Going to a New York Yankees game at Yankee Stadium and sitting behind home plate is a dream for many baseball fans. Getting tickets right behind home plate provides close-up views of the action and a great atmosphere. However, these premium seats come at a premium price. Ticket prices behind home plate at Yankee Stadium range from around $300 to over $1,500 per ticket depending on the section and demand.
Factors That Determine Ticket Prices Behind Home Plate
Several factors go into determining the ticket prices behind home plate at Yankee Stadium:
Seating Section
There are a few different seating sections directly behind home plate:
- Legends Suite Sections: These are the first few rows right behind home plate and include access to exclusive in-seat dining. Tickets here can cost $1,500 or more.
- Field MVP Sections: The next couple rows back are still very close to the action. Tickets here are around $800-$1,200.
- Field MVP Obstructed View Sections: The obstructed view areas are slightly discounted but still have great views. Tickets are around $600-$800.
- Main Level Sections: The main level sections farther back from home plate can cost $300-$500 per ticket.
The closer you are to home plate, the higher the ticket prices. The first few rows come at a premium.
Opposing Team
Ticket prices fluctuate based on which team the Yankees are playing. Prices for premium rivalry games against teams like the Red Sox can be $300+ more per ticket compared to less in-demand opponents.
Day of the Week
Weekend games, especially Saturdays, tend to be more expensive than weekday games. The difference can be $100 or more per ticket.
Time of Year
Early season and late season games are generally cheaper than summer games. Prices peak when the weather is nicest in New York.
Special Events
Special games like Opening Day or Derek Jeter Day can drive up demand and prices significantly. These hot ticket games often start over $1,000 a seat.
Ways to Get Discounts on Tickets Behind Home Plate
While Yankees tickets behind the plate are pricey, there are some ways to get deals:
Buy Early
Prices generally go up as it gets closer to game day. Buying months in advance can sometimes yield $100+ discounts versus buying last minute.
Weekday Games
Aim for less popular weekday games like Tuesday nights to find lower prices.
Secondary Market
Sites like Stubhub often have seats for less than face value when demand is low. But you need to factor in fees.
Split Games
You can split full season ticket packages with others to lower the per game costs. This requires a big upfront investment though.
Promotions
Sometimes the Yankees offer special promo deals on seats behind the plate to select groups like military, students, or Mastercard holders.
Estimated Price Range by Section
Here is an overview of the estimated price ranges by section for tickets directly behind home plate at Yankee Stadium:
Section | Estimated Price Range |
---|---|
Legends Suite Sections | $1,500+ per ticket |
Field MVP Sections | $800 – $1,200 per ticket |
Field MVP Obstructed View Sections | $600 – $800 per ticket |
Main Level Sections | $300 – $500 per ticket |
As you can see, the Legends Suite tickets right behind the plate fetch premium prices over $1,500 while the farther back main level seats can start around $300 each.
Are the High Ticket Prices Worth It for Fans?
Sitting right behind home plate provides one of the best views in baseball but commands top dollar. Are the high ticket prices worth it for fans? Here are some pros and cons:
Pros
- Get a front row seat to see MLB’s superstars like Aaron Judge up close
- Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the game
- Lifetime memory if it’s a playoff or rivalry game
- Incredible photo/video opportunities
- Exclusive lounges, bars, and dining with premium seats
Cons
- Very expensive – $300+ per ticket even for cheap seats
- Often have to buy entire season ticket plans
- May need to buy on secondary market and pay high fees
- Obstructed views from some sections
For true die-hard Yankee fans that can afford it, behind home plate seats may be worth the splurge as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But the ticket prices are out of reach for many fans.
What Are Some Cheaper Alternatives For Great Views?
While behind home plate tickets carry premium pricing, here are some cheaper areas at Yankee Stadium that still provide great views of the game:
Bleachers
The right field bleachers provide a fun, rowdy atmosphere and nice views for around $50-75 per ticket. Fans out here pride themselves on heckling the opposing team.
Grandstand Level
The 200 level grandstand sections along the baselines offer elevated sightlines for $60-$150 per seat. Great views of the infield and outfield.
Obstructed View Seats
Obstructed view seats behind pillars or under overhangs can deeply discount tickets to $20-$75. You miss a bit of the field but still see most of the action.
Standing Room Only
Standing room only tickets are first come, first served general admission passes that let you stand in concession areas and by the exits. These cheap tickets start around $25-40.
So while the premium seats come with premium prices, fans on a budget can still enjoy the iconic Yankee Stadium experience without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
New York Yankees tickets directly behind home plate at Yankee Stadium offer some of the best seats in the house. But they also come at a steep price, ranging from around $300 per ticket for the main level sections up to $1,500+ for the exclusive Legends Suite rows. Seating section, opponent matchups, day of the week, and time of year all impact pricing. Diehard fans may find the investment worth it for the lifetime memories. But the high costs put these coveted seats out of reach for many. Thankfully, cheaper alternatives like the bleachers, obstructed views, and standing room provide more budget-friendly options to enjoy the Yankees atmosphere. While they lack the proximity of seats behind the plate, you can still watch baseball’s biggest stars take the field in the Bronx.