New Yankee Stadium

June 8, 2009 - My son Kirk and I made our long-anticipated first visit to a game at the new Yankee Stadium. Early morning forecast did not look promising. My wife Niki told us not to worry too much and to be optimistic. All day, we checked in to see when the rains would come. Finally, about 1600, the weather report said no rain expected till about 2100. With the game starting at 1900, this was a good deal! At 1600 we hopped in my truck with Alan Daigle and headed to the stadium.

We arrived in short time, about an hour. After parking, we headed toward the new stadium. As we walked past the old stadium (they're next to each other), the large construction doors opened wide to let a few dump trucks out. We stopped and got a view of the old field and I swear, it reminded me of Ground Zero; I got a lump in my throat.

Proceeding on across the street, the monstrous new stadium was a sight to see! Buzzing with life on game day, it felt like we were at Yankee Stadium.. Isn't that something. We went right in and saw the field for the first time. What a sight! The only word to describe the interior is gorgeous! Everything, brand spanking new and done right.

Arriving at 1700, we had a front-row (on the wall) view of batting practice. We tried hard to shag a ball but didn't get lucky this time around.

Finally, game time. There aren't many places I'd rather be than in the Bronx at Yankee Stadium for a night game and standing tall for the National Anthem, watching the large American flag blowing in left-center field. Makes you very proud to be an American.

Well, the Yankees beat the Rays this day. Five home runs were hit in "Homerun Stadium". The weather was perfect until well after Mariano's final pitch. It was an event to remember for Kirk and me. Through the eyes of Kirk's camera, we captured the evening (see photos). Kirk went home with a new Mark Teixeira shirt and an inaugural-season baseball and some stories to tell at school the next morning, which happened to be "Jersey Day" and he got to wear his new shirt for all to see. Yes, Kirk was smiling.

Yep, Life is good!

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