3D Model of Yankee Stadium (Late 1960's)

[Kaplanski]

I’m in the process of building a 3D model of the old Yankee Stadium (late 1960’s early 1970’s). The model is being built in AutoCAD and will be finished in 3D Studio Max (a related 3D rendering and animation package).

The idea is to have an interactive 3D model where people can visit and walk through and experience a little bit what it felt like to be in that great stadium.

I’ve posted some images of the model progress on the “Yankee Stadium Pictorial History” thread (thanks for all of the comments and advice) and here’s a link to my site where you can check on the progress:http://www.digitalcentrality.com/Yankee_Stadium/

The model is based on plans from the 1973-76 renovation that do show stand structure elevations of the old stadium, but the plan views are of the post 1976 renovation. While the column locations should be the same (with the exception of the ones that were removed in the renovation) there does seem to be discrepancies with the curvature of the stands as they transition to the bull pens.

The only real, pre renovation, plan I have is a site plan used to show the location of chain-link fence used during the renovation. When I overlay the finish removal plan with this plan (both scaled the same), things don’t line up too well particularly at the locations mentioned above.

If anybody has any insight into what changed in this area, or better still, have construction documents or as-built drawings of the original stadium, please let me know.

If anybody has a seating plan for the old stadium I could get a copy of, that would really help me in linking the seating sections to column grid lines on the drawing.

This forum has already been an invaluable resource for me in this project and I want to thank those who have helped me so far.

Rick

[RichardLillard1]

Since this is in AutoCad pictures should be of help right? You should be able to rotate the model and then make it fit the picture you are trying to match.

If this is the case send me a PM with your email address and I will see what I can do to help you out.


Richard

[Kaplanski]

Richard:

That’s an excellent idea!

That might be a good way to locate the seats and isles relative to the columns and the tunnels on the main level. I’ll give it a try.

Have you got any internal shots of the ramps leading from the various entry portals to the different levels, or of the entries into the bleachers?

Thanks

Rick

[The Monument]

Hey Rich. The curvature of the stands near the bullpens would have changed due to the changed field dimensions. In 1973 the foul poles were 296' in RF and 301' in LF. The wall in RF about 2/3 of the way between the foul pole and the bullpen was 344'. And the end of the LF stands next to the bullpen was 402'. These dimensions changed to 310' RF pole, 353' RF wall, 314' LF pole, and 387' LF wall. That should account for the change in the shape of the stands.

[Kaplanski]

Thanks for the info on the wall changes. Now that I know that those curved parts did change, I can use the site drawing as guide for that.

Rick

[brooklyndodger14]

Here is an overview of the old seating configuration ca. 1960



And here is a retouched version of Kaplanski's renovation configuration
(NOTE: the bleachers do not show the removal of the first 2 portals on the left side which make up the loading dock nor do they show the bullpen cut out in the crescent portion of the bullpen. In sum, the final renovation bleacher configuration should just encompass the bleachers from the back wall to the cross aisles that connect the portals).:



And here are the two images overlayed. Note the tighter curve around the foul area behind the plate and the extended front row representing the lowering of the the field by 6 feet.



Hope this helps!

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

[Kaplanski]

Back on track again after a very busy late summer and early fall.

Here's a typical portal (gate 2/6). Gate 4 seems to have different glass. I'll need to do a little more research on that. I'll add the gate numbering when I integrate the portals into the main model. The plan is to complete the bullpen areas and integrate them into the building skin from gate 2 back around the bleachers and over to gate 6.

I'm very much in need of direction on the bullpen areas. I've got several good images of the bullpens but nothing that shows the level of detail I'd like to have. If anybody has anything like a section through the bullpen the long way, showing where the ramp starts and ends, that would help.

To check on the progress of the model, go to: http://www.digitalcentrality.com/Yankee_Stadium/

Rick

[Kaplanski]

Here are some renderings of the model with the latest updates. I'm working on the bullpens and bleacher sections.

Check out the model at: http://www.digitalcentrality.com/Yankee_Stadium/

[Kaplanski]

I'm just getting back on track after the holidays.

I'm still working on the bleachers and bullpen areas. I've added the utility entry ways along the bleacher side of the bullpens. I've started laying out the columns for the bleacher external wall.

Next, I'll finish the bleacher outer wall and begin inserting the bleacher/bullpen fence railings and gates.

If anybody remembers how the bleacher ramps integrated with the bleacher gates, let me know. Pictures would help.

Thanks

Rick

http://www.digitalcentrality.com/Yankee_Stadium/

[locke40]

I have to say this is just awesome. I love seeing updates, and cannot wait until it's done; but seeing it being built is just as exciting. Coming from someone who never got to experience the original stadium in all its beauty, this is about the next best thing! Thanks again, and keep up the great work!!

