Won't you be my neighbor

The majority of the population surrounding Yankee Stadium won't be able/can't afford to attend a game at the ball park, but some will have a chance to take a sneak peak at the new place.

The Yankees announced that 15,000 free tickets will distributed through local organizations for a look inside the park on April 2.

Here's the official press release from the Yankees:

The New York Yankees will welcome thousands of their fellow Bronx neighbors for a special preview of the new Yankee Stadium on Thursday, April 2nd at 11 AM. Fifteen thousand free tickets will be distributed by local Bronx Community Boards and the New York Yankees.

Gates open at 11 AM and ticketed fans will have the chance to walk around and explore all areas of the new stadium including Monument Park. At 1:30 PM, fans will get the opportunity to sit and watch the first workout and batting practice in the new Stadium. All ticketed guests will also receive free lunch vouchers which are good for a beverage and their choice of pizza or hotdog.

"What better way to celebrate the Yankees' new home than giving our good friends from across the Bronx the opportunity to be the first to experience the new stadium," said Brian Smith, Senior Vice President, Community Relations. "Our longstanding partnerships with various Bronx-based community organizations are at the heart of our commitment to the borough. We're proud to be giving back to families across the Bronx, who we count among our most loyal fans."

One thousand free tickets will be given to each of the twelve Bronx Community Boards for them to distribute to their local residents. To inquire about tickets, Bronx residents should contact their local Community Boards directly. Contact information for each of the Community Boards can be found by visiting http://www.nyc.gov/html/cau/html/cb/cb_bronx.shtml . An additional 3,000 tickets will be distributed to community based organizations and union workers who have participated in helping to build the new Stadium. The preview will be held rain or shine on the 2nd.

This special Open House comes one day before the Friday, April 3 exhibition game vs. Chicago. The Official Opening Day is scheduled for Thursday, April 16 at 1:05pm vs. Cleveland.