New Yankee Stadium Guide
The New Yankee Stadium is a celebration of extravagance. The prices reflect that. You may remember the somewhat humiliating press coverage of the Legend’s Suite ticket prices that had to be cut in half due to the fact that nobody was buying them. At over $2,000 each, I can’t blame them.
There are ways to find good value at The New Cathedral, and we will look into some of those ways.
Fun Fact: If you want to watch the players drive into the stadium, the gate for this is about where right/center field would be, near the Family Dollar store. You'll probably see a small crowd and a couple of barricades in place. No autographs here, but it is cool to see what the guys are driving these days. Plan to get their a couple hours early.
There are ways to find good value at The New Cathedral, and we will look into some of those ways.
Fun Fact: If you want to watch the players drive into the stadium, the gate for this is about where right/center field would be, near the Family Dollar store. You'll probably see a small crowd and a couple of barricades in place. No autographs here, but it is cool to see what the guys are driving these days. Plan to get their a couple hours early.
yankee stadium parking
There is plenty of free parking by New Yankee Stadium, but the bad part is it is all reserved for VIP guests, the Mayor, and other public officials. 660 spots in total, but if you aren’t a VIP you don’t need to worry about it. There is a way for average schleps to reserve parking as well, via Park Whiz. This won't necessarily save you money, but provides some peace of mind that you know exactly where you are headed to park. The spaces available vary by game, so certainly you may well be able to to find more affordable parking this way. I would at least try Park Whiz first.
Click on the game below that you plan to attend to see the parking spots available:
Click on the game below that you plan to attend to see the parking spots available:
Free parking around the New Yankee Stadium is not so clear cut. I have had locals tell me that they never pay to park, because they arrive early and park in the South Bronx. He swears that he has done this since the 60’s and cops are everywhere and he has not had one safety issue. In my time at Yankee Stadium, (I am not a local), I didn’t feel too comfortable when I got turned around in the Bronx. If you are from the area, you may want to give it a shot, but I can’t explicitly recommend a specific spot. That rhymed. People drive like a lawless herd, which I found intimidating, but generally speaking you need to be able to parallel park exceptionally well to even attempt a search for free street parking in the Bronx.
In order to pay for the new stadium, the Yankees have jacked up ticket and parking prices. Official parking is running about $35 now, which is up from $18 in the final season at old Yankee Stadium. I have a feeling these rates aren’t going to be reduced anytime soon. As far as quantity, there is help on the way. The Yankees are adding a couple of more official lots just south of the stadium.
If you don’t go to many Yanks games, you want to be sure and allow yourself plenty of time to get to the ballpark. I would recommend arriving at least an hour early so you can check stuff out like the new concourse inside New Yankee Stadium. There is also a cool museum and other stuff to check out, but the moral of the story is parking and traffic are almost always a hassle, so plan ahead.
It is no secret that the recommended method of transportation to New Yankee Stadium is the subway system. You get dropped off just a stone’s throw from the stadium, and you don’t have to sit in traffic. You will still be in a claustrophobic environment as people are usually packed and stacked before and after the game in the train. If you can handle this, it is usually a more cost effective option if you are going to the game in a small group or alone. You are going to pay about $2.25 per person, each way. If you live or stay near a station, this is almost always a better option.
In order to pay for the new stadium, the Yankees have jacked up ticket and parking prices. Official parking is running about $35 now, which is up from $18 in the final season at old Yankee Stadium. I have a feeling these rates aren’t going to be reduced anytime soon. As far as quantity, there is help on the way. The Yankees are adding a couple of more official lots just south of the stadium.
If you don’t go to many Yanks games, you want to be sure and allow yourself plenty of time to get to the ballpark. I would recommend arriving at least an hour early so you can check stuff out like the new concourse inside New Yankee Stadium. There is also a cool museum and other stuff to check out, but the moral of the story is parking and traffic are almost always a hassle, so plan ahead.
