Where you notice the biggest difference, however, is in the outfield. Where as you used to be able to touch the foul pole in the old upper deck, you are now about 30 feet removed from it. As a result, you lose the cascading effect that made you feel as if a wave of fans was going to crash against the field.

The bleacher section is also very different. Instead of two distinct blue boxes (each compartmentalized) on both sides of the field, you now have two single compartment white sections on either side of the restaurant. Also, the old place had a lot more space beyond the outfield walls, while the new place is much more compact.

Where the new place blows the old one away is in space, access and concessions. The size of the concourses and the amount of entrances make it very easy to enter and walk around the ballpark. What’s more, the open air design allows you to see the field as you traverse the concourse. Not only does that allow you to stay in touch with the game, but there were also several areas where one could stand unmolested and get a great view of the game. I watched an inning from the Field Level concourse behind the plate and the view was excellent…in fact, if my legs could hold up, I could see watching an entire game from the perch. Similar vantage points exist around the field level, so while it definitely seems you will not be able to sneak down to the seats once the game starts, you really have more access to that vantage point than ever before. Finally, although I don’t go to a game for food, those who do will be very happy with the variety.

Clearly, the worst thing about the new place is the centerfield restaurant. It looks as if its addition was an afterthought and it is the only thing that sticks out like a sore thumb. It is basically a big, black box that hovers ominously over Monument Park. Not only does it kind of hide what I think should be more of a centerpiece, but it takes up so much space.

The thing that I loved about the old place was that the outfield seemed as if it had so much going on, probably because all the subsequent alterations had turned it into a hodgepodge. I also really enjoyed seeing the looming court house in the distance as well as the building rooftops and the old Grand Concourse hotel. Now, the Stadium skyline is dominated by the massive diamond vision, which I must admit had amazing clarity. The quality of the screen was so good that it more than makes up for the obstruction.

As for the seating area, the seats and rows are much wider, which is invaluable. Also, the upper tier now only has 13 rows, so the long, steep climb to row W is no more (gone is the amusing sight of seeing someone make it half way up, pause for a rest, and then proceed). The sightlines seem to be great all around, although there is a tradeoff. By moving the upper tiers back (particularly behind the plate and in the wings), the seats are now much further away. On the other hand, 99% of the field is visible, even from the wings, which uses to be so obstructed in the old place that I wouldn’t sit in them. The only worry I had about those seats (I sat there for 2 innings) is that it was a little hard seeing the ball, but I am hoping that was a result of the weather). The best thing about the stands is that they got rid of the annoying walk ways that filtered traffic in front of the upper sections of each level, essentially turning rows 1-2 intro an obstructed section. Of course, that segmentation makes it much easier to restrict access, but anything would be worth getting rid of that nuisance.

Finally, even though I think it looks great and fits in with the team’s colors, the navy blue was a little disconcerting. I really liked that lighter blue that permeated the old place, so it will take getting used to.

On the whole, I think the Yankees did a great job with this place. Aside from some of the quibbles above, I am concerned about the main parking lot built next to Gate 8. There are 5 or 6 levels and the driving lanes are very narrow (if you take a bad angle, you’ll not be able to round the bends). Getting out of there is going to be a nightmare. I would definitely not park there.

As for access, I spoke to a few security guards and they all said that the policy is still a work in progress. Because of the segmentation, it will be easier to restrict access. If the Yankees do go down that path, I think it would be a big mistake. I think too much has been made of the elitist feel of the ballpark because all of the amenities contributing to that argument are really superfluous. However, if the Yankees restrict pre-game access to the field, and by extension the players, it will be a very significant mistake. I am hopeful they’ll see the folly in such a decision.

They weren’t spectacular playing in the field, but it’s very reassuring indeed when the offense puts up seven without the benefit of production from Tex! Yay for Robbie getting the first HR! I had hoped they would get it during the first time through the order against Lilly. I thought Wang settled down nicely and adjusted well without his best stuff. The kids played well, but they couldn’t push anything across late with tons of chances. There was some trouble with wind and fly balls. It will be interesting to see that coupled with the sunlight of a day game! The turfgrass of pure Kentucky Bluegrass was surprisingly full and lush for the weather, but the infield played very dry and fast. Players said the outfield drained very well after all of the earlier rain and that their traction was fine. I’d love to see a cross section of that new field!

I’m looking forward to Burnette and Pettitte going tomorrow against Harden. In fact, I’m looking forward to all the games at their new home!

Oh, and I thought Jorge blocked the plate on Gardner’s great throw!

😉

Good night all.

Every time I’m tempted to subscribe, I find myself thinking, “Is it really worth having to call six times and wait around on hold for half an hour, in order to talk to someone who doesn’t know the Mets from the Yankees?”

But the previous year, I got around the blackout by using Thai or Indian free proxies. I could even watch Saturday afternoon games. The fastest I’ve ever seen MLB.TV is on Saturday afternoons, because most of the country is blacked out.

I’m also kind of glad that Arod isn’t here.