History of Yankee Stadium in Timeline

Yankee Stadium, situated in the Bronx, New York City, is a prominent baseball stadium serving as the home field for both the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball and New York City FC of Major League Soccer. As a landmark, it is the current home to the baseball team and one of the iconic baseball locations in the country. It is a major sporting venue in New York City.

1923: Babe Ruth's Bat Placed on Home Plate

Before the Yankees went to bat for the first time on April 16, 2009, the bat that Babe Ruth used to hit his first home run at the old Yankee Stadium in 1923 was placed momentarily on home plate.

1923: Original Yankee Stadium Design

In 1923, the new stadium is meant to evoke elements of the original Yankee Stadium.

1948: Jimmy Fund Started

In 1948, the Jimmy Fund, a charity championed by the Boston Red Sox, was started by the Boston Braves.

1956: Don Larsen's Perfect Game

In 1956, Don Larsen pitched a perfect game in the World Series, commemorated in the New York Yankees Museum.

1969: Last Meeting in the Bronx Between Notre Dame and Army

In 1969, before the game in 2010, was the last time Notre Dame and Army faced each other in the Bronx.

1974: Frieze Removed During Renovations

During the 1974 renovations, the copper frieze was torn down from the original Yankee Stadium.

1976: Original Yankee Stadium Post-Renovation Design

In 1976, the new stadium is meant to evoke elements of the original Yankee Stadium post-renovation state.

1976: Previous Boxing Match in The Bronx

Prior to the Foreman vs. Cotto fight, the last boxing match in The Bronx took place in 1976.

1976: Yankees Appear in World Series

The Yankees appeared in the 1976 World Series after the refurbishment of the original Yankee Stadium, losing to the Big Red Machine in a four-game sweep.

1984: New Jersey Land Authorized for Stadium

In 1984, New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean authorized the use of land in the Meadowlands for a new baseball stadium.

1987: Public Financing Rejected in New Jersey

In 1987, New Jersey taxpayers rejected $185 million in public financing for a baseball stadium for the Yankees.

1988: Mayor Koch's Renovation Agreement

In 1988, Mayor Ed Koch agreed to spend $90 million on a second renovation of Yankee Stadium, including luxury boxes, restaurants, parking garages, and traffic improvements.

1988: Original Yankee Stadium Dimensions Mimicked

In 1988, the interior of the new Yankee Stadium featured a playing field that closely mimics the dimensions of the old stadium.

1993: Mayor Dinkins' Bronx Center Vision

In 1993, Mayor David Dinkins expanded on Koch's proposal with his Bronx Center vision, including new housing, a new courthouse, and relocating the Police Academy.

1993: Cuomo's West Side Yard Proposal

In 1993, New York Governor Mario Cuomo proposed using the West Side Yard as the location for a new stadium for the Yankees.

1994: Pataki Elected, Proposal Killed

In 1994, George Pataki won the New York gubernatorial election, effectively killing Cuomo's stadium proposal.

1995: Steinbrenner Rejects 13 Proposals

By 1995, Steinbrenner had rejected 13 proposals to keep the Yankees in the Bronx.

1998: Ferrer's Yankee Village Proposal

In 1998, Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer proposed spending $600 million in public money to add luxury boxes, improve transportation, and create a Yankee Village.

1999: Home Run Pace

Early in its first season, Yankee Stadium was on pace to break Coors Field's 1999 single-season record of 303 home runs allowed.

2000: Home Run Record Comparison

In its inaugural season, Yankee Stadium gained a reputation as a "bandbox" due to the high volume of home runs. Through the first 23 games, 87 home runs were recorded, surpassing Enron Field's previous record set in 2000.

December 2001: West Side Stadium Plan Resurfaces

In December 2001, the West Side Stadium plan resurfaced.

January 1, 2002: Giuliani's Stadium Agreements

On January 1, 2002, Mayor Rudy Giuliani announced tentative agreements for new stadiums for both the Yankees and Mets.

