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March 16, 2007
If You Think It's A Mess...
...out there today in the New York City area, just wait until you try and go up to the Bronx, over the next few years, to see a ballgame at the Stadium.
I just noticed the Yankees slipped this letter into the UPS box in which my season tickets arrived today. I wonder what the Yankees consider "ample time" when planning a trip to the game?
Oh, it's going to be fun. Folks going to the park via cars better be prepared to be there at least 90 minutes before the first pitch to ensure they avoid getting locked up in a mess - and end up missing the first three innings of the game (or worse). Then again, factoring in the game time starts on weekday night games and rush hour traffic, maybe people driving will have to aim to be there two hours before the first pitch of a night-game to avoid the traffic mess (from Monday to Friday)?
And, for those who take the train to the game, and, who may be tempted to look at the car-people and say "That's your problem, not mine," you should think about this issue as well.
If it is a nightmare to drive to the Stadium this season and the one that follows, those who would normally take a car will start taking the train to the Bronx. Therefore, the trains are going to get crowded - especially at the end of the game. Think the platforms are crowded now, with the Yankees drawing so many to a game? Just wait until the day where most of those 50,000 at a game are all trying to get to the train station at nearly the same time - instead of just half of the 50,000 there rushing for the tracks.
Those train-takers may have to start leaving the games around the 7th inning to try and avoid being on the street, backed-up for an hour, just waiting to get on to the subway platform.
Just watch, Yankee Stadium is going to become like Dodger Stadium is famous for - this year and next during night games on weekdays. It's going to be half-full through the first three innings of every game and half-full for the last three innings of every game because of mess around getting in and getting out.
There's really nothing that can be done about the back-end of the games. But, I have to wonder if it makes sense to move the start of weekday night games to 7:40 pm to try and give the working folks a shot at actually being there for the first pitch - at least just during the construction years. Sure, the games would end a half-hour later than they do now - but, it's not like that end time would be midnight each night. Then again, since it might actually help the fans, it will never happen.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at March 16, 2007 10:39 PM
Comments
And Yankee - Oriole games, you may wind up spending 12 hours from the time you leave your door to the time you return.
Posted by: rbj ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at March 17, 2007 09:40 AM
If it is a nightmare to drive to the Stadium this season and the one that follows, those who would normally take a car will start taking the train to the Bronx.
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If they haven't started taking the train by now, it's never going to happen.
Posted by: Raf at March 17, 2007 10:30 AM
I moved away from NY to NH 35 years ago. Even then, taking a car to the stadium was a drag.
It's funny. I thought the only reason to build a new stadium was to have it in a location with super public transportaion, good roads and ample parking.
Are there plans to improve 'the getting there' for the new stadium. Is there a train that takes you into the stadium (not close, but into... like the garden)? Should the mass transportation thing have been done BEFORE ground breaking? New parking first?
For what it's worth, the project in Boston has caused traffic problems for 10-15 years.
When I went to the stadium, it was about 1/3rd full... 20-25k. Are they counting on 90% attendance for the rest of time?
I hope this 'new stadium' thing works. I will miss 'Yankee Stadium'. One more historic landmark down the drain.
Posted by: singledd at March 17, 2007 01:42 PM
// I thought the only reason to build a new stadium was to have it in a location with super public transportaion, good roads and ample parking.//
Not necessarily. I think part of the deal for the new Stadium in that location was the chance to improve the infrastructure there.
They are planning to put a Metro-North station right by the new Stadium. And new parking garages as well. I believe the garages should be ready in time for the Stadium opening, but the train station will take a little longer.
Posted by: Jen at March 17, 2007 02:28 PM
It's funny. I thought the only reason to build a new stadium was to have it in a location with super public transportaion, good roads and ample parking.
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I thought it was because they could make more $$ with a new stadium. Luxury boxes and whatnot.
Posted by: Raf at March 17, 2007 08:16 PM