Yes, you do need tickets to visit Monument Park at Yankee Stadium. Monument Park is a section of the ballpark that honors retired Yankee players and personnel. It contains plaques and monuments dedicated to the greatest Yankees of all time. Since it’s a popular attraction, the Yankees require all visitors to have a valid ticket to access Monument Park.
Types of Tickets Needed for Monument Park
There are a few different types of tickets that will allow you to visit Monument Park:
– Game Tickets – Any ticket to a Yankees home game will provide access to Monument Park when gates open until 45 minutes prior to first pitch. This includes individual game tickets, season tickets, group tickets, etc.
– VIP/Guided Tour Tickets – The Yankees offer VIP and guided tour ticket options that include a dedicated tour of Monument Park typically 1-1.5 hours before game time. This allows for a more in-depth, less crowded tour.
– Yankee Stadium Tour Tickets – You can take a Yankee Stadium tour on non-game days that includes a visit to Monument Park. These are available year-round.
So in summary, you need some type of valid ticket, either a game ticket, tour ticket, or other special access pass to get into Monument Park. You cannot just walk into the stadium and visit without a ticket.
When Does Monument Park Open?
The hours of operation for Monument Park vary depending on whether there is a game that day.
On game days, Monument Park opens when gates open, which is typically 2 hours prior to first pitch. It closes 45 minutes before game time.
On non-game days, you can access Monument Park through a Yankee Stadium tour. Tours run year-round at 10am, noon, and 2pm.
So it opens well before game time to allow ticket holders ample time to visit. But make sure to go early if you want to see it on a game day, as the line can get long, especially on popular games or weekends. The earlier you arrive, the better chance you have of getting in.
Where is Monument Park Located?
Monument Park is located beyond the center field wall at Yankee Stadium. It is essentially in deep center field between the bullpens.
There are two entrances – one from the main concourse in center field by gate 6, and one inside the batter’s eye next to the Mohegan Sun sports bar.
Once inside, Monument Park features an outdoor area with the large monuments and plaques along a path. It also has an indoor museum-style area known as the Yankee Museum. The indoor space contains additional plaques, artifacts, photos, and exhibits about Yankee history.
So while situated in center field, Monument Park extends both outdoors and indoors to provide ample space for the tributes to Yankee greats.
What Displays are in Monument Park?
Monument Park contains a huge number of plaques, monuments, and exhibits honoring former Yankee players and personnel. Some highlights include:
– Large monuments dedicated to Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Miller Huggins, and more.
– Retired numbers – plaques for every number retired by the franchise (currently 1 through 21)
– Plaques for other prominent Yankees like Yogi Berra, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Roger Maris, and many more
– Exhibits about Yankee history and memorabilia like World Series rings
– The Yankee Museum – indoor space with artifacts, photos, trophies, memorabilia
– Timeline display – visual timeline of Yankee franchise history on the walls
– Thurman Munson Memorial – a dedication to the former catcher who died in 1979
So Monument Park comprehensively covers the legends of the Yankees and the franchise’s storied history through numerous plaques, monuments, exhibits and more.
Is Monument Park Worth Visiting?
Monument Park is absolutely worth visiting for any baseball fan, especially those who cheer for the Yankees. Some key reasons it is worth checking out:
– Learn about Yankee legends – the plaques provide bios and stats on the greatest players ever to wear pinstripes. You can learn about icons like Ruth, Gehrig, Mantle, DiMaggio and more.
– See historic artifacts – things like World Series rings, jerseys, and equipment used by all-time great Yankees. Much rarer to see up close than in a museum.
– Enjoy a comprehensive history lesson – the timeline and museum allow you to learn about and appreciate the franchise’s long history of success spanning over a century.
– Special access – it’s a more private, intimate setting to learn about the Yankees since you need a ticket for entry. It feels more exclusive than a standard museum.
– Photo opportunities – posing by the famous monuments makes for great pictures to remember your visit.
So if you have any interest in Yankees history and tradition, Monument Park is an excellent experience. The combination of stats and bios on plaques plus historic artifacts makes it informative and unique. It’s one of the top attractions at Yankee Stadium.
Tips for Visiting Monument Park
If you plan to visit Monument Park, here are some useful tips to enhance your experience:
– Arrive as early as possible. It can get crowded, so go early after gates open to avoid long lines and congestion.
– Weekday visits are less crowded than weekends if you have flexibility.
– If lines are long outdoors, check the indoor museum area where you can catch up on plaques and exhibits.
– Take your time reading the plaques and exploring – don’t just rush through. There is a lot of great history to soak in.
– Bring a camera for photos with the iconic monuments.
– Consider a VIP tour ticket for a more intimate, guided experience if your budget allows.
– Be prepared to walk – the path through the park features ramps and stairs. Comfortable shoes are ideal.
– Check ahead on the forecast – heat can be an issue during summer day games sohydration and sunscreen are important.
With smart planning and preparation, your visit to Yankee Stadium’s Monument Park will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience as you dive deep into the team’s storied history and tradition. It is one of the can’t miss highlights when catching a Yankees game in the Bronx.
Conclusion
In summary, tickets are required to access Monument Park at Yankee Stadium. Game tickets, stadium tour tickets, and special VIP tickets will all allow entry. It is open on game days from gate opening until 45 minutes before first pitch, and daily for tours. Monument Park contains plaques, statues, exhibits and more honoring the greatest Yankees legends and moments. It is located in deep center field and absolutely worth visiting for any baseball or Yankees fan to better appreciate the franchise’s rich history. Use the tips provided to make the most of your time exploring Monument Park.