Amazin' Avenue: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
New Blog: Sounder At Heart for Seattle Sounders Fans!

A Brief Look At Citi Field

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:

Citi_field_left_field_view_medium

  • 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:

Toppings_bar_medium

  • 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.

0 recs  |  Comment 9 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

More from Amazin' Avenue

Amazin' Avenue Citi Fieldguide

Sep 2009 by kingcritical - 11 comments

Citi Field vs Citizens Bank Park

May 2009 by Eric Simon - 20 comments

Comments

Display:

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Start posting about the Mets »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

The_buddha_by_lord_karsus_small
2009 Mets Gangsta and Grission Awards
Buckner_small
The robcast Mets Offseason Plan
Hamheadshot__1__small
Poem: There's Only One October Wish

Recent FanPosts

Mwsos8pj_1__small
How Would Other Teams Do in 2009 With The Mets Injuries?
Small
Gonzalez over Davis?
Small
Off-season reading: the best baseball books
Small
Thoughts on Yankees vs. Phillies
43cd0dee9d920fd72b0a2b2bce4f8a00-getty-90957610bb021_los_angeles_k_small
Just curious as to why Met fans "hate" the Phillies
Small
It All Started With Torrealba...
Metseyes_small
'10 Mets Sep-Oct Schedule: Advantage Mets

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Recommended FanShots

Pricks Beat Douchebags to Win World Series

Recent FanShots

Scouts opinions and grains of salt
Hustle, Dedication, Intelligence, and Teamwork
Myers done with Phillies
Chapman likes New York
White Sox Buy Out Dye's Contract
BA Mets Top 10
Carlos Gomez dealt to the Brewers for JJ Hardy
Hit-and-run victim outside Phillies game dies from injuries
Bill James sez:
Red Sox acquire Jeremy Hermida

+ New FanShot All FanShots >

Sponsors


THE BIG GUY

Aa_avatar_small Eric Simon

THE INCREDIBLES

Blackfish2_small Alex Nelson

Cj_small Sam Page

Best_infield_ever_small James Kannengieser

THE NEWS GURU

Wrightfront_small Joe Budd

POET LAUREATE

Hamheadshot__1__small Howard Megdal