Friday marks the end of Alex Rodriguez’s career in pinstripes, and while the nation draws its attention to Yankee Stadium as the beleaguered star takes his last licks, there’s still a chance to witness the festivities live.
A mad dash to the box office ensued after the 41-year-old’s press conference Sunday morning, and by Monday afternoon only a few dozen seats were still available on Ticketmaster. However, those that slept on purchasing can still find Yankees tickets for A-Rod’s last game. Don’t expect them to be there much longer, though.
As it stands now the cheapest available tickets to Friday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays are $95 each in Section 105 next to the Yankees bullpen. It is the only section currently offering ticket prices below $100. In Section 114, which is located on the first base side, tickets are currently listed from $150 each. Several other seats are available starting from $175 each in Section 128 headed out towards left field.
Prepare for prices to spike if looking elsewhere in the stadium. Tickets are still available in the 100 section behind home plate but will cost upwards of $275 each. The most expensive available tickets are going for $500 each in wheelchair-accessible seats in Section 122A.
Whether watching from right field or the comfort of the living room couch, Friday night will mark the end of an era in the Bronx. A-Rod’s tumultuous 12-year run as a member of the Yankees was a polarizing one; two MVP Awards and a World Series title were overshadowed by his illicit use of performance-enhancing drugs, which he initially claimed to have used solely during his brief career in Texas. That would later prove to be false, as the slugger would also admit to using PEDs from late 2010 to October 2012.
Still, weighed down with the fact that he will never enter the Hall of Fame with pure intentions, A-Rod’s many accomplishments both off and on the field cannot be overlooked. He was a poster child for the game for nearly two decades, and though his play was virtually non-existent over the last four weeks, there’s no doubt that Yankee Stadium will be packed to the brim to see his final at-bats Friday night.
And who knows, maybe this isn’t the end for the aging slugger. The thought of playing again hasn’t been ruled out, so perhaps he’ll be back in the opposing dugout wearing road greys next season. And wouldn’t that be something.