[Kaplanski]

Thanks for the comments.

It was an incredible place (and still is a great stadium).

Folks like you have been the greatest source of information and encouragement for me on this project.

Thanks again.

Rick

I have to say this is just awesome. I love seeing updates, and cannot wait until it's done; but seeing it being built is just as exciting. Coming from someone who never got to experience the original stadium in all its beauty, this is about the next best thing! Thanks again, and keep up the great work!!

[Mattingly85MVP]

After seeing recent pictures of the new yankee stadium's construction, I have to say that I am more excited to see the completion of your 3D model of the grand old place. I only wish you were one of the design engineers for the new ball park, that way more elements of the old stadium would exist in the new one. Can't wait to see the facade go up in your model...doing a great job man!!

[locke40]

After seeing recent pictures of the new yankee stadium's construction, I have to say that I am more excited to see the completion of your 3D model of the grand old place. I only wish you were one of the design engineers for the new ball park, that way more elements of the old stadium would exist in the new one. Can't wait to see the facade go up in your model...doing a great job man!!

We have two new stadiums going up at the same time!!

[Urbanshocker13]

After seeing recent pictures of the new yankee stadium's construction, I have to say that I am more excited to see the completion of your 3D model of the grand old place. I only wish you were one of the design engineers for the new ball park, that way more elements of the old stadium would exist in the new one. Can't wait to see the facade go up in your model...doing a great job man!!

I agree I wish there was more elements of the old stadium in the new, There is ways to design the park so there is more of the old elements and not have obstructive views and other modern improvements.

[Kaplanski]

More progress on the model.

Bleacher walls almost done and main scoreboard is up. Next add auxilary scoreboards, fencing and bullpen gates.

Go to http://www.digitalcentrality.com/Yankee_Stadium/ to see more.

[Mattingly85MVP]

Kaplanski- Just out of curiosity, have you reached out to the Yankees for any resources that they could provide you, in terms of photos, blue prints, etc?

[Kaplanski]

Kaplanski- Just out of curiosity, have you reached out to the Yankees for any resources that they could provide you, in terms of photos, blue prints, etc?

No I haven’t. That may not be a bad idea. I did talk to the folks at Osborne Engineering a while back about blueprints, but they had already sold them by then.

I guess I could try to talk the Yankees public relations folks.

Rick

[Kaplanski]

The bleacher fencing and bullpen gates are now installed. Next the auxiliary scoreboards, PA systems, flag and monuments. I’ve also got to add the dimensions. Its unclear whether or not the exits were removed from the outfield wall, or just the exit signs.

See more at: http://www.digitalcentrality.com/Yankee_Stadium/

[Yankees2k6]

That looks amazing!

[jimmyjimjimz]

there was no grass in the bullpens?

[brooklyndodger14]

there was no grass in the bullpens?

Going into the bullpen from the OF warning track: Concrete between the smaller gate (front) of the bullpen and the larger gate (middle), and then just dirt (no grass) in the remaining ground leading into the full-size roll-up gate that opened to the street outside.

The last part was where the mounds were placed with the catcher's "home plates" located near the larger gates in the middle.

Both the bullpens had open entries to both the bleachers and field level grandstands. They were usually manned by a uniformed cop or a Stadium usher on either side. Vendors, security, and other employees of the Yanks or their associates and sponsors would be allowed to quickly cross the dirt area to go between the stands. If any pitcher was warming up, or there was a pitching change, traffic would be held up until given the all clear.

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

[Mattingly85MVP]

Kaplanski, you should check out the latest pics in the Yankee Stadium renovation thread, great color photos of the old stadium from the early 70's, the pics are from BSmile.

[Kaplanski]

Dennis:

Thanks for the detailed description of the bullpen areas. Right now I'm showing them as all concrete. Was the dirt the same color as the warning track, or was it just regular gray dirt? Also, if you have any close up pictures, please let me know.

Rick

.

The last part was where the mounds were placed with the catcher's "home plates" located near the larger gates in the middle.

Both the bullpens had open entries to both the bleachers and field level grandstands. They were usually manned by a uniformed cop or a Stadium usher on either side. Vendors, security, and other employees of the Yanks or their associates and sponsors would be allowed to quickly cross the dirt area to go between the stands. If any pitcher was warming up, or there was a pitching change, traffic would be held up until given the all clear.

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

[Kaplanski]

Skipping around a bit, I've started back on the stand structure and external wall panels.

I'll need to go back and make revisions to bring the walls up to the 1973 configuration. The flag poles will also need to be shortened.

See more at :http://www.digitalcentrality.com/Yankee_Stadium/

Rick

[Gehrig27]

Wow, great updates! This model just gets better and better.