|
Mr. Ed -> RE: MLB General Information PT 4 (4/23/2016 8:23:37 PM)
|
HOME / MLB /
MLB: Yankee Stadium Introduces a New Way of Alienating Fans
Eric Schaal
Yankee Stadium | Eric Schaal/Sports Cheat Sheet
You’ve heard of the $13 beers, the top-down strategy of keeping the 99% out of premium seats, and other types of alienation in play when you see the New York Yankees at home. Sadly, the disciples of Steinbrenner were just getting warmed up. On Opening Day 2016, Bronx brass unveiled one of the most offensive new quirks we’ve seen in a ballpark: mini-suites covered in dark glass that block the view of fans going from concessions stands to their seats.
In a twist that would make HBO’s John Oliver and his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cringe, the Yankees surprised fans at the home opener against Houston with their latest twist in elitist excess at the Stadium. We came across them walking to right-field box seats when, to our left, we noticed glass enclosures tinted dark blue standing between us and the field. The little party areas, which measure about 15 ft. by 10 ft., replace what were previously open-air spaces between the concessions stands and field-level seating.
Unlike pillars, ushers, railings, or other natural obstructions, these eyesores were neither part of the stadium’s original design nor a welcome distraction to anyone in attendance on Opening Day. They effectively eliminate the ability for fans to experience the game while they return from buying a meatball sandwich ($14), two-foot cheesesteak ($27), or 12-ounce beer ($9.50). They also shut out fans in cheap seats who want a glimpse of what a premium location looks like.
We’ve never seen or heard of a ballpark where fans walking to their seats were cut off from the action on purpose by a team. There is nothing inherently wrong with the boxes, mind you. If they had clear glass, there would be no issue. You would see the game around people enjoying a gin-and-tonic and bean dip inside their enclosures. But the Yankees’ decision to tint the windows creates another barrier between the corporate class and everyone else. It’s part of an ugly progression.
|
|
|
|