Part 4/10:
The groundbreaking of Ebbets Field was marked with a ceremonial laying of the cornerstone filled with items representing the spirit of Flatbush and Brooklyn. After initial delays, the stadium opened its doors ahead of the 1913 season with an initial capacity of 18,000, which eventually swelled to 35,000. The first game, played against the New York Yankees, saw an overflow crowd of 30,000 fans, setting a tone of enthusiasm that would become synonymous with the venue.