January 2002: Giuliani Announces Stadium Plans

In January 2002, Mayor Rudy Giuliani announced "tentative agreements" for both the New York Yankees and New York Mets to build new stadiums before departing the mayor's office.

2003: Last No-Hitter at Original Yankee Stadium

The Astros were also the last team to no-hit the Yankees at the original Yankee Stadium in 2003.

2004: ALCS Program/Scorecard Buried

During construction, a worker claimed to have buried a 2004 American League Championship Series program/scorecard to hex the Yankees.

2004: Bloomberg's Stadium Blueprint Unveiled

In 2004, Michael Bloomberg's blueprint for the new stadium was unveiled, along with the plan for Citi Field.

2005: Previous Home Run Record

In 2009, the new stadium surpassed the previous home run record of 215 set at the original Yankee Stadium in 2005.

August 16, 2006: Groundbreaking Ceremony

On August 16, 2006, groundbreaking ceremonies for the new stadium took place, marking the start of construction.

2006: Cardinals Win World Series at Busch Stadium

The St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series at Busch Stadium in 2006, similar to how the Yankees won the World Series at Yankee Stadium in its first season.

October 9, 2007: New Parking Garage Project Approved

On October 9, 2007, the New York City Industrial Development Agency approved $225 million in tax-exempt bonds to finance the construction of three new parking garages with 3,600 new parking spaces, along with the renovation of 5,569 existing spaces near Yankee Stadium.

November 10, 2008: Monument Park Transfer Begins

On November 10, 2008, the transfer of Monument Park from the old stadium to the new stadium began.

2008: Brett Gardner's Yankee Debut

Brett Gardner, a Yankee since 2008, stated that one game in 2017 was about as loud as it gets.

2008: Cliff Lee Wins Cy Young Award

In 2008, Cliff Lee won the Cy Young Award. He would later be the winning pitcher in the first regular season game at the new Yankee Stadium.

2008: Original Yankee Stadium Dimensions Mimicked

In 2008, the interior of the new Yankee Stadium featured a playing field that closely mimics the dimensions of the old stadium.

February 23, 2009: First Monuments Placed

On February 23, 2009, the first monuments were put in place in the new Monument Park.

March 30, 2009: Hard Rock Cafe Opens

The Hard Rock Cafe at Yankee Stadium officially opened on March 30, 2009.

April 2, 2009: Hard Rock Cafe Opening Ceremony

On April 2, 2009, an opening ceremony took place at the Hard Rock Cafe at Yankee Stadium.

April 2009: Stadium Opening

In April 2009, the new Yankee Stadium opened, replacing the original stadium that operated from 1923 to 2008. It is located one block north of the original stadium's site.

April 16, 2009: Regular Season Opening Day

On April 16, 2009, the Yankees lost the first regular-season game at the new stadium to the Cleveland Indians and 2008 Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee by a score of 10–2. Jorge Posada hit the first Yankee home run in the new ballpark off of Lee. Grady Sizemore of the Indians hit the first grand slam at the stadium.

April 25, 2009: "Historic Night of Hope" Prayer Service

On the evening of Saturday, April 25, 2009, the first non-baseball event at the current version of Yankee Stadium took place. Senior Pastor Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church held a Christian prayer service dubbed a "Historic Night of Hope".

May 4, 2009: Rain Delay Incident

On May 4, 2009, during a game interrupted by a rain delay, Yankee Stadium staff incorrectly told fans the game was unlikely to resume. Many fans left, and were then denied re-entry per stadium policy, leading to arguments. In response, staff members were required to sign a gag order, with promises to improve rain delay communication.

May 13, 2009: NYU Graduation Ceremony with Hillary Clinton

On May 13, 2009, a New York University graduation ceremony took place at Yankee Stadium, with the address delivered by U.S. Secretary of State and former New York Senator Hillary Clinton.

May 2009: High Home Run Rate Criticized

The prolific home run rate of April and May 2009 drew criticism, but did not sustain itself over any season.

