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June 17, 2005
The Boss' legacy
A few days ago I read in the LA Times that the Yankees will soon begin construction on their new stadium with plans to begin play there at the start of the 2009 season. The price tag of the new stadium will probably be in excess of $800 million dollars, however, it is important to note that it will be financed entirely by the Yankees. While the final cost will eclipse the 1 billion dollar mark, the $205 million put forth by the city of New York will go towards the development of parks, recreation facilities and parking structures in 28 acres surrounding the new stadium and as New York Mayor Bloomberg states "will drive the incredible renaissance in the South Bronx." What a novel idea, a stadium being built entirely with private funding and no threats or excessive demands to the host city. A poll on espn.com listed possible names for the new stadium with one of them being "Yankee Stadium at Steinbrenner Field". While I'm not a fan of the Yankees, I do admire George Steinbrenner and what he has meant to the Yankee organization, it's fans and the city of New York. In this age of corporate owned sports franchises with an eye fixated on the bottom line, Steinbrenner represents a dying breed as that of a private owner with an insatiable desire to win... whatever the cost. That said, it would be a fitting salute to his legacy that the new ballpark's name honor him in some way.
Posted by Kevin O'Leary at 5:38 PM
