The Yankees announced today that they will be opening the new stadium against the Chicago Cubs for two exhibition games on April 3-4, 2009.  The first game will be a night game “under the lights.”  It will be the first exhibition game played in the Bronx since the Bombers faced off against the cross-town Mets in 1993.

“We are thrilled to have such a great organization in the Chicago Cubs agree to play the first-ever exhibition games as we unveil Yankee Stadium,” said Yankees president Randy Levine. “It will be a symbolic event for the fans of two iconic teams while we celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in this proud franchise’s history.”

The Cubs and Yankees share some “iconic history.”  The teams met twice in the World Series, 1932 and 1938.  The 1938 Series featured Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot” against pitcher Charlie Root.

These two teams meeting provides the opportunity to watch some Yankee Alums in action.  Former Yankee outfielder and manager Lou Pinella currently manages the Cubs and former Yankee second baseman Alfonso Soriano currently plays in the outfield for the Cubbies.

After this exhibition series is completed, the Yankees will have Sunday April 5 off and will open the regular season April 6 at Baltimore.  The first regular season game at the New Stadium is scheduled for Thursday April 16 against Cleveland.

Interested in tickets?  Me too.  That information will apparently be released at a later date.