The purpose of this project is to try and recreate what it was like to be in the old Yankee Stadium (pre 1973-76 renovation). The 3D model is being created in AutoCAD and 3D Studio MAX. The idea is to eventually have an interactive 3D model that people can walk through and explore.

Research materials

I’ve based the structural part of the model on those drawings which I’ve been able to get my hands on. I’ve got plan views of the lower and main levels taken from finish replacement drawings used in the 1973-76 renovation. I initially though these plans were based on the pre renovation plans, but on closer study, it looks like these are actually based on the latter design. I do, however, have a pre construction site plan, that shows the outline of the original building.

The good news is that the basic structure of the stands didn’t change much in the renovation. The column locations are the same. The bad news is that the tunnels shown in the early model (shown below) did not appear exist in the pre-renovation stadium. The current model will require some reworking to reconcile some of these issues.

I do have good sections and elevations of the pre-renovation stadium skin and stand structure, as well as the facade. What I don’t have are drawings showing the location of ramps leading from the entry portals to the different levels and details on the bleachers.

In addition to the drawings, I have collected several models over the years, as well as photographs from books and the internet. The photos will serve as texture maps for the 3D Studio part of the model.

Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated

If you have any drawings or other reference materials you think would be of use, or you have a suggestion, please let me know. You can contact me at: rfkaplan@verizon.net.


Thanks and I hope you enjoy the model.

Rick


Below are images of the model as of 05-29-11


What's been done so far:
It's been I while since the last update of this site. Thanks to everyone for continuing to visit.

When I started this project, I really didn't have a very good base drawing to show the column layout. I ended up having to use a seating plan. While it was pretty close in terms of dimensional accuracy, it didn't have much detail. Since then, some pretty good drawings, mainly from the 1937 extension, have surfaced from an e-bay auction about a year or so ago. I've been adding the concrete structure below the main level, including the large piers that the support the columns. I've also added the main deck tunnels and the tunnel to the Yankee dugout. The dugout has been reworked with a little more detail. The ramps near gate 4 have also been done. The plan is to complete all of the ramps and core areas before getting back to the seating and finishing up the field and stand details. I'm also going to add some of the interior rooms, although I don't have as built plans that are up to date as of the 1970s, I'll try to use what I have, along with any photos I can find - Interior shots of this period are surprisingly scarce.

Better drawings have allowed me to build the concrete structure below the main level. This rendering shows some of the concrete support structure with the main level stand concrete removed.
Notice the large piers that held up the main columns. This image shows a closer view of some of the concrete support structures and the Yankee Dugout. Tunnel leading down to the home dugout. Rather poorly lit, but interesting view from inside the Yankee dugout. Need to work on interior lighting - ramp near gate 4 at main level. A view from the main level - same ramp. Ramp at main level. Looking down towards entry level. Longer shot at gate 4 ramp, main level. Gate 4 with the doors open. Lots of work to do on the entry ways.