Citi Field (Home of Mets) | Queens

Citi Field is the home of the New York Mets, located in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens, New York City. It officially opened its doors on March 29, 2009, replacing Shea Stadium, which had been the Mets' home since 1964. Citi Field is a modern and state-of-the-art baseball stadium designed to enhance the fan experience while honoring the history of the Mets and New York baseball.

Design and Architecture

Jackie Robinson Rotunda: A signature feature of Citi Field is the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, which serves as the main entrance. This area is dedicated to Jackie Robinson, the legendary player who broke Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947. The Rotunda features a large mosaic of Robinson's image and displays important moments from his career. The entrance area also includes a large Mets-themed inscription and the team's history.

Classic Ballpark Features: The design of Citi Field incorporates elements from older, classic ballparks, such as Ebbets Field, the former home of the Brooklyn Dodgers, in order to create a nostalgic atmosphere for fans. The exterior features an arched, brick façade, adding a timeless look to the structure.

Stadium Features

Seating Capacity: Citi Field has a seating capacity of 41,922, which makes it one of the larger ballparks in Major League Baseball.

Sculpture Garden: Citi Field includes a sculpture garden dedicated to Mets' history, including pieces that commemorate notable Mets players and historical moments.

Amenities

Food and Beverage: Citi Field is known for its wide variety of food options, including traditional baseball fare like hot dogs and pretzels, as well as more sophisticated choices that reflect New York City's diverse food scene. Some of the popular food vendors include Shake Shack, Blue Smoke BBQ, and El Verano Taqueria.

Taste of the City: This food court offers some of New York’s favorite dishes, allowing fans to enjoy foods like pizza, sandwiches, and local specialties while attending the game.

Mr. Met's Kiddie Field: For families with children, Citi Field offers Mr. Met's Kiddie Field, a fun and interactive area located behind the center-field scoreboard. It includes a wiffleball field and other activities for young fans to enjoy during games.

World's Fare Market: Located in the right-field corner, this market offers a wide range of food options, from sushi to Korean dishes, allowing fans to try different cuisines while watching the game.

Samsung LED Scoreboard: The stadium features the largest LED scoreboard in professional baseball, covering an area of over 17,400 square feet. This massive screen is used for live game updates, replays, and interactive fan experiences.

Community and Legacy

Citi Field is designed not just to be a place for baseball but also to serve as a community gathering space. Throughout the year, the stadium hosts various non-baseball events, including concerts, festivals, and even outdoor movie screenings.

The Mets Hall of Fame and Museum: Located within the stadium, the Hall of Fame and Museum is a place where fans can learn about the history of the New York Mets, with exhibits dedicated to iconic players and historic moments in the team’s history.

Accessibility and Location

Location: Citi Field is located at 41 Seaver Way, in Flushing, Queens, NY, within walking distance of the Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

Transportation: The stadium is easily accessible by public transportation, including the 7 train (Vernon-Jackson Avenue station), which provides direct access to the ballpark. The stadium is also reachable by buses, the NYC Ferry, and by car, with parking options available near the stadium.

Fun Facts

Named for Citigroup: The stadium is named after Citigroup, the multinational financial services company, which secured naming rights for the ballpark in a deal that lasted several decades.

Citi Field and Shea Stadium: While Citi Field has replaced Shea Stadium, certain elements of the old stadium’s legacy remain. For example, the Mets' home plate from Shea Stadium is now preserved at Citi Field, and the outfield dimensions have been designed to mimic some features of Shea.

Special Events

Citi Field is also used for non-baseball events, such as concerts, food festivals, and charity events. The venue has hosted performances by major artists, including Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, and The Rolling Stones. In addition to regular Mets games, the stadium is a hub of entertainment in Queens.

Upcoming Events

Fans can enjoy a variety of Mets games and events throughout the year, with seasonal ticket packages available. Additionally, the ballpark regularly features special promotions, such as Fireworks Nights and Theme Nights, making the game experience more exciting for fans of all ages.

Conclusion

Citi Field stands as a modern monument to baseball in New York City. It combines cutting-edge technology and fan-friendly amenities with a strong sense of history, offering a comprehensive experience that appeals to both dedicated Mets fans and casual visitors. Whether you're attending a Mets game or exploring the surrounding attractions, Citi Field provides an exciting and memorable experience in the heart of Queens.