It was just over three years ago, April 6, 2006, when the Mets held a press conference in Shea Stadium's Diamond Club. The purpose was to announce plans to build a brand new ballpark in the parking lot east of Shea Stadium. Before the '06 season began, an image was released that depicted the new ballpark. Today, after three years of construction that was intently followed on the Internet, that new ballpark opens at last.
Except for some minor differences, Citi Field is exactly as the video portrayed at that press conference. The Mets new home is an open air baseball only facility, 180 degrees from the design of Shea Stadium. In fact, the Mets took great pains in not referring to their new home as a stadium. Unlike the new Yankee Stadium, Citi Field is cozy and intimate. It's a warm place to watch a game even when a cold wind is blowing off of Flushing Bay.
By now, anyone that cares, has at least seen photos of the new digs in print or on the Internet. I attended the Saturday game against the Red Sox and can tell you first hand, the place is first rate and takes a back seat to no other facility in baseball including the shiny new stadium in the Bronx.
Mets fans will feel closer to the action than they ever did at Shea. And even though Citi Field holds 15,000 fewer seats, it does not feel that way when looking around. There are seats everywhere and they all are close to the field.
Citi Field has an open feel to it that Shea's design never allowed. When walking on the concourses of any level, the seating bowl and game are plainly evident. You can move around the entire stadium and watch the game from just about everywhere. And if you are in a spot where you can't see the field, there are flat panel TV screens and audio so you won't miss a beat.
There is food everywhere too and it is ten times better than anything I ever ate at Shea. And I am not just talking about the exclusive clubs and restaurants. My ticket did not let me in those places. The concession stands for the rest of us are definitely a step up from what was offered across the parking lot. Nathans Famous are all over the place, as is sausage and peppers, and pizza. There is a tremendous food area behind home plate in the promenade level that includes Mama's of Corona. "Taste of the City" behind the center field scoreboard has Blue Smoke, Shake Shack, and more. While you could go broke, you won't go hungry at Citi Field.
I can tell you first hand, the Mets new home is beautiful. I had a hard time believing this new ballpark was ours. I think the vast majority of fans will love it. It's the next generation of Oriole Park at Camden Yards. It is the anti-Shea.
Of course, being Mets fans, there will be some that will complain about something (if not everything). There are some seats with limited sight lines. Such is the case in left field where the corner and warning track are not visible. While I make no excuse for this blemish, limited views from outfield seating are typical in all the newer retro parks including Citizen's Bank Park, Petco Park, Busch Stadium III, Chase Field, Miller Park, and even Kaufman Stadium that just underwent a 250 million dollar renovation. The trade off is being a lot closer to the infield at an afordable price. Ironically the Pepsi Porch advertises seating over the field and these tickets are hard to come by.
Another complaint I have heard is that there is not enough Mets iconic stuff around the park. I do not necessarily agree with this complaint but there likely will be more Amazin' ornamentation soon including championship banners that will be raised this evening.
Some have complained that it looks too much like Ebbets Field. The outside facade closely, but not entirely, recalls the look of Ebbets Field. Once you are inside, there is no comparison. A simple image search of both Ebbets and Citi on Google will attest to the vast difference between the two Fields.
Citi Field is the new Mets home. And no matter how many banners, retired numbers, or Mets colors are placed around the park, the only thing that will make it feel like home are the memories that will be created there. Unlike the Yankees, who move into their new Yankee Stadium facsimile this Thursday, the Mets are truly embarking on something completely different. It all starts anew tonight. The first game ever at the Mets knew home. It's hard to believe it is finally here.
