Baseball, stadium safety etc.

[lennyb]

Hello everybody,

Like the most of people asking questions here, I'll be coming to NYC for the first time (actually first time in US). I have found your post extremely helpful, many questions were answered. For that I am already grateful.
I have some doubts about going to a baseball game. There is not much choice left, 'cause the Mets games are already sold out and there will be a few Yankees games during my stay in the NYC. The problem is that the only tickets available are in the Bleechers, which is at the far end of the stadium. Those are the cheapest tickets of course. Is it worth making the trip to Bronx? Will I be able to see and understand anything from the game? Another problem is safety. Here in Europe football games are not the safest place to be. In most countries no thinking person would take the whole family to such an event, because chances of getting robbed/beaten/assaulted are pretty high if not sure. Especially in the cheapest sections of the stadiums. How that is in US? This may sound naive to you, but the reality here makes me think about this.

greetings
Tomasz (Thomas :-)

[ZippyTheChimp]

The stadium is heavily policed and completely safe. Despite our tag as a somewhat violent society, stadium riots are extremely rare anywhere in the US. Even accepting the view that the surrounding area is not safe (something I completely disagree with), the streets also have a large police presence and will be crowded with fans, as will the subways.

Since you'll be in the Bleachers, you should acquaint yourself with the Bleacher Creatures. Colorful, rowdy, maybe a little over the edge. Language may be explicit, so if you have young children it might be a problem.

Google "bleacher creatures""yankee stadium."

Do not, under any circumstances, use a cellphone, or you'll be the subject of verbal abuse.

To avoid being labelled a "98er" - a fan who jumped on the bandwagon after the 1998 season - identify yourself as a first time visitor to a local, and ask questions.

While not the best place from which to view a game, Section 39 is truly unique.

[Schadenfrau]

Yankees games are completely a family affair. You've no need to worry.

[ZippyTheChimp]

Have you been in Section 39?

It's safe, but it could be uncomfortable with small children.

[Schadenfrau]

In truth, I've never been in that section, but LennyB asked about the likelihood of getting robbed/beaten/assaulted, and I've got a strong suspicion that what goes on in Section 39 is more along the lines of drunken tomfoolery and general sports-related vulgarity.

[ZippyTheChimp]

I know he didn't specify, but I thought I'd throw that out there , just in case.

Personally, the language wouldn't bother me if my (little) kids were present. They learned all the words a lot earlier than I would have thought.

But now I'm reminded of one other useful bit of info:

No beer sales in the bleachers.

So it's non-drunken tomfoolery, or how-drunk-you-can-get-beforehand tomfoolery.

[lofter1]

Or "how drunk you can get during a break from the bleachers" activity :D

[ZippyTheChimp]

If you haven't already come across it on the website (http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=nyy)...

Security policy:


* No backpacks, briefcases, attaché cases, coolers, glass or plastic bottles, cans, large purses, bags or video cameras will be permitted into the ballpark. You must leave these items in your vehicle before entering the ballpark.

* No laptops are permitted into the stadium.

* No items will be claim checked. You will be asked to return them to your vehicle.

* Diaper bags, small children's backpacks, small women's purses & backpack purses will be permitted into the ballpark, but will be inspected at the entrance gates.

* Re-entry will not be permitted. Once you enter the ballpark, you will not be permitted to leave and re-enter the facility. Please make sure you have everything you need with you before entering the ballpark.

* Only vehicles dropping off or picking up disabled guests will be permitted curbside at the ballpark. No other vehicles are permitted curbside, nor will people be able to stand and wait with their vehicles.

* Smoking is prohibited throughout the entire stadium.

[lennyb]

Thank you! You're extremely helpful. I think we'll plan an evening at the Yankee Stadium :-) As the date of the trip comes closer (April 29th - May 6th) I will certainly have more doubt and questions :-)

[lofter1]

The whole "leave it in your vehicle" advice is fairly ludicrous for all of us who take the train.

I haven't been to a Yankees game in a couple of years but back then was allowed to bring a backpack (brought my own sandwich).

I went to a game at Shea last year and my backpack was no problem -- they did search it, of course.

[dazza71]

I was wondering about the backpack rule. Last year I visited NYC for the first time and liked to carry about a small backpack with water, camera, food etc. Would this be a problem to take into Yankee Stadium?

[OmegaNYC]

I believe so. If you're going to carry water or a camera, don't bring it in a bag.

[mcmuffin]

I'm looking to catch a mets game on our visit, what seats give a decent view but don't cost much? Most importantly I'll be needing a seat where I'm allowed to drink beer at!

[dazza71]

I got my Yankees tickets from Ebay as ticketmaster was as good as sold out. In the end I paid $20 for two tickets and although they are top tier, they're behind the base plate and the view on seatdata.com looks great! Like someone said (not sure if in this thread) unless you're a dedicated fan, where you sit doesn't really matter. If like me you are going for atmosphere, cheap seats are great plus you can drink beer unlike bleachers!

[OmegaNYC]

I'm looking to catch a mets game on our visit, what seats give a decent view but don't cost much? Most importantly I'll be needing a seat where I'm allowed to drink beer at!

You can try the Mezzanine Box level. That is about 40 bucks usually. If you're heading to Shea, take the 7 train. Parking there is a nightmare with Citi Field going up.

[shocka]

I'm looking to catch a mets game on our visit, what seats give a decent view but don't cost much? Most importantly I'll be needing a seat where I'm allowed to drink beer at!


If you are here during the week, the Mets have $5 tickets there are in the Upper Deck, but you can get seats behind home plate.

For a good view, I think The Upper Box or Mezzanine Box would be great. I personally like the view from Home to Third, since a lot of batters are lefty. An of course you get a great view if there is a play at the plate.

[mcmuffin]

Thanks guys, I ended up picking up tickets for the mezzanine level, 31 bucks a piece which isn't too bad compared to the prices I pay to go to the football(soccer) over here.