Citi Field

Citi Field is the home ballpark of Major League Baseball's New York Mets, located in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in the Queens borough of New York City. The stadium opened in 2009, replacing the adjacent Shea Stadium, and is named for its founding partner, the financial services corporation Citigroup. Designed with architectural inspiration from several classic Ebbets-era ballparks, it features modern amenities while honoring the history of the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants.

History

The push for a new stadium gained momentum in the early 2000s, led by Fred Wilpon and Sterling Equities, who sought to move the team from the multi-purpose Shea Stadium. Groundbreaking occurred on November 13, 2006, with then-Governor of New York George Pataki and Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg in attendance. The final design by the architectural firm Populous was heavily influenced by Wilpon's admiration for the old Ebbets Field, incorporating its signature arched brick facade and intimate scale. The first official game was an exhibition against the Boston Red Sox on April 3, 2009, before the regular season opener against the San Diego Padres on April 13.

Design and features

The stadium's exterior features a blend of red brick, cast stone, and steel, with a grand entrance rotunda named for Jackie Robinson. The interior bowl is asymmetrical, offering varied sightlines, with the right-field wall modeled after the famous Manhattan clock that adorned the Polo Grounds. Key amenities include the Delta Club premium seating area, numerous local food concessions like those from Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, and the Mets Hall of Fame and Museum. The playing field itself uses a state-of-the-art drainage system beneath its Kentucky Bluegrass surface.

Notable events

Beyond Major League Baseball games, the venue has hosted significant concerts and sporting events. It was the site of the 2013 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, where American League pitcher Mariano Rivera was named the MVP. The stadium has also staged concerts by major acts like Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, and Metallica. In 2022, it was a host venue for the MLB at Field of Dreams game. The National League Championship Series has been played here multiple times, including during the Mets' run to the 2015 World Series.

Transportation and access

The stadium is centrally located within the expansive Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, easily accessible via New York City Subway lines including the 7 train and the Long Island Rail Road's Port Washington Branch to the Mets–Willets Point station. Major roadways such as the Van Wyck Expressway, Grand Central Parkway, and Whitestone Expressway provide direct vehicular access. Extensive parking lots are maintained by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and the venue is also served by multiple MTA Regional Bus Operations routes.

In popular culture

The ballpark has served as a filming location and cultural reference point since its opening. It was prominently featured in the HBO television series *Vinyl*, and has appeared in episodes of *The Simpsons*. The stadium is frequently referenced in the New York sports media, including broadcasts on SNY and WFAN. Its distinctive architecture and atmosphere have made it a backdrop in numerous promotional campaigns for Major League Baseball and a featured destination in video games like the *MLB: The Show* series.

Category:Baseball venues in New York City Category:New York Mets Category:Buildings and structures in Queens, New York