The Opening of Yankee Stadium

The Yankees will return to New York on April 15 to play exhibition games against Brooklyn on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday before opening the 1923 season on Wednesday, April 18 against the Boston Red Sox. The defending American League champions announced that tickets for the first game at Yankee Stadium would go on sale Wednesday, April 11. The team said that many applications for tickets had already been received, but that a large number of box, reserved, and grandstand seats remained and would be available. The Yankees' ticket outlets included their Forty Second Street offices, the Winchester Store on East Forty Second Street near Madison Avenue, and Spalding's downtown store on Nassau Street.

The Biggest Event in Baseball History

The Yankees are expected to make the opening of Yankee Stadium the biggest event in baseball history. The "important people," including national, state, and local politicians will attend, as will baseball commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landisl, American League President Ban Johnson, National League President John Heydler, and many baseball owners. Yankee Stadium's seating capacity for opening day is 70,000, with 25,000 seats in the lower grandstand, 25,000 in the upper grandstand, 10,000 in the mezzanine, and 10,000 in the bleachers. The facility cost $2.5 million.

Yankee Stadium is Easily Accessible

Many New York newspapers have provided directions to the Yankees' new ballpark. The Bronx is thought of as "foreign territory" to many city residents, who are used to attending ballgames in Manhattan or Brooklyn, but the fact is that Yankee Stadium is easily accessible from almost anyplace in New York City, including the north Bronx, by subway. Those who drive their own cars can cross one of many bridges from Manhattan, while those who drive from the northern Bronx can use the Grand Concourse roadway.

Weather Conditions Will Affect Attendance

Ceremonies will start at 1 o'clock. One newspaper referred to the visiting Red Sox as the Yankees "temporary enemy," which was not a prescient statement. American League President Ban Johnson won't attend due to a flu attack, but many military men will be visible, including the Commander of the Department of the East, Major General Bullard, Superintendent of West Point, General William Weigle, and Director of the Veterans Bureau, General Frank T. Hines. The military has always been a big part of American culture and tradition. "Mr. and Mrs. Fan" and all the 'little fans" will also be at the Stadium. Attendance is expected to be anywhere from 40,000 to 70,000, depending on the weather. The advance sale was 18,000, which meant that in excess of 50,000 tickets will go on sale at noon. There will be a strong police presence to ensure the safety of the fans.

Two Flags Will Be Raised

One hour after the gates open, the Seventh Regiment Band, with John Philip Sousa as honorary director, will start a musical program. Shortly before game time, Yankee Stadium will be dedicated. The Yankees and Red Sox will march to the flagpole where Yankees' manager Miller Huggins and Red Sox manager Frank Chance will hoist the American flag and the American League pennant to the top of the pole. The teams will return to home plate and Governor Smith, from his box seat, will throw out the first ball to umpire Billy Evans, who will give it to Yankees' starting pitcher Bob Shawkey. The first pitch will be delivered to Boston lead off hitter Chick Fewster.

References:

"Giants and Yanks Return This Week; Hugmen to Oppose Robins; Will Play Three Contests at Ebbets Field Before Opening Season at New Stadium." New York Times. 8 April 1923, p. S4

"Yankee Seat Sale to Open This Week; Record-Breaking Crowd Expected for Inaugural Day at New Stadium." New York Times. 8 April 1923, p. S4.

"How to Reach New Yankee Stadium; Grounds Are So Located as to Be Conveniently Accessible From Every Point in City." New York Times. 15 April 1923, p. S1

"Yanks New Stadium to be Opened Today; Record Crowd Expected to Witness Dedication of $2,500,000 Baseball Arena; Hugmen to Play Red Sox." New York Times. 18 April 1923, p. 17.