I have a partial season ticket plan with the Staten Island Yankees, and one of the few perks I receive is free tickets to one New York Yankees game a year. Free seats being free and all, you're usually placed in undesirable areas of the park. In the old stadium you could expect to find yourself sitting in the extreme outer reaches of the Tier Reserve or the Left Field bleachers near the flag pole. In Yankee Stadium III the equivalent is the "partial view" bleachers.

In case you're somehow unaware of the obstructed view seating in the bleachers here is a summary: The Yankees decided to plop down a restuarant in the batter's eye area of Center Field without taking into account how it would affect the views from the nearby bleacher seating. Nobody noticed this really until the team opened up the new house to advance tours for prospective season ticket holders and the like and some pictures from the seats got out on the internet. There was a big whoopdy-doo about this (rightfully so), and eventually the Yankees discounted the block of seats they called "partial view" from their original price of $12 season ticket/$14 advance to a flat $5. Here's the infamous Lonn Trost quote about them:

There's a group of seats that are in the bleachers, that if you are sitting very close to the right field or left field side of the Sports Bar, you may not see the opposite side. We knew that going in, so we prepared to put televisions in the wall, as well as the big screen, so you don’t miss anything.

• You definitely cannot see the opposite outfield, and in some of the lower rows you can't even see the entire infield.
• From my seats the big screen was not viewable at all. You could not see any useful information on the scoreboard, not the pitchcount, not the big general area, nothing.
• The televisions they put up are okay but get a huge amount of glare and are therefore of limited usefulness. I imagine at night they are easier to see.

When you first sit down, the obstruction is obvious. My seats were not the most obstructed by any means (those would be the ones up against the wall) but it was no mystery that a chunk of the action would be blocked:

It obviously becomes much more pronounced when you turn to look at the opposite field:

While I was able to see most of the action from my seats anything that went a little deep into Right Field was cut off. I quickly adapted to look at the TVs and try to catch the action but for most of the game they had a very bad glare on them that made it hard to decipher what was going on at any given point. I relied a lot on the crowd reaction to figure out if a ball had been caught or not. During night games the glare is probably not as big a deal but sitting there on a Saturday afternoon it was rather frustrating.

Not being able to see the HD screen was annoying every now and then because I like to glance over at the out of town scoreboard, but I used my phone to check them when I was curious.

I would be wary of purchasing these tickets at anything more than their face value for anything but the most premium of games, but for $5 they are a great bargain especially if you don't plan to be sitting in them for most of the game. It's terrible that they exist but at least the team was embarrassed into dropping the price on them once the level of obstruction was revealed.

If you have any questions you'd like to ask about the experience, please leave a comment. I'll do my best to answer you.

The Yankees don't have a history of compelling scoreboard shots for the home team after the first time through. In 2008, the third time or so through the order it was portraits of varying quality by kids from a local school. There was a very interesting interpretation of Jason Giambi in there if I recall correctly (sadly I do not have a photograph of it to show).

This year, they took advantage of the White House trip and took pictures of everyone there wearing suits to put up on the scoreboard. Most of them are pretty dead-pan but there are a few gems. And because I care so much about all of you, I've taken pictures of almost all of them. Here is everyone but Brett Gardner, Marcus Thames, Jorge Posada and Curtis Granderson. I hope to get pictures of all the missing players (except Posada of course) next week.

My apologies for the weird angles, most of them were taken from section 417 which made it hard to frame the scoreboard.

Since there are several fairly large pictures beyond this, please follow after the jump to see them all. Here's your preview shot:

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For some silly reason, we were really excited about the most recent Yankees money-grab, also known as the Malibu Rum Terrace Deck.  It wasn't ever going to enhance the in-game experience being tacked on to the outside of the stadium, but we envisioned a rooftop bar with stadium-priced drinks and a boisterous atmosphere.  Sadly, the Yankees have taken a bad idea and turned it into the biggest ripoff in a stadium full of them.

Tucked into an inauspicious doorway across from section 310 in the upper deck of Yankee Stadium, The Malibu Rum Terrace Deck takes you where you've never been before:

We'll readily admit that this was the first time we had ever seen the South Bronx from this vantage point, and on a muggy late-Spring evening, it was actually pretty charming.  Unfortunately, the charm ended as soon as we saw the prices:

That's right. $18 for alcoholic beverages.  And these aren't those ridiculously oversized margaritas that they're selling in the Field Level Food Court for $15, these are 12 ounce cocktail cups that you'll finish in 3 sips:

But what about the food? We figured that there had to be a hidden gem somewhere up here.  Once again, we came away disappointed.  We were smart enough not to waste our money on anything, but the $12 Yankee burger looked like the type of frozen burger that is sold in packs of 40 for $9.99 at WalMart.  The only hope for this place would have been if Malibu's sponsorship had somehow subsidized prices for the fan, but that is CLEARLY not the case.  Everything at the Malibu Rum Terrace Deck is actually MORE expensive than in the rest of the stadium.