May 23, 2009: Yankees-East 153rd Street Station Opens

On May 23, 2009, the Yankees – East 153rd Street station of the Metro-North Railroad opened, providing train service to Yankee Stadium.

June 2009: AccuWeather Study on Home Runs

In June 2009, an AccuWeather study concluded that the shape and height of the right field wall, rather than the wind, was responsible for the high number of home runs at Yankee Stadium. The analysis found that about 20% of the home runs would not have occurred at the old ballpark due to the new stadium's wall design.

July 2, 2009: First Home Run off Mohegan Sun Restaurant

On July 2, 2009, Russell Branyan of the Seattle Mariners became the first player to hit a home run off of the Mohegan Sun Restaurant in center field at Yankee Stadium.

September 10, 2009: Manny Pacquiao–Miguel Cotto Promotional Tour

On September 10, 2009, the promotional tour for the Manny Pacquiao–Miguel Cotto fight began with an event at Yankee Stadium.

October 28, 2009: First World Series Game

On October 28, 2009, the first World Series game at the new Yankee Stadium was played, resulting in a 6–1 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. Cliff Lee, who had won the first regular-season game at the venue, was the winning pitcher for the Phillies in Game 1.

November 4, 2009: Yankees Win 27th World Series Championship

On November 4, 2009, the Yankees defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 7–3 in Game 6, winning their 27th World Series championship. Yankee Stadium became the latest stadium to host a World Series-clinching victory by its home team in its first season.

2009: Derek Jeter's All-Time Hits Record

In 2009, Derek Jeter became the Yankees' all-time hits leader with his 2,722nd hit, surpassing Lou Gehrig's 72-year record.

2009: High Ticket Prices Controversy

In 2009, Yankee Stadium faced criticism for high ticket prices, especially for the Legends Suite seats.

2009: 2009 World Series Hosted

In 2009, Yankee Stadium hosted the World Series.

2009: Yankees Win World Series

In 2009, the Yankees won the World Series at the end of their first MLB season in the new stadium.

2009: Home Run Record Set

In 2009, the new Yankee Stadium set a new single-season record for most home runs hit at a Yankee home ballpark during the Yankees' 73rd home game when Vladimir Guerrero of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hit the 216th home run of the season. The Yankees offense had employed many home run hitters in 2009.

May 15, 2010: Decreased Home Run Rate

Through May 15, 2010, the rate of home runs at Yankee Stadium decreased, with 35 home runs hit in 14 games, averaging 2.5 per game.

June 5, 2010: Yuri Foreman vs. Miguel Cotto Boxing Match

On June 5, 2010, Yuri Foreman fought Miguel Cotto in the first boxing match in The Bronx since 1976, referred to as the "Stadium Slugfest." Cotto defeated Foreman with a TKO in the ninth round, capturing the WBA super welterweight title.

November 20, 2010: Notre Dame vs. Army Football Game

On November 20, 2010, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated The Army Black Knights 27–3 in a college football game at Yankee Stadium, marking their first meeting in the Bronx since 1969.

December 30, 2010: Inaugural Pinstripe Bowl

On December 30, 2010, Yankee Stadium hosted the inaugural Pinstripe Bowl, a college football bowl game. Syracuse defeated Kansas State 36–34, with an attendance of 38,274.

2010: Alec Baldwin at NYU Graduation

In 2010, the New York University graduation ceremony featured alumnus Alec Baldwin as a speaker at Yankee Stadium.

October 6, 2011: First Postseason Elimination

On October 6, 2011, the Detroit Tigers defeated the Yankees 3–2 in Game 5 of the ALDS, becoming the first team to eliminate the Yankees at the new stadium in the postseason.

2011: Army vs. Rutgers Football Game

In 2011, Army played Rutgers at Yankee Stadium, with Rutgers defeating Army 27–12.

