Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, is a baseball fan’s dream come true. I recently had the chance to visit this amazing stadium, and I’m excited to share my experience with you. From the moment I stepped inside, I was blown away by the incredible atmosphere and top-notch facilities.
Citi Field offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and classic ballpark charm, making it a must-visit destination for baseball enthusiasts and casual fans alike. The stadium’s design pays homage to the team’s history while providing all the comforts you’d expect from a state-of-the-art venue. I found myself captivated by the sights, sounds, and smells that make attending a game here so special.
As I explored the stadium, I discovered a wide range of food options, exciting entertainment features, and plenty of opportunities to shop for Mets memorabilia. The views from the seats were fantastic, and I was impressed by how easy it was to get around. Whether you’re a die-hard Mets fan or just looking for a fun day out, Citi Field has something for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Citi Field combines modern amenities with classic ballpark charm for an unforgettable experience.
- The stadium offers a wide variety of food options and entertainment features to enhance your visit.
- Getting to and around Citi Field is easy, making it a great destination for all types of fans.
History and Overview
Citi Field has an interesting history as the home of the New York Mets. I’ll share some key facts about how it was built and how it compares to old Shea Stadium.
Design and Construction
Citi Field opened in 2009 as the new home of the New York Mets. I think the designers did a great job combining modern amenities with classic baseball charm. The red brick exterior reminds me of old-time ballparks.
Inside, there are wide concourses and great views of the field from most seats. I love how they included nods to Mets history, like the giant apple that pops up for home runs. The Jackie Robinson Rotunda at the main entrance is a nice tribute too.
It cost about $900 million to build Citi Field. Construction started in 2006 and finished in time for the 2009 season. The Mets wanted a state-of-the-art stadium to replace aging Shea.
Citi Field vs Shea Stadium
I have fond memories of Shea, but Citi Field is a big upgrade in many ways. It’s more intimate, with about 42,000 seats compared to Shea’s 57,000. The sight lines are way better too.
Citi Field has way more food options. I can get everything from fancy sandwiches to classic hot dogs. Shea’s concessions were pretty basic in comparison.
One downside of Citi Field is its location. It’s in the same spot as Shea, which isn’t the most convenient. But once I’m inside, I think it’s a much nicer place to watch a game.
The Mets have kept some Shea traditions alive at Citi Field. The home run apple is still there, just bigger. And they still play “Meet the Mets” before games.
Getting to Citi Field
Citi Field is easy to reach whether you’re taking public transit or driving. I’ve got the inside scoop on the best ways to get there without hassle.
Public Transportation
I love taking the subway to Mets games. The 7 train stops right at Citi Field, making it super convenient. I hop on at Times Square or Grand Central and ride it all the way to the Mets-Willets Point station.
The Long Island Rail Road is another great option. I catch it from Penn Station to Mets-Willets Point on game days. It’s faster than the subway but costs a bit more.
For fans coming from LaGuardia, I recommend grabbing a taxi or rideshare. It’s only about a 10-minute drive to the stadium.
Parking Facilities
« Chase Field Review: A Baseball Fan’s Paradise in the Desert
Citizens Bank Park Review: A Fan’s Paradise in Philadelphia »
If I’m driving, I like to arrive early to snag a good spot. Citi Field has lots of parking options. The main lots are right next to the stadium, but they fill up fast for big games.
I’ve found some cheaper lots a short walk away. Just follow the crowds of Mets fans and you’ll find your way to the gates.
Remember to bring cash, as some lots don’t take cards. I always double-check which lot I parked in – they all look similar after the game!
The Stadium Experience
Citi Field offers a mix of modern amenities and classic baseball charm. I found the stadium layout easy to navigate with great views from most seats. Let’s explore the key aspects that make watching a game here special.
Seating Options
The stadium has three main seating levels: Field, Excelsior, and Promenade. I love the Field Level seats for their closeness to the action. You can really hear the crack of the bat!
Excelsior Level offers a nice mid-range option. I’ve found the views here to be excellent, especially behind home plate.
Promenade Level is the highest, but don’t let that scare you. I’ve sat up here and still felt connected to the game. Plus, it’s a great budget-friendly choice.
For the best experience, I recommend seats between the dugouts. But honestly, I’ve never had a bad view at Citi Field.
View and Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Citi Field is electric. I always feel the energy of Mets fans throughout the stadium. The massive scoreboard keeps you informed and entertained between innings.
One thing I appreciate is how the stadium design pays homage to Ebbets Field. It gives a nostalgic feel while still being modern.
