Opened: April 13, 2009
Capacity: 44,466
Citi Field
I’ve been here three times for four games. Once I came up on a whim to see my Pirates another I hit on my way to Boston and last when I made my New York trip. New York has so much to see and do but being out here there is nothing other than the tennis center and Flushing Meadow. The Mets were also bad during each of these trips so attendance was sparse.
How did I get there?
The first time I came up I rode Amtrak and the LIRR out to the stadium. It was a Thursday matinée and I did not want to deal with New York traffic. I don’t think it was cheaper but it was much easier despite sitting at Penn Station for about 3 hours to go home. The second time I drove. Paid $20 to park and considering this is New York I was OK with that. It was a Sunday so traffic was light. The last time I stayed in a hotel just down the street and walked to and from.
Ticket prices
Compared to the Yankees prices are much cheaper, almost on par with other teams in the league. I was quite happy about that. It seems to be much more affordable to see a Mets game opposed to a Yankees game but with a $20 minimum ticket they far outpace the rest of my baseball world though the Phillies are getting close in that regards.
Finding my seat and amenities
Citi Field almost seems like a better version of Nationals Park. It was not hard to find my seats. I came in through the Ebbets Field-like entrance and went through the team Hall of Fame. The one thing that struck me the first time I was here was that they did not sell full size souvenir sodas. The year they had the All Star Game they had small sodas to sell. I did get a Mets 50th anniversary ice cream helmet though. On my last trip they did have full sized souvenir sodas. I collect them, just so you know.
In game experience
There was not anything that really stood out. I saw Mr. Met and Mrs. Met made an appearance too. The product on the field has not been overly good. They’ve played my Pirates three times and I also saw the Marlins too.
Getting out
I imagine with a large crowd driving out could be a problem but I didn’t have one. Two train lines connect the park to the city and getting on board the LIRR was easy and connected me right to Penn Station. The transit people have this down to a science. The parking lot can be a bit confusing to get out of in your car. When I walked it was nice and easy. Had some trouble finding the onramp to get on the highway to head to Long Island the next day but that’s another matter.
Wrap
Citi Field is one of those places that I look to go back to almost every year given how close it is. NYC is about the same distance as Pittsburgh. But I did the touristy stuff in NYC so I will probably not be getting back here for a bit. It’s not cheap to go to for just one showing, I’d need to tie it to another game somewhere else considering the cost of crossing the bridges.