Yankees to host Cubs in first games at new stadium

Nov 17, 2008 - 10:03 PM BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- The New York Yankees will christen the new Yankee Stadium when they host the Chicago Cubs in a pair of exhibition games on April 3-4.

It marks the first appearance for the Cubs in the Bronx since a three-game interleague series in 2005. Chicago will be coming off its second straight National League Central Division crown.

"The Yankees organization is excited and honored to host the Chicago Cubs in two exhibition games to be played at the new Yankee Stadium," Yankees co-chairperson Hal Steinbrenner said. "As we welcome our fans into the ballpark for the first time, it is fitting to showcase two of baseball's greatest and most historic franchises."

The Yankees' first regular-season contest in the new stadium is set for April 16 against the Cleveland Indians.

New York is moving into a $1.3 billion facility across the street from the existing Yankee Stadium, its home since 1923.

Cubs manager Lou Piniella was a member of the Yankees' World Series-winning teams in 1977 and 1978.

"The Cubs are thrilled to be the Yankees' first opponent in the new Yankee Stadium and are honored to take part in this historic event," Cubs chairman Crane Kenney said.

"Lou Piniella and eight of our players had the honor to partake in All-Star Game festivities that helped say farewell to Yankee Stadium last summer, and we look forward to participating in the opening of the Yankees' new ballpark next spring."