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Stadium Series: Citi Field
The Stadium Series covers New York-area stadiums, presenting the pros and cons as judged by yours truly.
First up: Citi Field, home of the New York Mets
Anything would have been an upgrade over Shea Stadium. Whatever misplaced nostalgia Mets fans may feel toward the place, it was an undeniable dump. The Mets certainly could have built a new stadium that would have inadequately serviced the organization, but fortunately, they did not.
Citi Field is an absolute gem. Blending the bells and whistles of new ballparks with an old-time feel, Citi Field just feels like baseball. Its wide, expansive concourses with great sightlines onto the field provide an excuse to leave your seat during the course of a long summer evening. Its quirky dimensions provide an interesting home field advantage and are a talking point for any first-time fan. And the carry over from Shea, the apple that rises whenever the Mets hit a homerun, provides all the nostalgia that Mets fans need.
Here are some of the other pros and cons of the place the New York Mets call home:
Pros:
Easy access to the stadium. Both the 7 train and the LIRR run right to Citi Field, with the 7 running express before and after games. Parking is available, though prices are in line with any other stadium, and areas around the stadium are not easily accessible to cheat the system.
Great seats throughout the stadium. I've sat in a number of different areas throughout the park, and it has been hard to find a bad seat. This is in line with many of the newer stadiums. Even high up in the upper deck, it's easy to feel close to the action at the park.
Tickets are cheap (for now). That has to deal with one of the "Cons;" however, it is nice to catch a game for ten dollars on the re-sale market, especially compared to prices for that team in the Bronx.
A great overall ambience. Though the Mets have not consistently sold Citi Field out because of poor play, the fans that do show up create a nice feel at the stadium. Combined with a great scoreboard and the sight of planes landing at Laguardia nearby, there is plenty for the diehard and casual fan alike to view.
-Shake Shack beyond centerfield. If you've got time, and the game is a snoozer, it's definitely worth the wait.
Cons:
One of the teams playing will always be the Mets. For right now, that is the biggest thing Citi Field has going against it.
Just like nearly every other stadium in the country, food and drink is expensive. If you can bring your own food, do it. There are some restrictions on glass, but most food is safe to bring in with you. Your wallet will thank you later.
You've got Flushing nearby, but, well, that's not the tailgate hub of the city. Without demeaning Flushing, it's not the best area to grab a drink before or after the game. This cuts down on drunkenness around the stadium, perhaps, but also forces fans to arrive right as the game starts and to leave immediately after. Makes for a tougher commute and limits business in the area.
Did we mention you have to watch the Mets play?
Overall, Citi Field is an incredible place. The quality of baseball has not been great the last few years, but on a warm night in May, there are few places I'd rather be.
Citi Field Grade: A-
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Photo Credits: SportsIllustrated.com
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