A Ballpark Steeped in Glory, Legends, and History

Few venues in sports carry the mystique, history, and reverence of Yankee Stadium. Known as “The House That Ruth Built,” the stadium has not only hosted generations of baseball greatness but also evolved into a symbol of the Yankees’ dominance and tradition. From its original opening in 1923 to the modern marvel that stands today, Yankee Stadium is more than just a ballpark — it’s a monument to baseball history.

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The Original Yankee Stadium (1923–2008)

Opening Day: April 18, 1923

• Location: The Bronx, New York

• Cost to Build: $2.5 million

• First Game: Yankees beat the Red Sox, 4–1 — and Babe Ruth hit the first home run.

• Nickname: “The House That Ruth Built”

The Yankees became the first MLB team to have a stadium built specifically for them. With a capacity of 58,000, it was the largest in baseball at the time. It featured the iconic triple-decked grandstand and the famous facade (frieze) that came to symbolize Yankee Stadium’s architecture.

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Historic Moments at the Original Stadium

Over 85 years, the original Yankee Stadium witnessed:

• 26 World Series titles

• Legendary performances from Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Derek Jeter, and more

• Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech (1939)

• Don Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series

• Roger Maris’ 61st home run in 1961

• Reggie Jackson’s 3-HR game in the 1977 World Series

• Countless postseason heroics

The stadium also hosted events beyond baseball: NFL games, boxing (including Joe Louis), concerts, Papal masses, and more.

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The Renovation Era (1974–1975)

In the mid-70s, Yankee Stadium underwent a major renovation:

• The iconic frieze was removed (and later reimagined).

• The field dimensions were changed.

• Seating was modernized, and the capacity adjusted.

Though it looked slightly different, the soul of the stadium remained intact.

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The New Yankee Stadium (2009–Present)

By the 2000s, the old stadium was aging, and a new home was planned — right across the street from the original.

Opening Day: April 16, 2009

• Cost: $2.3 billion

• Capacity: ~47,000

• First Home Run: Jorge Posada

The new Yankee Stadium kept many elements of the old — including the white frieze, Monument Park, and the unmistakable aura. But it added:

• Modern amenities (luxury boxes, high-def video boards, expanded concourses)

• The Yankees Museum, featuring artifacts and exhibits

• A replica Monument Park honoring legends like Ruth, Gehrig, Mantle, DiMaggio, and more

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Monument Park – A Hall of Legends

Located beyond center field, Monument Park is a sacred space for Yankees fans. It honors:

• Retired numbers

• Plaques for Hall of Famers and Yankees greats

• A reverent atmosphere connecting past and present

It’s not just a walk through team history — it’s a journey through baseball royalty.

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Legacy of Yankee Stadium

Whether you’re talking about the old or the new, Yankee Stadium is:

• A symbol of tradition and success

• A stage for legends to perform

• A beacon of baseball culture around the world

For Yankees fans and baseball lovers alike, it’s more than just a place to watch a game — it’s where the game lives.