Yankees get preview of One World Observatory

NEW YORK -- Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner was on hand Tuesday for an exclusive preview of One World Observatory from the 100th floor of One World Trade Center in New York.

Steinbrenner was joined by other members of the Legends board of directors and Yankees front office, including general partner Jennifer Steinbrenner Swindal, team president Randy Levine and senior vice president/chief financial officer Anthony Bruno at the event, which offered a glimpse of the views from the top of the building, more than 1,250 feet above Manhattan.

Construction on the observation deck will begin in early 2014, and when the facility opens in '15, it will provide millions of visitors with an observatory-deck experience on Floors 100-102.

"As a building unlike any other in the world, One World Trade Center rightfully deserves an observatory experience unlike any other in the world," Steinbrenner said in a statement. "The Yankees organization is proud to be a part of One World Observatory, a project that will combine the best that New York has to offer, from awe-inspiring city views to top-notch service, and elevate the visitor experience to new heights."

Guests at the event got a first glimpse at what the experience will entail, including "Skypod" elevators that will give visitors the experience of being outside the building as they ascend and descend the structure in 60 seconds.

The observatory will feature a pre-show theater called "See Forever," where guests will learn about the history of the building. The deck will also feature dining options and an event space.

One World Trade Center is a joint venture between The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and The Durst Organization. Legends, which is owned by the Dallas Cowboys, the Yankees and the Checketts Partners Investment Fund, was the company chosen to develop and operate the observation deck.

"Legends is owned by two of the most well-respected and prolific organizations in sports history, and it's clear that Legends intends to bring that same level of prestige, tradition and excitement to One World Observatory," said Port Authority vice chairman Scott Rechler. "The One World Observatory experience will be the Yankee Stadium of observation decks, one that solidifies the rebirth of the World Trade Center, of Lower Manhattan and the resilience of America."