A Brief Look At Citi Field

by James Kannengieser on Mar 30, 2009 8:00 AM EDT

I attended the first game in Citi Field history, and was happy to see my Georgetown Hoyas pull one out vs. the St. John's Red Storm. Unlike many in attendance, I watched most of the game. However, I was sure to take a few laps around the stadium to check it out. It's impressive, to be sure, if pretty similar to Nationals Park, PNC Park, Camden Yards, etc. Detailed descriptions of Citi Field can be found here and here, so I'll spare everyone an extended narrative. Instead, here are some random observations/thoughts about the new stomping ground:

Parking will cost $18 this year.
There are ~12,000 less seats than at Shea Stadium, but the facility feels bigger.
Avoid sitting in the left field Promenade seats (A.K.A. the upper deck), as the view of left field, center field, and the home run apple is obstructed enough that it detracts from the game watching experience. The view from these seats:

Others have noticed obstructed view seating. The sightline in the right field "Pepsi Porch" is excellent, and for those looking to sit in the cheap seats I'd recommend the Promenade section, as close to behind home plate as possible.
There is no shortage of bathrooms, food toppings stations, and gift shops. The toppings stations feature red onions, jalapenos, and lettuce in addition to the standard ketchup and mustard:

The $3.00 hot chocolate is neither hot nor chocolate.
I would love to see the protocol for the Hershey's Dunk Tank, which is beyond the wall in center field. I wouldn't mind volunteering for duty during a 90+ degree weekend game.
What was St. John's head coach Ed Blankmeyer thinking when he brought in relief pitcher Nick Cantiempo?! Doesn't he know that Cantiempo's xFIP vs. right-handed batters is just awful, and his tRA* -- just kidding. The game was actually entertaining, as the Hoyas came from behind to win 6-4 after scoring 4 runs in the 7th. Hoya Sean Lamont hit the first home run.
Citi Field is certainly easier on the eyes than Shea Stadium. It's easy to navigate around the place, and the view from most seats is awesome. Give it a few years and some memorable moments and I'm sure Met fans will embrace it as their own.

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Sounds like a plan.

"I dunno. I never smoked any Astroturf"
-Tug McGraw

by squid92 on Mar 30, 2009 8:04 AM EDT reply actions

Wow that is really obstructed

I’ll make a note to avoid left field Promenade, then. Wouldn’t want to miss Endy’s catch, y’know?

'Oh yes, I know all about that duty-of-a-citizen stuff. It doesn't go. There are exceptions to every rule, and this was one of them. When a man risks his liberty to come and root at a ball-game, you've got to hand it to him. He isn't a crook. He's a fan.'

by Catsmeat Potter-Pirbright on Mar 30, 2009 8:22 AM EDT reply actions

The hot chocolate sucks? Fuck that.

Just kidding. Sounds like an awesome ballpark. I can’t wait!

"One of the nice things about baseball is that there are no rules you can't break." - Jim Bouton

by Prince on Mar 30, 2009 11:15 AM EDT reply actions

Is it Dunkin' Donuts still?

Usually theirs is pretty good.

by BobbyV_Incognito on Mar 30, 2009 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions

It is an awesome ballpark

Citi is definitely amazing, but I think it may take some time getting used to it being the ‘home’ of the Mets

by metsman07 on Mar 30, 2009 11:43 AM EDT reply actions

What section was that picture from?

by Reg Dunlop on Mar 30, 2009 2:24 PM EDT reply actions

Section 535, Row 5

A few more rows back, and the view is doubly obstructed by the out-of-town scoreboard.

by James Kannengieser on Mar 30, 2009 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions

How's the airplane noise?

It just isn’t Flushing baseball without hearing an airplane overhead every 3 minutes.

Chaim Mattis Keller New York City's # 1 Royals fan!

by cmkeller on Mar 30, 2009 3:07 PM EDT reply actions

Obstructed Views Citi Field Promenade

I’m a seasons ticket holder. The installation of the LED screen (ribbon board) behind the Promenade railings has created an obstructed view for many, possibly hundreds, of ticket holders like me.

For example, sitting in my seats in a Promenade Box, second row, Section 424, I now cannot view third base or the left field foul line. The 3-D view provided by the Mets at http://www.seats3d.com/mlb/new_york_mets/ shows no such screen, with third base and the foul line very visible through the railings, and was used by myself and others to select their seats while the stadium was under construction.

Waiting to hear back from the Mets, but their initial response was the screen could not be moved, but I could select other seats, at twice the price. Any suggestions? Maybe they’ll move it. Yeah, sure!

by catsmtn on Apr 7, 2009 8:38 AM EDT reply actions