It is no secret that the recommended method of transportation to New Yankee Stadium is the subway system. You get dropped off just a stone’s throw from the stadium, and you don’t have to sit in traffic. You will still be in a claustrophobic environment as people are usually packed and stacked before and after the game in the train. If you can handle this, it is usually a more cost effective option if you are going to the game in a small group or alone. You are going to pay about $2.25 per person, each way. If you live or stay near a station, this is almost always a better option.
Tickets
I mentioned earlier that the Yankees had to bite the bullet and cut some of their premium seating prices in half to try to get butts in the seats. The biggest difference in seating from “The Cathedral” and the New Yankee Stadium is the huge amount of luxury and premium seating areas. Many have criticized the Yankees for making it almost impossible for average people to be able to attend a game. I will show you that you can still find good value tickets at a Yankees game, but it definitely has crept up the ladder of the most expensive ballparks.
I give the Yankees credit for not doing the ever popular tiered pricing structure for ticket prices. Most teams charge more based on the opponent, but the Yankees have a game day price and an advanced price. I guess one could argue that the Yankees just price every game like a “premium” game.
If you are looking to splurge and get premium seating, you may find a deal on Score Big. One thing is for sure, you will pay below face value for the tickets, but it may still be relatively expensive. I'll talk more about that site later.
If you are buying last minute, check Stubhub. They have a print at home option, so if you are at lunch on the day of a game take a look to see if prices are falling. Many times that is the case, as sellers are encouraged to set a minimum price and Stubhub will automatically move their price down as the event draws closer. Usually, you want to wait until the last minute when buying this way.
I give the Yankees credit for not doing the ever popular tiered pricing structure for ticket prices. Most teams charge more based on the opponent, but the Yankees have a game day price and an advanced price. I guess one could argue that the Yankees just price every game like a “premium” game.
If you are looking to splurge and get premium seating, you may find a deal on Score Big. One thing is for sure, you will pay below face value for the tickets, but it may still be relatively expensive. I'll talk more about that site later.
If you are buying last minute, check Stubhub. They have a print at home option, so if you are at lunch on the day of a game take a look to see if prices are falling. Many times that is the case, as sellers are encouraged to set a minimum price and Stubhub will automatically move their price down as the event draws closer. Usually, you want to wait until the last minute when buying this way.
Another great place to buy tickets is from Score Big. Let's face it, most ticket broker sites are the same but this one is actually different. It is kind of like the Priceline of sports tickets. Essentially you can search events in your area, and make an offer on tickets and get an instant answer on whether your bid is accepted.
Here are a couple of screenshots of how it works. You can select a quantity, and then it gives you different tiers. It gives you an approximate discount percentage, and shows on the seat map which sections your tickets could possibly be in.
Next you enter in a price, again it gives you an idea how how likely that is to be accepted. I made the comparison to Priceline, and it is true, you have to put in payment details prior to making an official offer. But if you are going to the game, what a great way to save money on tickets!
Here are dates that have discounted tickets:
Here are a couple of screenshots of how it works. You can select a quantity, and then it gives you different tiers. It gives you an approximate discount percentage, and shows on the seat map which sections your tickets could possibly be in.
Next you enter in a price, again it gives you an idea how how likely that is to be accepted. I made the comparison to Priceline, and it is true, you have to put in payment details prior to making an official offer. But if you are going to the game, what a great way to save money on tickets!
Here are dates that have discounted tickets:
Planning ahead is a good idea no matter what ballpark you are visiting. I would contend that those who find great value in tickets always are those who did plan ahead. The New Yankee Stadium is another great example of this.
The team offers specials such as $5 ticket nights, family nights, and bargain Tuesdays. The really cool thing about these is you are able to get the deal when you walk up to the window on game day, or buy ahead. Visit the ticket specials page for the current packages, but at the time of my writing this, you can save some serious money off the face value. If you just want to get out to the stadium and you are flexible with the date – this is a phenomenal way to save money at the New Yankee Stadium.
