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A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

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Summer of Baseball: Citi Field makes the Mets bearable

December 3, 2015

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 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!

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.

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.

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Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

Filed Under: Baseball, My world, Summer of Baseball, Travel Tagged With: baseball, baseball stadium review, citi field, major league baseball, mets, mlb, mlb stadium, new york, new york mets, review, stadium review, summer of baseball, summer of baseball 2015

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Summer of Baseball: Philly is a great place to see MLB action

September 9, 2014

The Bank.

The Bank.

Ahhh Philadelphia … the City of Brotherly Love.

It’s the city where my parents grew up and where I still have a lot of family. And, it’s also the home of the Philadelphia Phillies – my favorite MLB team.

I usually try and get down to see a game or two each summer at Citizens Bank Park. It’s a great place to watch a game as the park features an open concourse and seating that is extremely fan friendly. The lone time I didn’t like my seat was one year we went and were stuck out in centerfield – and the seats just weren’t great for watching a game – at least on that day.

My first MLB game in my Eephus League Halfliner.

My first MLB game in my Eephus League Halfliner.

This year’s trip was done at the last second. In fact, a minor league game had been being planned but when Cole Hamels and Stephen Strasburg were scheduled to face off.

Score!

Tickets were soon purchased and we did this as a day trip. The seats we had were awesome, pretty much just off to the right side of home plate and on the first level. Needless to say, in all of the trips I’ve made to Citizens Bank Park, these were probably the best seats I’ve had.

Anyway, back to the park.

Like many major league stadiums, the parking is simple and the stadium is close to major highways. I got tickets through Stub Hub, which included a parking pass. Therefore, we didn’t have to pay for the parking. That being said, it’s like many other big-league places – there are big-league prices. Parking, if I remember right, was $15. That’s pretty steep, especially in a complex that includes the home of Philly’s NFL, NBA and NHL teams.

Mmm crab fries!

Mmm crab fries!

The stadium offers many things for fans of all ages. There’s a fine selection of food (including Bulls BBQ, cheese steaks, the normal ballpark fare and Chickie and Pete’s famous crab fries). The beer selection is pretty solid, too, considering each small stand had a different choice. There are microbrews and your everyday beers, too. So it’s nice. Prices for those are pretty normal for a MLB park.

Obviously, souvenir stands and the team store are well-stocked. The prices are what you would expect, but there aren’t many things you couldn’t get there. When I make my trip down, I usually pick up a program and the media guide for the year and it’s usually quite affordable. Sometimes, I’ll walk out with a hat or something as well. This year I didn’t leave with much, but prices were all pretty normal for what you’d see at places like this.

For the most part, it’s a friendly park. But, like any place with so many people working, there are those who are a little more “business-like” in their approach. The vendors are usually quite easy to get along with and customer service always does quite well when I’ve needed to use them.

Play ball!

Play ball!

It’s an easy park to navigate. No matter where you are, you can see the action. There is also a running “counter” around the park, so if you are eating and can find a spot, you can stand at the back of the seats and watch before heading back to your seat.

It’s definitely a modern stadium. Like many newer ones (Citizens Bank Park opened in 2004), it has an old-time feel with many modern amenities. You’re brought closer to the action, too, which is nice. But in the end, it’s not cheap to go to an MLB game, but this spot is well worth the trip.

Park Notes:  

Citizens Bank Park
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Home of the Philadelphia Phillies
Visited on: Saturday, July 12.
Opponent: Washington Nationals

Ratings (out of 10)

  • Stadium: 9/10
  • Concessions: 8/10
  • Parking: 8/10
  • Ambiance: 9/10
  • Friendliness: 8/10

I am embarking on a summer of baseball with the plan to hit a minimum of 10 stadiums this summer. Hopefully, there will be more than that. I will report on each park that I hit on the blog.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

Filed Under: Baseball, My world, Summer of Baseball Tagged With: baseball, citizens bank park, major league baseball, mlb, philadelphia, philadelphia phillies, phillies, summer of baseball

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hoohaa29

Writer who loves images just as much as words! In search of perfectly poured pints of Guinness and great hot dogs. Find me on twitter @softball29.

I guess the April Fool's joke is on us, Mother Nat I guess the April Fool's joke is on us, Mother Nature? Oh .. ha ha ha.
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I also guess this is why hitting back roads to work is good -- you can stop and take a photo and not worry about anybody coming (usually)! Main roads around here are fine for now, but it's definitely quite picturesque on the lawns/trees etc.
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#snow #winterspring #springwinter #april #blackandwhite #photography #photooftheday #goawaywinter #love #instagood #picoftheday #bestoftheday #nature #backroad #road
This was pretty relaxing and fun. #lego #legos #ea This was pretty relaxing and fun. #lego #legos #easter #legoeasterbunny #legoeaster #relax #hobby #fun
It shouldn’t be so hard to find a trash can... # It shouldn’t be so hard to find a trash can... #litter #mask #masks #blackandwhite #streetphotography
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softball29P.J.@softball29·
11 Apr

I mean, if you hold a #Wrestlemania in an open stadium... eventually rain delays had to come, right? 🤣

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RealKentMurphyKent@RealKentMurphy·
7 Apr

28 years ago The Sandlot was released and this iconic scene was brought into our lives.

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softball29P.J.@softball29·
2 Apr

New blog post: Photo Blogging Challenge (March 2021): Eight #photobloggingchallenge #pbc #challenge #blogging https://hoohaa.com/?p=15201

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