NEW YORK (AFP) — The new Yankee Stadium will be christened with exhibition games next April 3-4 between the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs, the Major League Baseball teams announced Monday.
The Yankees are moving into the 1.3 billion-dollar facility after playing their final season this year in the original Yankee Stadium, their home since 1923 that is across the street from the new venue.
The Yankees will play their first regular-season game in the new stadium on April 16 against Cleveland.
The games against the Cubs, who won the past two National League Central division titles, will be the Chicago club's first in the Bronx since a regular-season series in 2005.
"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," Yankees co-chairperson Hal Steinbrenner said.
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.
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