Opening of the Yankee Stadium

The Yankee Stadium, a revered sports venue and the home of the New York Yankees, first opened its doors on April 18, 1923. Often referred to as “The House that Ruth Built,” the stadium quickly became a symbol of American baseball and hosted numerous historic moments in sports history.

• Construction: The original Yankee Stadium was built between 1922 and 1923 for $2.5 million, roughly equivalent to $38 million today. The stadium was designed by the architectural firm Osborn Engineering, and it was located in the Bronx, New York City.
• Opening Day: The first game at Yankee Stadium was on April 18, 1923, with the New York Yankees facing off against the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees won the game 4-1, with Babe Ruth, the team’s legendary slugger, hitting the first home run in the stadium’s history.
• Seating Capacity: The original Yankee Stadium had a seating capacity of 58,000, making it the largest ballpark in the country at the time. Over the years, the stadium underwent several expansions and renovations, ultimately reaching a maximum capacity of over 70,000 spectators.
• Historic Events: The Yankee Stadium has been the site of numerous historical events, including 37 World Series, three Papal Masses, and countless other memorable moments in sports history. It has also hosted boxing matches, football games, and concerts featuring some of the world’s most famous artists.
• Babe Ruth’s Legacy: Babe Ruth, one of the most famous baseball players in history, played a significant role in the stadium’s popularity. His incredible skill and larger-than-life personality helped attract fans and establish Yankee Stadium as a major sports venue.
• Closure and Replacement: The original Yankee Stadium closed in 2008, and a new stadium was built nearby, opening in 2009. The new stadium was designed to evoke the history and architectural elements of the original while incorporating modern amenities and features. The original stadium was demolished between 2010 and 2011, with the site being transformed into parkland and recreational facilities.

The original Yankee Stadium opened in 1923 and quickly became an iconic sports venue due to its size, the legendary Babe Ruth, and the many historic events it hosted. Though the original stadium was replaced in 2009, its legacy and influence on American sports culture remain.