2011: Bill Clinton at NYU Graduation

In 2011, President Bill Clinton spoke at the New York University graduation ceremony held at Yankee Stadium.

2011: Yankee Stadium Home to PSAL Football Championship

In 2011, Yankee Stadium became home to the PSAL Football City Conference Championship.

2011: Significant Milestones Achieved

In 2011, three significant milestones were achieved at Yankee Stadium. Derek Jeter joined the 3,000 hit club, the Yankees hit three grand slams in a single game, and Mariano Rivera became the all-time leader in regular season saves with his 602nd save.

2011: Yankees Lead in Home Runs

Through the first two months of the 2011 season, the Yankees hit far more homers than any other team in the majors, although Yankee Stadium was not the top home run park.

July 22, 2012: Chelsea vs. Paris Saint-Germain Soccer Match

On July 22, 2012, Yankee Stadium hosted its first soccer match as part of the 2012 World Football Challenge, featuring Chelsea against Paris Saint-Germain. The match ended in a 1–1 tie, with an attendance of 38,202.

August 8, 2012: A.C. Milan vs. Real Madrid Soccer Match

On August 8, 2012, Yankee Stadium hosted a soccer match between A.C. Milan and Real Madrid. Real Madrid won the game 5–1, with an attendance of 49,474.

2012: Criticism of Fan Atmosphere

In 2012, Yankee Stadium was criticized for its lack of fan noise compared to the old stadium. During a Sunday Night Baseball telecast, Terry Francona noted a difference in atmosphere, and Quintin Berry of the Detroit Tigers contrasted it with the rowdier fans in Oakland. Games at the new stadium do not feature the same deafening crowd moments and often sound eerily silent.

May 25, 2013: Chelsea vs. Manchester City Soccer Match

On May 25, 2013, Chelsea played against Manchester City at Yankee Stadium, resulting in a 5–3 victory for Manchester City.

June 11, 2013: Spain vs. Republic of Ireland Friendly Match

On June 11, 2013, Yankee Stadium hosted a friendly soccer match between Spain and the Republic of Ireland, with Spain winning 2–0.

January 26, 2014: NHL Stadium Series: Devils vs. Rangers

On January 26, 2014, Yankee Stadium hosted an NHL Stadium Series game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers. This was the first outdoor game for the Devils.

January 29, 2014: NHL Stadium Series: Islanders vs. Rangers

On January 29, 2014, Yankee Stadium hosted an NHL Stadium Series game between the New York Islanders and the New York Rangers. This marked the first outdoor game for the Islanders.

April 21, 2014: New York City FC to Play at Yankee Stadium

On April 21, 2014, it was announced that New York City FC, a Major League Soccer expansion team, would play its home games at Yankee Stadium starting in 2015 until the completion of Etihad Park in 2027.

September 2014: Derek Jeter's Sentiments on the Old Stadium

In September 2014, Derek Jeter expressed that he missed the original Yankee Stadium's atmosphere, noting the new stadium's many suites and places for fans to go, leading to a less intimidating and sometimes emptier feel compared to the old stadium.

November 22, 2014: Lehigh vs. Lafayette Football Game

On November 22, 2014, Lehigh and Lafayette played the 150th edition of their college football rivalry game at Yankee Stadium, with Lafayette winning 27–7 in front of a sold-out stadium.

2014: Yankee Stadium Home of High School Championships

In 2014, Yankee Stadium became the home of the Double A and Triple A New York City High School Public School Athletic League Championship.

March 15, 2015: NYCFC First Game at Yankee Stadium

On March 15, 2015, New York City FC played their first game at Yankee Stadium.

2015: New York City FC Home Field

In 2015, Yankee Stadium became the home field of the MLS expansion team New York City FC.

March 11, 2016: NYCFC Matches Subject to Ticket Policy

On March 11, 2016, New York City FC announced that its matches at Yankee Stadium would also be subject to the policy restricting printed electronic tickets.