Here at NYYSI, we pride ourselves on being fan advocates and love to help fans get the best out of their Yankee Stadium experience.  Simply put, The Malibu Rum Terrace Deck is a place to visit once to see the "view" and never go back.  If you spend your money here, you are a sucker. There's no two ways about it.

The site of The Malibu Rum Terrace Deck (top-right area of the photo, above Gate 6)

UPDATE (5-26-10): Commenter Tom points out that there are "microbrews" at other spots in the stadium. This is really leading up to a dedicated beer post:

I don't mean to burst your bubble, but you're actually wrong about it being the only spot for microbrews. There's a beer section on the field level, right near gate 6 (I think section is 110 or so). They have both Goose Island AND McSorley's on draft, the 24 oz cup for $11. It was there as recently as the Baltimore series, and I certainly assume they haven't changed it since. Though since I have a package in grandstand I welcome some microbrews in the upper deck! Also, the new "mobile" beers of the world has chezchvar, which has been a welcome addition.

UPDATE (5-21-10): Commenter Ed added some more Malibu Rum Terrace Deck insight in the comments section. Aside from enjoying the view like we do, he dropped the bombshell that this is the ONLY place in Yankee Stadium to get a microbrew beer on tap:

As the previous poster mentioned, "regular" mixed drinks were $11 and came in what looked like 14 oz cups. Seemed not bad at all but none of us got that. What got my eye was that they actually have an American Micro Brew on tap. This is the only public area of the Stadium (and I walked the whole place last homestand) where you can get a microbrew on draft. It's a huge thing in America and New York that the Yankees have been missing out on. They had Goose Island IPA on tap, 24 oz for $11 (same price as the draughts at the uninspired "Beers of the World" around the Stadium).

Now things are getting interested.  We're not big fans of Goose Island IPA, but the fact that they'll have microbrews on tap up there is a step in the right direction, and definitely a reason to go back if you have seats in the Terrace or Grandstand.  We'd like to point out how ridiculous it is that we're HAPPY about an $11 microbrew, but everyone needs to understand that its Yankee Stadium we're talking about so there is a completely different price paradigm.

UPDATE (5-19-10): Commenter Michael pointed out that we neglected to provide the prices of non-specialty drinks. Here's what he has to say:

Actually, the prices are very reasonable. Mixed drinks are only $10 bucks, served in a big cup, compared to $12 in the food court on the field level, in a smaller cup. You took pictures of the specialty drinks that nobody ever buys, all bars throughout the city offer the same crappy drinks on those cards, but i have never seen anyone order on of those things. I paid 10 bucks for a strong ketel one and seltzer, which i think is better than 9 bucks for a bud light. in fact, i was drinking at the dug out bar, across the street from the stadium and an absolute and seltzer was also $10, so the prices are average.

$10 for a strong drink actually isn't terrible. We'll have to try this out, assuming they let you leave the terrace with said drink.

As we recently wrote on FanSnap.com, bat day at Yankee Stadium is always a fan favorite. The kids love it because they get a bat to swing around all day and the parents love it because their kids are amused and it brings them back to their youth.  These days, however, getting a bat isn't as simple as showing up on the promotional day.  Between large crowds and souvenir-hawks, getting one of the 10,000 bats for fans 14 and under involves arriving really early or being especially savvy.

On Sunday, we arrived (sans child 14 and under) around an hour before game time and the Gate 8 entrance was completely out of bats.  There weren't even remnants of the boxes that held the bats, so they had to have been gone for a while.  Strolling around the stadium, we came across a frenzy of activity at the seldom-used Gate 2 entrance (now home to the kiddie area of Dylan's Candy Bar, the Kids Cafe and the fast pitch). Here, we witnessed packs of tweens racing toward the turnstiles to grab the promotional bat that had eluded them when entering the stadium.  In a rare show of humanity, the Yankees were allowing parents to bring their kids over to Gate 2 to scoop up the remaining bats and stave off disappointment. Here's a video showing a little girl excitedly picking up here bat (with the urging of her father, who looks just as excited).

Skeptical as always, we are a bit suspicious of the Yankees having so many bats left at Gate 2.  We'll admit this is the most seldom-used entrance at Yankee Stadium, but it also seems like it was a great opportunity for the Yankees to promote their aforementioned "children's area," something that clearly isn't catching on based on our other trips to the stadium this year.  Sure enough, we saw more kids in line to throw 3 baseballs for $3 at the fast pitch than at any other time since it opened.  Well played, Yankees. Well played.

This day wasn't without a dark side.  Giveaways like this bring out the low class Ebay scum who exploit little kids to make profits. Ever since the days of Beanie Baby giveaways in the 90's, there have been groups of people who enlist an army of child laborers to go into the stadium and give them their giveaway, which they immediately turn around and sell on Ebay.  The formula goes something like this:

1. Round up kids in poor neighborhoods
2. Offer them free tickets to the Yankees game in exchange for the giveaway
3. PROFIT

Update (6:45 PM): Steve from NYNJPAWeather.com has checked in with the following: "The end is right across the Hudson. You are under the last heavy burst. Probably a delay but you'll play."

UPDATE (6:30 PM): The start of the game has been delayed.  As you can see from the radar below, the rain is really starting to break up and head out, but some heavier showers are stubbornly sticking around.  Since the Yankees have opted to delay and not postpone, it looks like they're going to try to get this one in.  One thing is for sure - the weather is going to be downright brutal out there. With heavy winds and temperatures in the upper 40's, it will feel a lot more like mid-March than mid-May.

Steve from NYNJPAWeather.com has checked in with a Yankees vs. Red Sox rain update, and it is good news! He now thinks that if the team decides to do so, they will be able to start the game after a delay at the onset.  This one is going to be close, folks.

UPDATE (2:45 PM): A dry slot that has developed over the Washington D.C./Baltimore metropolitan area is racing northeastward towards the New York City metropolitan area for this evening.  Ahead of this dry slot, rain will be very heavy with very poor visibility and the potential for flash flooding and dangerous driving conditions.  However, by 7:00 PM, the heaviest rain will be over and taper off to scattered showers and drizzle.  Raw yet playable conditions.  I now believe this game will be played or at least will be playable by the expected start time of the game.  A delay is still possible until 8 PM.  Winds will be from the east around 10 to 20 mph with higher gusts and temperatures will be in the upper 40’s to lower 50’s.  A rather uncomfortable night to be at the ball park, but they’ve played in worse.

Game Delay Potential: HIGH: The heaviest rain will exit, but scattered showers and drizzle will linger.

Game Postponement: LOW: The steady rain will come to an end by game time, depending on the conditions on the field, the game will have a good chance to be played.

If the radar above seems outdated, click here for a live New York City radar.

UPDATE (2:45 PM) For you Google searchers out there, Steve has provided a forecast update. Check it out.

At this point, if the Yankees have a home game on Tuesday night, you can pretty much count on rain being in the forecast.  You see, we play softball in Central Park on Tuesdays and since last year, we've had the majority of our games rained out.  Once again, rain is in the forecast on a Tuesday, this time threatening the second game of the Yankees and Red Sox two game series.

Our good friend Steve from NYNJPAWeather.com is on retainer as always, providing updates throughout the day.  Here is is initial forecast:

Tonight at 7:05 PM: Periods of rain are expected through the evening.  The latest SREF date (really cool mesoscale model) has steady moderate to heavy rain continuing into 8 PM tonight followed by scattered showers thereafter.  I can’t see how this game is played tonight given the conditions of the field by game time and the continuation of rain through the evening hours.  Winds will be from the northeast around 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph, which will blow in from center field and make conditions feel even worse.  Temperatures will range from the upper 40’s to lower 50’s.  In my opinion, stay home.  Even if they do somehow play, it’s going to be horrible out.

Game Delay Potential: HIGH: The heaviest rain will exit, but light to moderate rain will continue.

Game Postponement: HIGH: Considering the above, I can’t see how they get this game in.  Then again, we are talking about MLB so I’m sure they’ll give it a shot.

As we've seen since last year, the Yankees will squeeze games in through the raindrops, even if heavy rain has affected the area throughout the day.  The drainage at the 1.5 billion dollar stadium is top notch and if the rain isn't coming down steadily by 6 PM, the game will probably be played.

As always, keep checking back throughout the day. Steve will be providing updates as needed.

During the 4th inning of last night's Yankees game, viewers of the YES Network were treated to one of the most deliciously awkward interviews ever.  Billboard chart-toppers Eminem and Jay-Z had just announced a "home and home" concert, with Eminem headlining a Detroit show (at Comerica Park) on September 2nd and Jay-Z headlining a New York City show (at Yankee Stadium) on September 13.

After paying a visit to the ESPN booth in the top of the 4th inning, the rap duo made their way to the Yes Network booth and were interviewed by Ken Singleton and Michael Kay.  Kay was able to cheesily* hold his own for the nearly 10 minute interview (he managed to mention his "hit" television show Center Stage multiple times during the interview), but Singleton was left to drown in ignorant bliss.  The inning may have been the turning point of the game, with Phil Hughes escaping a bases loaded jam, but even Yankees fans will agree that the interview was the highlight of the inning.

We'll let you watch the hilarity ensue for yourselves after the jump, but if you don't want to watch the entire 10 minute interview, just skip right to the 3 minute mark.  That's where Ken Singleton inexplicably asks Eminem about reading poetry in Detroit (WTF?) and Eminem looks at him like he has two heads.  It was nice to see Jay-Z weave poetry back into the discussion toward the end of the interview (at the 8:57 mark) to ease the pain of Singleton's odd choice of questioning.  Not seen in this interview, but another laugh out loud moment was the next inning when Michael Kay mentioned that he would pay $2,500 in cold, hard cash to see John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman conduct that very same interview.  He then proceeded to impersonate John Sterling with ridiculous questions about show tunes. Kay was on fire.

At the end of the day, the main takeaway here is that Ken Singleton proved to be the whitest guy in a booth with Michael Kay and Eminem.  We're sure that his son Justin (recently retired from the minor leagues) won't soon let his father live this one down, but we're wondering who punked Kenny and got him to ask Eminem a question about poetry...

Remember, the video is after the jump.

The Yankees are back home this week, which means that it's E-saver time.  They're not doing anything for the Red Sox or weekend Twins series because they don't have to but tickets for the series vs the Rays (5/19 and 5/20), Indians (5/27 through 5/31) and the Orioles (6/1 through 6/3) in certain areas are available at a discounted rate. Many of these dates were also $5 games, so it's not a surprise they've had some problems moving the pricier sections but that just means you can take advantage of the price drops.

To get the discount, go to the Ticketmaster page for the game in question (this covers a lot of games, so here's just a general link to the schedule) and select the amount of tickets you're looking for in the Promotions and Special Offers area. You'll need a password, which is boxing1.

The discounts this time are not as good as the first round of E-savers and there's no Audi Club available but still not a bad price. The Field Level Cafe was already a comparative bargain at $75, so if you're thinking about it I'd jump at $50 if you can find seats in the sections behind home plate.

With only a $10 discount off the Field and Main Level seating this time around, I would recommend just checking out StubHub for the days you're interested in. After you consider Ticketmaster fees that's not really much of a discount at all and there are plenty of bargains to be found for these areas on the secondary market.

For more on the Yankees upcoming schedule, check out Ross' latest post over at FanSnap.

As demand for Yankees tickets (especially the cheap ones) continues to rise, many of the long-time Bleacher Creatures were forced to upgrade their season ticket plans to include all 81 games - something they couldn't necessarily afford.  This led to many of the "creatures" being forced to sell their Yankees tickets on the secondary market, and led to Yankee Stadium personality Bald Vinny Milano coining the term "Stubhub Saturday' at Yankee Stadium.

When we first saw Bald Vinny use the term "Stubhub Saturday" on Twitter, we were curious.  What exactly was going on in the bleachers that would lead the head bleacher creature to lash out against the out-of-towners who help his popular t-shirt business thrive?  Being the enterprising Stadium Insiders that we are, we went directly to the source. Here's what Vinny had to say by email:

"In the old stadium, section 39 [the bleachers] was almost [completely] sold as season tickets. however, all of the seats were split into packages (full season, half season, fridays only, saturday only and sunday only). since pretty much every seat was sold under some package, it was easy to get to know the people around you (even if it was just on a sunday).

In the new place, most of the partial plan folks were "forced" (for lack of a better word) to upgrade to a full season, or risk losing[their] seat. Thus, guys who came to 30 or so games a year, now had 81 tickets to deal with - and that is where the secondary market comes in. As a group, we try to take care of our own as much as possible. not everyone who is a creature has a plan, and there are always people looking for tickets. But there are lots of people in the section who own tickets and have no intention of going to games." I always joke that Yankees tickets in the bleachers are the new stock market because you can make a killing in resale. It's a great investment. It's frowned upon in our group, but it happens (and there really isnt anything we can do to stop it).

I'm the only one who is there EVERY day (lots of my crew make 60-ish games a year, but i've only missed 7 games since 2004) and it really sucks when you don't know anyone around you. On a saturday, when we are about to kick off roll call, the front 5 or 6 rows will still be sitting down. So now i start on saturdays and sundays with 'Ok all you stub-hubbers. time to get out of your seat for a little crowd participation exercise!'

This past weekend, i was literally sitting in my row alone (the people in my row are pretty good with not using stub hub or ebay) and it really sucks. For people who go to games alone (like me) you sometimes feel like you have no friends! Though, the beauty of the bleachers is that it's just a bench, so that encourages movement - it's easy to squeeze into a row with friends. But like i said about the old days, you *always* were surrounded by friends

So if you're from out of town, and you have Yankees tickets for a Saturday game in the bleachers, why not join in with Bald Vinny? He just wants some friends!  Don't be known as a Saturday "Stub-Hubber," make the Bleacher Creatures proud!