New York- Citi Field Review

Citi Field

Year Built: 2009

Capacity: 41,800

Surface: Grass

Cost to Build:

$900 million

Overall Grade: A

Return Someday: Yes

"Meet the Mets, greet the Mets..." The other New York team, the Metropolitans (aka the Mets) opened up a fabulous new stadium in 2009. It is designed as a tribute to Ebbetts Field, former home of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Mets pay homage to old time NY baseball with their ballpark, not just by the exterior design, but also with the Jaclie Robinson Rotunda. This area is completely dedicated to MLB's first black player, with quote from Jackie on the walls, to pictures and stats of him, and a huge 42 on the floor. The rotunda is definitely a must see. My only issue, is they pay tribute a little too much to the Dodgers and not nearly enough to the Mets, honestly, hardly any at all.

This is by far one of the nicest ballparks in the majors, and Citi Field is definitely a huge improvement over Shea Stadium. Believe it or not, I actually liked Citi Field better than the New Yankee Stadium. The ticket prices are by far more fan friendly than those in the Bronx. The fans were very friendly, as well as the staff of Citi. The ballpark food options are really good. The toppings/ condiment stations are the best that I have ever seen. The have onions, sauerkraut, jalapenos, ketchup, brown mustard, etc... Very cool setup. Another one of Junior's secrets, is to go to the main level up from the escalator and sign up as a designated driver. They will put a wrist band on you to get a free soda. They actually give you a big soda, not a dixie cup full of soda like some other parks do. See my pic below as proof !!!

The old Big Apple from Shea is on display in the stadium's public areas, and there is a new Big Apple beyond centerfield. Citi offers a lot of retail shopping options. Check out the Nike store before you buy anything in the main shops, they seemed to have nicer shirts and hats. Even though the Mets are always considered NY's "other team," kinda like the Clippers and Lakers relationship, the Mets definitely have a nicer place to call home. If you are in NYC, do yourself a favor, head over to Queens and hit a Mets game, you'll totally love the new ballpark and the fan atmosphere.