March 13, 2016: Problems with Printed Tickets at NYCFC Home Opener

At New York City FC's home opener on March 13, 2016, reports indicated that fans with printed tickets were turned away, leading to long queue lines and sparse attendance, despite the team claiming mobile ticketing would be phased in gradually.

April 3, 2016: Last Week Tonight Segment on Yankee Stadium Ticket Policy

On April 3, 2016, an episode of the HBO series "Last Week Tonight" featured host John Oliver criticizing the Yankee Stadium ticket policy and its rationale, which led to a contest where viewers dressed as if they had "never sat in a premium location before" could win Legends Seats for 25 cents.

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April 20, 2016: First Starting Pitcher to Bat

On April 20, 2016, the Oakland Athletics' Kendall Graveman became the first starting pitcher to bat at Yankee Stadium.

June 27, 2016: Yankees Partner with StubHub

On June 27, 2016, the Yankees announced a deal with StubHub to become its official ticket resale partner beginning on July 7, 2016, allowing season ticket holders to sell electronic tickets. The service would still be subject to a price flooring policy.

July 7, 2016: StubHub becomes Yankees' official ticket resale partner

On July 7, 2016, StubHub officially became the Yankees' new ticket resale partner.

November 12, 2016: Fordham University vs. Holy Cross Football Game

On November 12, 2016, Fordham University beat Holy Cross 54–14 in the 53rd meeting of the Ram–Crusader Cup at Yankee Stadium.

2016: Yankees and NYCFC Stop Accepting Printed Electronic Tickets

Effective in 2016, printed electronic tickets are no longer accepted at New York Yankees and New York City FC matches at Yankee Stadium, with only traditional hard-stock tickets and those issued via a mobile ticketing system being accepted. This decision was justified as a measure to combat fraud.

2016: Bleacher View Obstructions

In 2016, the indoor club seating area in center field obstructed views from bleacher seats in sections 201 and 239, disappointing many fans.

November 4, 2017: Rutgers vs. Maryland Game Moved

On November 4, 2017, a game between Rutgers and Maryland, originally scheduled to be played at Yankee Stadium, was moved back to Rutgers' home stadium due to potential conflicts with the Yankees' postseason.

2017: Terrace Installation

During the 2016-2017 off-season, the obstructed sections 201 and 239 were removed and replaced with outdoor bars and patios called Franks Red Hot Terrace in left center and Toyota Terrace in right center. These new areas, completed in 2017, include standing terraces accessible to all ticket holders, drastically reducing the number of obstructed views from center field.

2017: Improved Atmosphere During ALCS

Starting in 2017, the atmosphere at the new Yankee Stadium improved, particularly during the 2017 American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros. In Game 4, the stadium was raucous and loud, with the Yankees rallying to win 6–4, and the crowd noise possibly contributing to an Astros miscue. Players like CC Sabathia, Aaron Judge, Todd Frazier, and Brett Gardner commented on the intense crowd noise and atmosphere.

May 27, 2019: Padres' First Visit

On May 27, 2019, the San Diego Padres became the final team to visit the Yankee Stadium in its new configuration. Yankees amassed a record of 24–5 for home games against every opposing teams' first games visiting the current Yankee Stadium.

June 25, 2022: First No-Hitter

On June 25, 2022, the new Yankee Stadium witnessed its first no-hitter when three Houston Astros pitchers (Cristian Javier, Héctor Neris, and Ryan Pressly) combined to no-hit the Yankees in a 3–0 win.

2022: Taylor Swift Receives Honorary Doctorate

During the 2022 New York University graduation ceremony at Yankee Stadium, Taylor Swift received her honorary doctorate in fine arts.

2022: Manual Scoreboards Removed

Prior to the 2022 season, manually operated auxiliary scoreboards were removed from the left and right field fences in favor of digital advertising signage.

October 30, 2024: Dodgers Win World Series

On October 30, 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers became the first visiting team to win a World Series at the venue when they erased a 5–0 deficit to defeat the Yankees 7–6 in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series.