Summer of Baseball: Citi Field makes the Mets bearable

OK, let me explain the title – I’m not a fan of the New York Mets. I don’t go out of my way to watch the Mets, so that’s why the title is as it is.

Where the Mets play their homes games, though, puts new definition in ‘amazing.’

Citi Field is an excellent place to catch a game.

Citi Field, which opened in 2009 – the same year as new Yankee Stadium – is a great place to watch ball. Even in the highest of seats, it’s a wonderful spot to watch a game. The views are nice and there’s plenty of space to hide from sun, if you get it.

My trip to Citi this year was meeting a few friends in the city and heading to the game. The easiest way to get to the stadium, of course, is via train. It was quick and you’re dropped right at the foot of the stadium. Shea Stadium’s home run apple is outside and in the shadow of Citi Field, which is pretty cool.

Let’s look at the stadium as a whole.

First, as far as major league stadiums go, this is a beauty. The seats are comfortable. The sight lines are solid. It’s also easy to move around as there’s ample space.

We got there pretty early – pretty much as soon as the gates opened as I like to explore a stadium when I’m going for the first time. Therefore, the lines around the stadium weren’t bad. I had to grab an ice cream while I still could, so that was nice. Walking around the stadium was nice as you could see a bit of everything.

When you first come, the Jackie Robinson area is nice. The Mets museum is also a nice touch. More teams should do this. It’s cool when you can see World Series trophies and not have to be in some upgraded section or take a tour to do so, so I’ll give kudos to the Mets for this.

They also were playing “Meet the Mets” throughout the lower part, which was something I had hoped to hear. I mean … you can’t go to a Mets game and not hear that, can you?

Despite not being a Mets fan, I couldn’t resist this opportunity!

One thing I really noticed is how friendly everybody I dealt with was. I know many people talk about New York City people being rude, but everybody who worked at Citi was incredibly easy to chat with, outgoing and nice. I had looked to get my normal pin, but wanted one with Citi Field on it. Unfortunately, there weren’t any. But two people in the gift shops called to the other stands throughout the stadium trying to see if there were any, so that was nice.

I did find out, after, that there are two colored stamps at Citi for the Passport. I wish I had known that as I have two passports and would have loved to have gotten both colors!

There are a few negatives, though. These are small things, so no issues. Prices – like at most MLB stadiums – are crazy. I think it cost me $20 or so for two hot dogs, fries, and a soda. I know the people I was with had a couple of beers and they weren’t cheap. The ice cream was pricy.

But when you go to an MLB game, it’s kind of expected.

That being said, on the positive side, I took advantage of a ticket special and my tickets were right around $20. I can’t complain about that.

This was another stadium without a lineup board. I just don’t see how it’s hard to have something like this. Yes, I know it’s on the big screen. But that’s not the point. Why not have one near customer service. The Phillies have it in the team store. Throw those of us who love that old-school feel a bone and have an intern fill it out each day. It’s not an expensive thing to do.

There weren’t many bad places to watch the game.

Overall, I had a top-notch experience at Citi. The Mets lost this game (and, to be fair, I usually do like to see the home team win – the atmosphere and ambiance is better), but it was a solid game. It was also the MLB debut of Michael Conforto, who I saw play in Binghamton. Jimmy Rollins hit a homer for the Dodgers, so that was a bonus, too.

The only true negative was after the game. We were walking around looking at the spots of where Shea Stadium was. We were taking photos and this person – rude as can be – basically walked right into a photo I was taking with his daughters. He snapped his photo as if nobody was there. One of the people I was with said something and, of course, the guy got his muscles and started talking all sorts of crap – in front of his daughters. Stay classy, buddy.

Still, that didn’t damper a great night for baseball. It was truly enjoyable. And we messed around enough that by the time we hit the train, it was empty and we were on our way.

I need to check out new Yankee Stadium at some point, but more than one Yankee fan has told me that Citi Field is the better experience.

Park Notes:

Citi Field
New York, NY
Home of the New York Mets
Visited on: July 24, 2015
Opponent: Los Angeles Dodgers

Ratings (out of 10)

Stadium: 9.5/10
Concessions: 8/10
Parking: N/A (took train in)
Ambiance: 8.5/10
Friendliness: 9/10

I am continuing the Summer of Baseball from 2014 and hope to blog about each new stadium I visit in 2015. Ones visited in the past can be viewed linked up in the 2014 version.