Looking back on a rebuilt stadium

When the Yankees convinced the nearly-broke City of New York to foot the bill for extensive stadium renovations in the early 1970s, much of the same storylines played out then as they did over the last few years. The Yankees threatened relocation, and they promised community benefits. The renovations were well over $100 million — or around $480 million in today’s dollars — over budget, and those aching for nostalgia couldn’t bear the thought of renovating the historic Yankee Stadium. Wezen-Ball recently looked back at some of the press coverage surrounding the opening of Yankee Stadium II. As the new stadium’s opening day approaches, I am struck by the famous saying, “The more things change…”