Be aware that some seats in the upper deck can feel a bit far from the field. But the tradeoff is often a spectacular view of the NYC skyline.
On hot days, I suggest looking for seats with shade. The Excelsior Level on the third base side usually offers good cover.
Amenities and Concourses
Citi Field’s concourses are wide and easy to navigate. I never feel cramped, even during sellout games.
Food options are a highlight. From classic ballpark fare to gourmet offerings, there’s something for everyone. I always make a point to try a new vendor each visit.
Restrooms are plentiful and clean. Wait times are usually short, even during the 7th inning stretch.
For families, there’s a fun kids’ area with games and activities. It’s a great spot if the little ones get restless during the game.
The team store is massive and well-stocked. I often find myself browsing between innings, even if I don’t buy anything.
Food and Beverages
Citi Field offers a huge variety of tasty food and drinks. I’ve found options to satisfy every craving, from classic ballpark snacks to local NYC favorites.
Classic Ballpark Fare
You can’t go wrong with the tried-and-true stadium classics at Citi Field. I always enjoy a juicy hot dog slathered in yellow mustard – it’s a baseball tradition! The nachos here are piled high with toppings, perfect for sharing. And on hot summer days, nothing beats a soft-serve ice cream in a mini helmet cup.
For fries lovers, I recommend trying the loaded fries. They come in different flavors and are big enough to be a meal. To wash it all down, there’s a great selection of beers, from familiar brands to craft options.
Local Food Options
Citi Field really shines when it comes to local NYC food choices. I’m a huge fan of the Shake Shack stand – their burgers are just as good as at their regular locations. For a taste of Queens, there are stands offering diverse cuisines like sushi and empanadas.
Pat LaFrieda’s steak sandwich is a must-try for meat lovers. It’s pricey but worth the splurge. I also enjoy stopping by the Fuku stand for their spicy fried chicken sandwich. With so many options, I often find myself spending as much time deciding what to eat as I do watching the game!
Entertainment and Features
Citi Field offers tons of fun stuff to see and do besides watching baseball. I love exploring all the cool features and activities around the stadium.
Citi Field Exclusives
The Home Run Apple is my favorite Citi Field icon. It pops up when a Met hits a home run. So cool! I always stop by the Jackie Robinson Rotunda to check out the displays about the baseball legend. The Shea Bridge in center field is a neat spot to watch the game from. It’s named after the old Shea Stadium.
I can’t miss visiting the Mets Hall of Fame and Museum. It’s packed with team history and memorabilia. I love seeing old uniforms, World Series trophies, and photos of Mets greats.
Family and Kids Activities
Citi Field is super fun for families. My kids go wild for Mr. and Mrs. Met, the team mascots. They’re always around for photos and high-fives.
There’s a mini baseball field where kids can play. Face painting and balloon artists are a hit too. On weekends, kids can run the bases after the game.
The Mets Hall of Fame has interactive exhibits that are great for all ages. We love testing our pitching speed and trying the virtual reality home run challenge.
Shopping and Memorabilia
Citi Field offers great options for Mets fans to buy team gear and souvenirs. I love browsing the shops and checking out all the cool merchandise during games.
Shops
The main team store at Citi Field is huge and recently got an upgrade. It’s located in the Jackie Robinson Rotunda and has everything a Mets fan could want.
I always stop by to see what’s new. They have smaller shops around the stadium too, which is handy if I don’t want to walk far from my seat.
On game days, the stores get packed. I try to go early to beat the crowds. The staff is friendly and helps me find what I need.
Merchandise
Mets gear comes in all shapes and sizes at Citi Field. I can find shirts, hats, and jerseys for the whole family.
Some of my favorite items are:
- Game-used memorabilia
- Autographed baseballs
- Custom jerseys
- Collectible bobbleheads
Exclusive merchandise is only sold at the stadium. I love picking up special items I can’t get anywhere else.
Prices can be high, but the quality is good. I always leave with a new treasure to add to my Mets collection.
Club and Suite Levels
Citi Field offers fancy club areas and suites for fans who want a top-notch experience. I’ve checked out these exclusive spots and found they give great views plus some sweet perks.
Exclusive Club Access
The Clover Home Plate Club is my favorite spot behind home plate. It’s super close to the action. The Delta Sky360 Club is another cool area I love. It has cushy seats and an indoor lounge to relax in.
I also enjoy the Piazza Club. It honors Mets legend Mike Piazza with neat memorabilia. For a fun vibe, I head to the Coca-Cola Corner. It’s got a great view of right field.
