Press Releases
NEWS: WEINER: CITY EMBARRASSED INTO DOING THE RIGHT THING ON LUXURY BOXES
New York City – Representative Anthony Weiner (D – Brooklyn and Queens), who back in October 2008 called on the City to sell its million dollar rights to luxury boxes at Yankees and Mets Stadium, said today that city officials were finally embarrassed enough to do the right thing and sell their access to these luxury perks.
Rep. Weiner released the following statement: “It is wrong for city officials to reserve luxury boxes for themselves when most New Yorkers are struggling to afford a seat in the bleachers. Finally, the city was embarrassed enough that they did the right thing. City officials should purchase tickets to the game just like every other New Yorker.”
In 2007, the City extended $1.5 billion in public subsidies and tax-free, municipal bonds to both the Yankees and Mets as part of the plan to help build new stadiums. The Yankees received $900 million and the Mets received $600 million in public funds.
As part of the deal, the city officials negotiated:
- Access to a luxury suite in both new stadiums
- Access to regular season and playoff tickets before they go on sale to the public
-The City already had access to a luxury suite in Shea Stadium
A suite at the new Yankee Stadium costs between $600,000 and $850,000 per season while a Mets suite runs between $275,000 and $500,000. The suites offer private seating for up to 40 people and provide a series of amenities, including private restrooms, preferred parking, a concierge, and room service.
Weiner called on the City to give up its rights in October.
