February 15, 2008

Ticket-buying tips for final season at Yankee Stadium

NewYorkology contributor Scott Ross keeps you abreast of upcoming Mets and Yankees home games in New York City in-season. But first, here's his look at which Yankees tickets to buy early. Next week: the Mets outlook.

The New York Yankees open spring training down in Tampa this week, in preparation for their final season in legendary Yankee Stadium. While some question the historic bona fides of the Stadium, it has been home to six World Champions teams over the previous 31 years and 2008 is your last chance to see this vaunted baseball cathedral. Single game tickets go on sale Feb. 29.

However, you need to register online by February 24 for the opportunity to eventually buy seats to any of this season's "premium games," which the Yankees define as Opening Day, the Old-Timers' Day Game, the final three regular-season home games, and all Games played against the Red Sox and Mets.

The final Yankees Stadium home opener is March 31 against the Toronto Blue Jays. Why do they play games in March? Is April not cold enough? I don't know. Barring injury or nonsense, the game should feature fan favorite Andy Pettitte against former Cy Young winner Roy Halladay, though there are reports that the PED circus already has Pettitte behind in his preparations for the upcoming season.

On May 16, 17 and 18 the Yanks open inter-league play against the Mets, who outlasted the Bombers to win the Johan Santana Sweepstakes.

Last year's Mets' epic collapse forced GM Omar Minaya to make a big move. And the swarm of midges that took the Yankees down left Yankees Universe dazed and confused. You can be sure that the New York Giants' Super Bowl victory will only ratchet up the pressure on both teams to deliver. The Yankees then play host to the Mets on June 27, 28 and 29.

On July 15 the 2008 All Star Game will be played at The Stadium. This may send a wave of cognitive dissonance rippling across the five boroughs as Terry Francona of the Boston Red Sox will be managing the home team. With home field advantage in the World Series on the line, New Yorkers will have to find it in their hearts to root for Francona. For mere mortals who can't get tickets, there will be a five-day "fan fest" at the Javits Center in Manhattan with a host of games, attractions and free autographs.

Francona returns for the Red Sox' final regular season visit to Yankee Stadium on Aug. 26, 27 and 28. Looking ahead, it's likely both teams will be in the thick of the playoff hunt, but regardless, Sox vs. Yankees is about as good as it gets.

The final three regular-season games at Yankee Stadium will be played against the Baltimore Orioles on Sept. 19, 20 and 21. Why the powers that be saw fit to schedule a Baltimore team that hasn't been competitive in a decade is beyond me. Nonetheless, you can be sure there won't be a dry eye in the house.

In the event you can't make it to a game, but you desperately want to see the House That Ruth Built, the Yankees offer a variety of tours. You can even have your birthday party there with soda, pizza and cake. And, yes, they cater to the Kosher set. If you're interested in hosting something a little higher end, they can do that, too.

Earlier: A-Rod forecast: Bronx redux 101-percent likely
A-Rod walks, Girardi on deck for Yankees '08

February 15, 2008 02:11 PM in Kids, Out of Manhattan, Sports

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