The Hyundai Club is a hidden gem on the Excelsior Level. It’s less crowded than other clubs. I can grab food and drinks without long lines.
Suite Amenities
Suites at Citi Field are awesome for groups. I’ve been in a few, and they’re super comfy. Each suite has cushy seats, TVs, and a private bathroom.
The food spread is always amazing. I can order from a special menu or hit the buffet. There’s usually a dedicated server too.
I love that suites have both indoor and outdoor seating. On hot days, I can cool off inside without missing any action. The views are great from any spot.
Some cool perks I’ve seen: VIP parking passes, early stadium entry, and visits from Mets legends. It’s a luxe way to watch a game!
Tickets and Seating
Citi Field offers a range of ticket options and seating choices. I’ll cover the key things to know about prices and picking the best seats for your visit to watch the Mets play.
Ticket Prices
Mets tickets can vary a lot in price. I’ve found that weekday games are usually cheaper than weekend games. Bleacher seats start around $20-$30. Field level infield seats can go for $100 or more.
The Mets often run promotions with discounted tickets. I like to check their website for deals before buying. Students and military members can sometimes get special rates too.
For big games against rivals like the Yankees, prices tend to jump up. I recommend buying those tickets early if you can.
Choosing Your Seats
Citi Field has many seating options to pick from. I love the field level seats for the great views, but they’re pricey. The Promenade level up top is more budget-friendly.
For families, I suggest the Left Field Landing. It’s close to the kids’ area and has decent prices. Groups might like the Pepsi Porch in right field. It has a fun party vibe.
My favorite value spot is the Excelsior level. It’s not too high up, and tickets are mid-range in price. The Caesar’s Club there is a nice perk too.
I always check seat reviews before buying. It helps me avoid spots with bad views or other issues.
Accessibility and Additional Services
Citi Field offers great options for fans with mobility needs. The stadium has helpful staff and safety measures to make sure everyone has a good time at the ballpark.
Mobility Services
I found that Citi Field has lots of accessible seating options throughout the stadium. There are seats with movable armrests on many levels. This gives fans more room to sit comfortably. I noticed elevators and escalators to help people get around easily. The bathrooms are wheelchair-friendly too.
For those who need extra help, I learned the stadium offers wheelchair assistance. Just ask a staff member, and they’ll be happy to help out. I was glad to see plenty of accessible parking spaces close to the entrances.
Staff and Safety
The staff at Citi Field really impressed me with their friendliness. They’re always ready to lend a hand or answer questions. I felt safe knowing there are first aid stations around the ballpark.
Security is tight but not annoying. They check bags at the entrance to keep everyone safe. I noticed lots of staff around to help if needed. The concession stands have lower counters for easy access.
If you need any special services, I’d suggest calling ahead. The staff can help set things up for you before the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Citi Field offers a unique experience for visitors. I’ve gathered some key info about food, concerts, seating, and what makes this ballpark special.
What are the best food options available at Citi Field?
Citi Field has amazing food choices. I love the Shake Shack burgers – they’re a must-try!
Pat LaFrieda’s steak sandwiches are also fantastic. For a local flavor, I recommend trying the pizza from Two Boots.
How do the concert experiences at Citi Field compare to other venues?
Concerts at Citi Field are awesome. The stadium has great acoustics and sight lines.
I find the atmosphere electric during shows. The open-air setting adds a special vibe you don’t get at indoor venues.
Can visitors find ample covered seating to stay dry during rain at Citi Field?
Yes, there’s good covered seating at Citi Field. The Promenade level has a large overhang that protects many seats.
I suggest checking the seating chart when buying tickets if rain is a concern. The upper deck also has some covered areas.
What are some of the unique features that make Citi Field stand out?
Citi Field has cool features that make it special. I love the Jackie Robinson Rotunda – it’s a great tribute to baseball history.
The Shea Bridge in center field is another neat touch. It connects different parts of the ballpark and offers nice views.
How does the overall experience of attending a game at Citi Field compare to Yankee Stadium?
Citi Field feels more intimate than Yankee Stadium. I find it easier to get close to the action here.
The atmosphere is more relaxed at Citi Field. Yankee Stadium can feel a bit more formal and intense.
What should first-time visitors to Citi Field know before attending a game?
First-timers should know a few things. Arrive early to explore the stadium and grab food without missing the game.
I recommend checking out the Mets Hall of Fame. It’s a great way to learn about team history. Don’t forget to bring a jacket – it can get chilly in the evening.
