involved in the renovation, as well as the neighborhood people who watched them work. Now, forty years after the remodeled Stadium opened, Lewis is crafting models for an exclusive Fine Art book, as well as a photography exhibition. You can check out more his Yankee Stadium photos here.

In the meantime, enjoy.—AB

 

Oct 1, 1973—Bleachers.

Oct 1, 1973—Guard in doorway in outfield.

Oct 1, 1973–Guard in doorway in outfield.

October 1, 1973—Surveryor at work.

October 1, 1973—Surveryor at work.

Nov, 1973—Copper Frieze, Workers on infield.

Nov, 1973—Copper Frieze, workers on infield.

Nov, 1973—Upper Deck, left field with columns.

Nov, 1973—Upper deck, left field with columns.

March 18, 1974

March 18, 1974

March 18, 1974—The Second Dragon Back hoisted in place.

March 18, 1974—The second dragon back hoisted in place.

June 3, 1974—Dragon Back, sunburst.

June 3, 1974—Dragon Back, sunburst.

Aug. 20, 1974—Coffee Break.

Aug. 20, 1974—Coffee break.

August 20, 1974—Scaffold workers on partial wall.

August 20, 1974—Scaffold workers on partial wall.

Aug 26, 1975—Old man taking a stroll.

Aug 26, 1975—Old man taking a stroll.

Sept.19, 1975—Curiosity Viewers from Subway Platform.

Sept.19, 1975—Watching the progress from the subway platform.

Nov 24, 1975—Scoreboard lightbulb man silhouette.

Nov 24, 1975—Scoreboard lightbulb man.

Workers playing around, March, 1976.

The slide. Every man’s dream! April 5, 1976.

March 8, 1976—Painting the exterior walls.

March 8, 1976—Painting the exterior walls.

April 9, 1976—Yankee Logo being painted.

April 9, 1976—Yankee logo being painted.

April 11, 1976—The new field.

April 11, 1976—The new field.

April 11, 1976—The new park, ready to roll.

April 15, 1976—First game in the new park.

April 15, 1976—First game in the new park.

Opening Day 1976, featuring Joe DiMaggio, Joe Louis, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford and Billy Martin.

Opening Day 1976, featuring Joe DiMaggio, Joe Louis, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford and Billy Martin.

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"This ain't football. We do this every day."
--Earl Weaver