60 VIPs and Shovels Break Ground for New Yankee Stadium
16th August 2006
Never let it be said that politicians don’t love face time.
At 10am EST today, no less than 60 VIPs including Commissioner Selig, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Gov. George Pataki and several Yankees players broke ground in Macombs Dam park across the street from the storied House that Ruth Built for a new Yankees Stadium, much to the chagrin of community activists including Save Our Parks.
Yesterday, Save Our Parks had unsuccessfully sought an injunction barring construction on the 51,000 seat, $1.3 billion project. Save Our Parks had argued that the city erred in its environmental review by not taking into account the true impacts the new stadium would have on park spaces.
At the groundbreaking, soundbytes were aplenty.
Mayor Bloomberg spinning economic development: “The decision of the New York Yankees to rebuild their home in the South Bronx is a vote of confidence for a neighborhood that is undergoing an incredible renaissance,” Bloomberg said.
Governor Pataki on how the new ballpark will be iconic: “Yankee Stadium is not only the home of the greatest pro sports team in history, the greatest city in the world, it’s nothing less than an American icon.” Pataki said. “The ballpark is truly worthy of this great city, our great team and its great fans.”
Selig, of course, touted new stadium development as a panacea: “Yankee Stadium is an American monument that has endured for 84 years,” Selig said. “The groundbreaking will mark the beginning of a new Yankee Stadium, a new monument, and new memories for the coming generations of fans.”
2008 will most likely see The House That Ruth Built host the All-Star game — its swan song. New Yankee Stadium is slated to open in 2009.
SUPPORTING ARTICLES:
Yankees break ground on new $1 billion stadium : By Karen Matthews : The AP