Here is something else you can do to stretch your dollar. You may have been given tickets from a friend, or found a good deal on them somewhere else. The Yankees allow you to trade up and trade down on the day of the game at the official ticket window. So if you have 4 tickets with a face value of $48 a piece, you could downgrade them for $29 seats in the grand stand, and the Yankees will give you “Bomber Bucks” to spend in the stadium. You may not like that idea, but for a family of 4 that would be about $100 to spend in the stadium and you can still have a great view of the game. So you can feed the family and grab some souvenirs without spending any additional money.
best value sections
The bleachers are still the clear winner when we look at ticket prices alone. You have a decent view of the action, especially from right field where you are closer to the wall. If you are going bleachers, go right field. The downside to the bleachers used to be (in the old stadium) that you were disconnected from the rest of the stadium. In the "new" Yankee Stadium that is no longer the case and you can explore the rest of the ballpark. However, for about $15 each it’s really not bad. You also get to participate in a Yankee tradition that starts in the RF bleachers known as “role call”. Basically the fans chant every players name in the top of the first until they wave to the people in right.
The next best value in my opinion are the Grandstand seats behind home plate. In sections 420 A, B, and C you have an incredible view for about $29 a piece. You will want to sit in the first 5 rows of the upper deck if possible, and if you have to sit in higher rows you need to avoid the aisle seat. The layout of the stairway is such to where people will be walking up the aisle in your sight line all game long. I wrote an article here that you may want to use as a guide for picking the right seats in these sections.
The next step up from the $29 tickets is the $48 terrace seats, which have a worse view than the upper deck seats behind the plate. I think the next jump worth it’s while is the $100 main seating down the lines on the first level. Main section 226 puts you almost even with the 3rd base bag, and you are sitting right behind a group of folks who paid $250 each for their tickets. I would either go “cheap” or step it up to something similar to those for your best value at Yankee Stadium.
There can also be value in premium seating, like the Jim Beam Suites. You have to find the right deal though, and here is my post on how.
The team offers specials such as $5 ticket nights, family nights, and bargain Tuesdays. The really cool thing about these is you are able to get the deal when you walk up to the window on game day, or buy ahead. Visit the ticket specials page for the current packages, but at the time of my writing this, you can save some serious money off the face value. If you just want to get out to the stadium and you are flexible with the date – this is a phenomenal way to save money at the New Yankee Stadium.
Here is something else you can do to stretch your dollar. You may have been given tickets from a friend, or found a good deal on them somewhere else. The Yankees allow you to trade up and trade down on the day of the game at the official ticket window. So if you have 4 tickets with a face value of $48 a piece, you could downgrade them for $29 seats in the grand stand, and the Yankees will give you “Bomber Bucks” to spend in the stadium. You may not like that idea, but for a family of 4 that would be about $100 to spend in the stadium and you can still have a great view of the game. So you can feed the family and grab some souvenirs without spending any additional money.
best value sections
The bleachers are still the clear winner when we look at ticket prices alone. You have a decent view of the action, especially from right field where you are closer to the wall. If you are going bleachers, go right field. The downside to the bleachers used to be (in the old stadium) that you were disconnected from the rest of the stadium. In the "new" Yankee Stadium that is no longer the case and you can explore the rest of the ballpark. However, for about $15 each it’s really not bad. You also get to participate in a Yankee tradition that starts in the RF bleachers known as “role call”. Basically the fans chant every players name in the top of the first until they wave to the people in right.
The next best value in my opinion are the Grandstand seats behind home plate. In sections 420 A, B, and C you have an incredible view for about $29 a piece. You will want to sit in the first 5 rows of the upper deck if possible, and if you have to sit in higher rows you need to avoid the aisle seat. The layout of the stairway is such to where people will be walking up the aisle in your sight line all game long. I wrote an article here that you may want to use as a guide for picking the right seats in these sections.
The next step up from the $29 tickets is the $48 terrace seats, which have a worse view than the upper deck seats behind the plate. I think the next jump worth it’s while is the $100 main seating down the lines on the first level. Main section 226 puts you almost even with the 3rd base bag, and you are sitting right behind a group of folks who paid $250 each for their tickets. I would either go “cheap” or step it up to something similar to those for your best value at Yankee Stadium.
