I had an opportunity to check out “Citi Field”, one of two new stadiums in New York, this weekend. Per the normal game day migration, we took the 7 train out to Shea (some fist pumping fans immortalize their love via plaques in front of the stadium suggesting it will always be Shea).
Like a Wal-mart, the entire front entrance management strategically placed greeters and ushers for the fans to find their way in to the new concrete playground. Once inside the park, it’s like you’re 12 again, going to the ball park for the first time: less concerned about where your seats are first, just looking around and taking it all in. As we’ve all heard, there’s much more dedication to corporate and VIP seating but with that comes exceptional food stands from tacos, to lobster rolls, sushi and a Shake Shack.
There’s definitely more viewable areas in the walk areas to catch the action. The stadium is built up, rather than out, so there’s really no bad seat, just a higher vantage point to watch the game. Our seats were up in the 500s first base side, close enough to touch the air traffic coming over from La Guardia. Both the Mets and the stadium food services have up’ed their game this year – me enjoying the steak tacos and micro brews behind the center field screen.
Added with the new Shea experience are much more fan participation actives, as every inning a camera crew with corporate shill in tow, create a game, give-away, trivia or contest (pizza box relay) for a free sample from the represented sponsor. The food sellers in the seats are few and far between, but the beer guy is everywhere, this time with Brooklyn lager along with the prerequisite American piss beer.
On the field the battle was intense as Pirates took the lead early and not until the 8th inning when the Met’s “erupted” with a Delgado HR and 2 additional runs, taking the game in fantastic baseball sportsmanship.
With not a bad seat in the house, and preferable to me at times, I might purchase the cheapest seats, and spend most of my time at the “beer garden” areas behind the outfield this summer. The full set is in the gallery pics I took are here but here are a few highlights:
