On the eve of groundbreaking for the new Yankee Stadium, George Steinbrenner yesterday admitted to being a little nostalgic about the third-oldest stadium in baseball, the place where his Bombers forged countless memories.
But as much as he likes the “House That Ruth Built,” he just loves their soon-to-be home more.
“Yeah, I’ll miss it some,” Steinbrenner said as he exited his limo and walked into the Stadium for last night’s series opener with Baltimore.
But then, when asked about his preference for the new park, he said, “I do like the other idea much better. [And it’s] much better for the fans, too.” Those fans will have to wait until 2009 to see a game there, but they’ll see the process get under way today. The Yanks will break ground just across the street from the current Stadium, in Macombs Dam Park, at 10 a.m. They’ll start the process of replacing the House That Ruth Built on the 58th anniversary of his death.
The Boss and his Bombers are footing the bill for the $800 million, 51,000-seat stadium, designed by the same HOK company that designed Camden Yards in Baltimore and PNC Park in Pittsburgh. It will have more luxury suites, and Monument Park will be relocated.