| 24 March 2010
That sure didn't last long. In an email to fans, the Yankees have announced revised gate opening times for 2010. Openings are being cut back from three hours before the game (at select gates) to two hours. One would think the team would love to have fans roaming around and spending money in their mallpark for as long as possible! Here's the letter:
Dear xxx,
Similar to last season, we will continue to update you on reminders and new developments throughout the season. In advance of the 2010 season, there are a few items for you to think about in preparation.
Home Opener
- Tuesday, April 13th at 1:05 pm vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Gate Openings
- Please note, Stadium gates will open 2 hours before game time this season.
Ticket Mailing
- Tickets should be sent the last week in March by FedEx. An email notification will be sent to you the day they are shipped.
<snip>
As always, please feel free to call any time. There is much more to come!
Remembering back to last year, the Yankees only opened select gates three hours prior to first pitch. There were also reports of fans not being allowed up to the Grandstand until two hours before gametime, due to staffing issues.
It looks like the Yankees have decided that fans weren't spending enough money on concessions to justify opening the gates three hours before the game. Or maybe last year's early gate openings were only planned for the first season in the new stadium. Whatever the reason, this is going to make for even longer waits to see Monument Park and The Yankees Museum, which already featured tediously long lines when gates opened three hours before the game.
Taking a look around baseball, here are some other gate opening policies:
- Camden Yards (Orioles) - "For all Orioles home games, Gates A and H (at either end of Eutaw Street) will open 2 hours prior to game time to allow fans to enter the park. At this time, fans can watch batting practice from Eutaw Street, the Eutaw Street Bleachers, and the Flag Court. The Bud Light Warehouse Bar also opens at this time. All other gates will open 1 1/2 hours prior to game time, and at this point all fans may enter the seating bowl."
- Chase Field (Diamondbacks) - "Chase Field opens two (2) hours before each home game. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy batting practice, infield workouts and pre-game ceremonies."
- Citi Field (Mets) - "Most turnstiles and ticket sales windows normally open 1½ hours prior to the scheduled starting time for each game. The Jackie Robinson Rotunda normally opens 2½ hours prior to the game so that fans may arrive early to watch infield and batting practice from their seats."
- Citizen's Bank Park (Phillies) - "Monday through Friday: 1 1/2 hours prior to game time. Saturday/Sunday: 2 hours prior to game time. Ashburn Alley (Left Field Gate) opens every day 2 1/2 hours prior to game time."
Based on that information, it appears that Yankee Stadium gate opening policies are aligned with other MLB teams. However, if it were up to us, the Yankees would open gates two and a half hours before gametime to ensure that fans had the opportunity to check out Monument Park and the Yankees Museum.
What are your thoughts? When do you show up to the ballpark?
Let us know in the comments.