There can also be value in premium seating, like the Jim Beam Suites. You have to find the right deal though, and here is my post on how.
food at yankee stadium
The Yankees are a little more strict than other teams with what you can bring into the New Yankee Stadium. You can take in food, but it has to be in a clear plastic bag. This can be snacks or real food, but you can’t bring it in a cooler like many other stadiums. The concession prices are outrageous, so this is a great way to save money when going to the New Yankee Stadium. You can also take in sealed bottles of water, which you could bring from home or pick up at some of the surrounding convenience stores in the area.
Another option that I consistently recommend is Restaurant.com Here you can buy $25 gift certificates to local restaurants for $10. You can also do a google search for "Restaurant.com coupon codes" and almost always get an extra 60 - 80% off that. I often buy these $25 certificates for $2. That is the best way to eat a decent meal before or after the game and save a chunk of change. When you follow the link, just type in the zip code of Yankee Stadium (10451) to see what restaurants are nearby.
There are several sports bars outside of Yankee Stadium, and you can pick up food and drink there before or after the game for less than you pay in the ballpark. Stan’s Sports Bar is arguably the most famous bar outside of the stadium, so if you are coming from out of town that may be a good place to start.
You will also see a number of street vendors selling hot dogs and other like items outside the ballpark. Specifically out near right field, by the Hard Rock Cafe there are usually a few food stands. Typically you are going to get much better value here than in the stadium, and you will also find a McDonalds across the street from Yankee Stadium if the kids need to eat cheap.
I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the need to splurge for a Nathan’s hot dog inside the New Yankee Stadium. It is expensive, but oh it tastes so wonderful. For only a little more (around $7) you can get the foot long hot dog which is more than enough for 1 person! Another nice option is the Carl's Cheesesteak in the ballpark. This is a little over $10, but comes from a local business and is quite tasty. In the realm of ballpark prices, 10 or 11 dollars for a philly cheesesteak isn't too bad. These are located in a couple of locations, so just ask. Another potential value for a family is the $20 bucket. At some of the general stands they sell a bucket of chicken strips and fries for $20. If you pay with a Mastercard it also includes a soda. Allegedly this includes 8 pieces of chicken, but for us that was more like 12. While not the healthiest choice, this can go a long way to split with parents and children.
Another option that I consistently recommend is Restaurant.com Here you can buy $25 gift certificates to local restaurants for $10. You can also do a google search for "Restaurant.com coupon codes" and almost always get an extra 60 - 80% off that. I often buy these $25 certificates for $2. That is the best way to eat a decent meal before or after the game and save a chunk of change. When you follow the link, just type in the zip code of Yankee Stadium (10451) to see what restaurants are nearby.
There are several sports bars outside of Yankee Stadium, and you can pick up food and drink there before or after the game for less than you pay in the ballpark. Stan’s Sports Bar is arguably the most famous bar outside of the stadium, so if you are coming from out of town that may be a good place to start.
You will also see a number of street vendors selling hot dogs and other like items outside the ballpark. Specifically out near right field, by the Hard Rock Cafe there are usually a few food stands. Typically you are going to get much better value here than in the stadium, and you will also find a McDonalds across the street from Yankee Stadium if the kids need to eat cheap.
I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the need to splurge for a Nathan’s hot dog inside the New Yankee Stadium. It is expensive, but oh it tastes so wonderful. For only a little more (around $7) you can get the foot long hot dog which is more than enough for 1 person! Another nice option is the Carl's Cheesesteak in the ballpark. This is a little over $10, but comes from a local business and is quite tasty. In the realm of ballpark prices, 10 or 11 dollars for a philly cheesesteak isn't too bad. These are located in a couple of locations, so just ask. Another potential value for a family is the $20 bucket. At some of the general stands they sell a bucket of chicken strips and fries for $20. If you pay with a Mastercard it also includes a soda. Allegedly this includes 8 pieces of chicken, but for us that was more like 12. While not the healthiest choice, this can go a long way to split with parents and children.