Yankee Stadium (1923) Facts for Kids

The outside of the original Yankee Stadium.

The original Yankee Stadium was a famous baseball stadium in New York City, New York. It first opened its doors in 1923. The well-known MLB team, the New York Yankees, played all their home games there. They used this stadium until the end of the 2008 season. In 2009, the Yankees moved to a brand new Yankee Stadium nearby.

This stadium was also home to the New York Giants football team for many years. It hosted college football games, exciting soccer matches, and big boxing events. Famous musical concerts and even a special church service led by the Pope took place there. People often called it "The House That Ruth Built." This was to honor Babe Ruth, a legendary Yankees player. He hit many amazing home runs during the stadium's early years. The old stadium was taken down in early 2009.

A Home for Champions
- Why Was It Called "The House That Ruth Built"?
More Than Just Baseball
- Football Games at the Stadium
- Other Exciting Events
The Stadium's Final Years
- What Happened Next?
Images for kids
See also

A Home for Champions

The original Yankee Stadium was built especially for the New York Yankees. It was their home field for 85 seasons. Many legendary baseball players played here. The stadium saw the Yankees win many World Series championships. It became a symbol of baseball history.

Why Was It Called "The House That Ruth Built"?

When Yankee Stadium opened in 1923, Babe Ruth was the biggest star in baseball. He was famous for hitting many home runs. His popularity helped the Yankees become very successful. Fans flocked to see him play. The stadium was built largely because of the huge crowds he attracted. This is why it earned the nickname "The House That Ruth Built."

More Than Just Baseball

While baseball was its main purpose, Yankee Stadium hosted many other events. It was a very busy place.

Football Games at the Stadium

The New York Giants football team played their home games at Yankee Stadium for almost 20 years. College football teams also played important games there. It was a big stadium perfect for large crowds.

Other Exciting Events

Yankee Stadium was a popular spot for boxing. Some of the most famous boxing matches in history happened there. Music concerts also filled the stadium with sound. Even a religious service led by the Pope was held on its field. This shows how important and versatile the stadium was.

The Stadium's Final Years

After many decades, the original Yankee Stadium began to show its age. The Yankees decided they needed a new, modern stadium. The last baseball game was played there on September 21, 2008. It was a very emotional day for fans.

What Happened Next?

Soon after the Yankees moved, the old stadium was carefully taken apart. This process began in 2009. Today, a public park called Heritage Field stands where the stadium once was. It has baseball fields for kids and community use. The new Yankee Stadium is right across the street.

Images for kids

Main entrance during the 1920s
The raising of the American flag on Opening Day in 1923
Aerial view of Yankee Stadium as it looked from 1928 to 1936, before nighttime baseball
The post-renovation interior of the stadium, pictured in 2007.
Logo to commemorate the stadium's last season.
Heritage Field in 2012, with the new Yankee Stadium in background
An aerial view of Yankee Stadium shows the asymmetrical shape of the venue.
Monument Park featured monuments and plaques dedicated to Yankee greats.
The facade over the wall behind the bleachers
The Louisville Slugger-shaped exhaust pipe
Yankee Stadium after the last game was played on September 21, 2008.
Notre Dame vs. Army at Yankee Stadium, 1969.
The Stadium during the 1927 season before the left field grandstand was extended.
Aerial view of Yankee Stadium as it looked in its early years.
Panoramic view of the pre-renovated Yankee Stadium.
View of pre-renovated Yankee Stadium in 1956
Aerial photo of the stadium and surrounding neighborhood.
The outer wall of the stadium
River Avenue, located behind the stadium and under the 4 (New York City Subway service) Train.
The front of the stadium at night
A bridge leading to the front of the stadium over Metro-North Railroad tracks
The grounds crew taking the tarp off the infield
The stadium during a night game
The left field side of the grandstand
The Stadium just before sunset from the upper deck.
The infield during a night game
The grandstand during batting practice
Monument Park, the LF bleachers, the bullpens, and the retired numbers
The outfield during batting practice
A sign in the hallway en route to the dugout that the Yankees touch as they come out of the clubhouse. Derek Jeter, with permission from the Yankees, took the sign after the stadium closed.
The foul pole, upper deck, and the bleachers.