Citi Field

Reviews 3

CH

Chuck Connelly

I have a long and complicated relationship with the Mets. On one hand, theyre not the Yankees, but on the other they are a New York baseball team that Ive been going to see play ball since I was a little kid. I remember heading out to Flushing to see the guys in orange a blue play (well mostly loose to be honest) with a fond sense nostalgic memory that still I find myself yearning for as an adult. Dont get me wrong, going to games is still a blast, and I find myself in the stands of a ball park on many a summer night. But its just not the same as being there as a kid with your parents, hot dog in hand screaming for the home team to win while dad got "secret" drunk on 9 dollar beers. Ah memories. OK enough nostalgia, down to business. Citi Field Rocks. Built in the late 2000s, the new home of the NY Mets replaced the iconic (but not so beautiful) Shea stadium. There was nothing terribly wrong with Shea, that is, if you like 60s era architecture, awful seats, and ramps on ramps on ramps to get to the upper decks. The food was nothing to rave about either; I can still remember waiting in long lines to get those awful little personal pizzas from Pizza-Hut. Ewe. Enter 2006 through 2009. Instead of revamping the old place, the Mets in their infinite wisdom realized that New Yorkers are discerning. We happen to like decent food, and more importantly, decent beer. And so the team (rightfully) accommodated our needs. Ive yet to meet a person who has visited the stadium, and has had a negative comment about the food or drink selection, except of course, the outrageous prices (what do you want its a major league sporting event, its going to be pricey). If you want it, Citi has it; from frozen margaritas, to Two Boots Pizza, and even its very own Shake Shack (that is, if you like standing in good long line). The beer selection is absolutely flawless, everything from Six Point and Brooklyn to Sapporo and Leinenkugels, they have it all (Check out the craft beer bar behind center field, the selection is impeccable). Well done Citi. The architecture of the place is such an aesthetical improvement over Shea, it really cant be overstated. They took what was an outdated shell of a stadium, and put in its place what many (including myself), would call one of the most beautiful baseball stadiums in the country, and perhaps, one of the most beautiful sports venues in the world. Seriously. Walking into Citi, you find the classically laid out Jackie Robison rotunda, with iconic imagery and amazing attention to detail that is truly superb. After climbing up the escalator, you will find a field that looks to be set just below ground level, and is absolutely stunning. To be fair to the overall structure though, the attention to detail is almost perfect throughout; from the classic brick facade to Shea Bridge, and the home run apple, the new stadium is modern while still managing to pay homage to the history of the team. A personal favorite section of mine is the Pepsi Porch, which floats seamlessly above the right field grandstand, and has all the amenities of a little stadium within the larger ballpark. A truly spectacular place to catch a game; grab some friends, hop on a flushing bound 7 (express obviously), and head out to the better of the two baseball stadiums in the city.

KA

Karen Stephens

God. 5 hours later and Im still cold! Tips for enjoying Citi Field in the early Spring: 1. The stadium is near the water so subtract 5° from the current temperature 2. If youre sitting in the nosebleeds... - 5° more 3. If its so windy that trash is blowing all over the field - 5° 4. The sun sets - 5° 5. You foolishly bought a cold ass soda and are determined not to waste your money so youre still going to drink it - 5° So according to my calculations, with the temperature being in the mid-50s outside the stadium at the start of the 7 pm game, the real temperature was more like 30° Fahrenheit up in Section 509 Row 17. And FYI, Row 17 is as high as you can go. Eh... they were $10 tickets that I got for free. But I was determined to stay for the whole game. My first attempt to go down a level failed spectacularly. "Sir, how strict are they about changing sections once the game starts?" "VERY strict!" Im nothing if not persistent. I try again at the next level down. He tells me to go to the Section 311 as if he was imparting some super secret information. Yeah right! Dream on. I wound up in the 100s standing at the barrier with the rest of the diehards with horrible seats. I LOVE the fact that they put cup holders on the poles. I was able to keep my hands stuffed in my pockets and didnt have to throw out that damn cup of soda I was determined to finish. And the bonus - the view was spectacular. Why was I going to suffer hypothermia by drinking that soda? Well, I hit the Shake Shack concession before the game and I paid almost 7 bucks over regular retail price for the privilege. I dont care if my cheese fries were a gummy mass by the time I reached my seat. My burger was still lukewarm. Yay. But by that point, the damage was done. By the 8th inning, even the Cardinals were wearing balaclavas. Punks. They have some thin blood in Saint Louie. But the best part was... THE METS WIN! THE METS WIN! And since they did it at the top of the 9th, we didnt have to stay a minute longer! I hate writing ridiculously long reviews, just like you hate reading them, but I must add this bit of helpful information. If you dont lollygag on your way out of the stadium to the subway, you might catch the 7 SUPER EXPRESS. Thats what the conductor called it. Dont worry, theres room. Everyone just masses up in the middle cars. There are plenty of seats in the rear. The 7 SUPER EXPRESS only makes the following stops: 61st/Woodside (connect here for the LIRR), Queensboro Plaza, Court Square, Grand Central and then regular. Wonderful! No cab in the world could do better.

IM

Imran Khan

A great ballpark with lots of good food venues, but terribly staffed. I once saw an usher summon two police officers with him towards where a fan was sitting because the fan walked to his seat while the usher wasnt paying attention to check the fans ticket. Upon realizing that the fan did indeed pay for that seat, the usher walks away without even apologizing to the fan or the many other seated fans whose view he was obstructing while the game was happening. This isnt an isolated incident. The security staff and ushers are generally rude and hostile, and IMO, this attitude trickles down from the owner. Add to the fact that the Mets have been subpar since the ballpark opened and that prices across the board are significantly higher than at Shea Stadium, and you have a great ballpark with great viewing angles but a terrible product on the field. The upper deck views are much nicer than at Shea Stadium and the field level views are even better than Sheas (no small feat). The old big home run apple from Shea Stadium is on display in front of the main home plate entrance to the rotunda. Theres a great food court with some restaurant-quality food and lots of variety beyond the outfield. And the team store behind the Jackie Robinson Rotunda has a great deal of variety (though is mostly full of overpriced stuff). Whats definitely worth checking out is the Museum also behind the Rotunda, which displays the original paper mache costume for Mr. Met, both World Series trophies and Tom Seavers Cy Young from 1969. Just dont go after the game when a long line forms just to enter (entry is free, but they restrict the number of people allowed in). Parking costs $20(!), but on the plus side, they now accept credit cards there (lol). Hopefully, a new owner will improve the organization, because the ballpark and Mets fans deserve much better.

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