This week we asked our writers:
As we think about hopefully attending games in person this season, what is one thing the Yankees can do to make the fan experience even better at Yankee Stadium?
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Ed Botti – Obviously since the schedules are already in place and set, the chances of amending them are slim. But I think a great way to improve the fan experience, throughout MLB not just in the Bronx, is to have more day games.
Most of the games in 2021 will be played at night under the lights, as we have become accustomed to over the years. Who knows at this point what the summer will look like with respect to Covid 19 protocol?
Many young fans may be home again this summer and not at camps, public pools and rec centers. MLB is desperately trying to gain market share of the younger demographic, what would be better for that effort than to have games played during the day, when they are home, bored and looking for something to occupy them?
Why not throw in a few more 3 PM starts during the week? Grab their attention, let them see professionals playing as they do, outside under the sun. A lasting connection could be made, just like it was for me!
As far as adults go, sitting outside in the fresh air and sun watching a game with friends or family is an excellent experience that should be more of an option for the fans. Getting home at a reasonable hour after a day at the stadium will only enhance the entire experience.
It’s nice to dream, isn’t it?
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Tom Russo – My biggest problem at Yankee Stadium is whenever I get up to go to concessions, I inevitably miss a home run. Literally every time. I request more TVs at the concession stand showing the game so I can see it while waiting for my chicken tender bucket.
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Derek McAdam – Although I am not too familiar with the fan experience at Yankee Stadium, I do have an idea that the organization could pull off. To engage fans even more, the Yankees could do events in between innings such as trivia where all fans can sign up to participate on their phones. Three fans who select the correct answer can win a pair of tickets to a future Yankee game. This is something the Yankees can do every game to make the fans feel involved in a socially distanced environment, but also so they feel encouraged to come back at another point during the season.
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Michael Saffer – One thing the Yankees can do to make the fan experience better in 2021 is to create a food ordering app so fans don’t have to miss any of the game while waiting on line for food. I know there are televisions by many of the concession stands, but if a person pays to be at the stadium they shouldn’t have to watch on TV in 2021.
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Paul Semendinger – I love going to the games, but it is getting very expensive. The parking costs (I come from NJ) were close to $50.00 before 2020. I assume these will be above that in 2021. It makes it difficult to even consider going to a game when the prices are that high just to get to the parking lot.
I would also love to see Monument Park opened up more to the field. In the old stadium, it wasn’t enclosed in a basement like atmosphere like it is now.
Finally, fans should be allowed closer to the field before the game. Too many areas of Yankee Stadium are “exclusive” to only the wealthiest fans.
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Mike Whiteman – Throughout the season, I think the Yankees should lean into honoring doctors, nurses and the essential frontline workers who have been getting us through these difficult times. The team can do fans and the public in general a great service by making sure we don’t take the work of these heroes for granted.
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