161st Street–Yankee Stadium: Gateway to the Bronx and Sports

The 161st Street–Yankee Stadium station is a major subway complex located in the borough of The Bronx, New York City. It serves as a crucial transfer point between several subway lines and is essential for access to the world-famous Yankee Stadium. Its location in the heart of the Concourse area makes it one of the most important and busiest stations in The Bronx, especially during sporting events and concerts.

Connections and Services

The 161st Street–Yankee Stadium station is a complex consisting of two distinct but directly connected stations:

Elevated Platforms (Jerome Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex is an IRT Jerome Avenue Line station of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the following service:
  • 4 (green)
• Main entrance address: Corner of East 161st Street and River Avenue, Bronx, NY 10451

Underground Platforms (Concourse Line)

• This part of the complex is an express station on the IND Concourse Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • B (orange, weekday peak hours only)
  • D (orange)
• Entrances to this section of the station are located near 161st Street and River and Gerard Avenues.

The interconnection between these two stations allows passengers to make convenient transfers between the Jerome Avenue Line (IRT) and the Concourse Line (IND).

Importance and Location

• The station is prominently located at the intersection of 161st Street and River Avenue, in the Concourse section of The Bronx.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Yankee Stadium

    • Home of the New York Yankees baseball team (MLB).
    • Venue for New York City FC (MLS) matches.
    • Site for large concerts and other major events.
    • Access to Monument Park and the New York Yankees Museum within the stadium.

  • Bronx Civic Center

    • Houses important government buildings such as the Bronx Borough Hall and the Bronx County Courthouse.
    • Offers access to various civic and administrative services.
    • Proximity to Joyce Kilmer Park and the Bronx Museum of the Arts.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Macombs Dam Park: A large park adjacent to the stadium with sports facilities.
    • Andrew Freedman Home: A nearby historical landmark.
    • Access to the Macombs Dam Bridge to Manhattan.

History and Evolution

• The elevated station of the Jerome Avenue Line (IRT) opened on June 2, 1917.
• The underground station of the Concourse Line (IND) opened on July 1, 1933.
• The complex has undergone significant renovations, especially in conjunction with the construction of the new Yankee Stadium (opened in 2009), improving accessibility (with the addition of elevators) and the capacity to handle large crowds.
• It has served as the main gateway for generations of baseball fans.

Interesting Facts

• The station experiences huge increases in passenger volume on Yankees game days and during other events at the stadium.
• The elevated platforms offer direct and iconic views of Yankee Stadium.
• It is a vital transportation hub for Bronx residents and visitors alike, connecting the borough to other parts of the city.