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 Citi
Field
New York, NY
For almost a half of a
century, the Mets have called New York City their home. Since 1964
fans from all over have been coming to Shea Stadium to see the Mets
play. Although Shea Stadium is not considered a classical ballpark,
many Mets fans will say they enjoy coming out to the stadium each
season. Following the 2008 season that will change as the Mets will
move into a new ballpark, Citi Field that is being constructed
adjacent to Shea Stadium. Throughout the mid 1990s and into this
century the Mets campaigned to have a new ballpark built that would
have all of the modern luxuries of new ballparks as Shea Stadium was
old and lacked these amenities. After more than five years of
discussion, the New York Mets unveiled plans for a new ballpark in
April 2006. In March 2006, the Mets received approval for $632.1
million in bonds for construction of a new ballpark. On November 13,
2006 the Mets officially broke ground for the new ballpark that is
currently being build in the parking lot beyond the outfield of Shea Stadium.
Citigroup, Inc., a financial service company purchased the naming
rights to the new ballpark for $20 million per year over 20 years.
The Mets new ballpark will be called Citi Field.
The Mets will christen a
new ballpark for the first time since 1964 in April 2009 when Citi
Field opens.
From the outside, the
ballpark will resemble the former home of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Ebbets Field
with its brick, limestone, granite and cast stone facade, and
concrete arches. It will including a rotunda at the main entrance of
the ballpark named after Jackie Robinson. Citi
Field will be open on the north end to provide views of Willets
Point. Inside, the ballpark will have a seating capacity of 41,000
with an additional 4,000 standing room only areas, pushing the total
capacity to over 45,000.
Unlike Shea Stadium, Citi Field will have 42 percent of its seats in
the lower level. The main three tier grandstand will run from the right field foul
pole to home plate, down to the left field foul pole and into left
centerfield. Additional seating will be located in right field.
Numerous suites will be found at the new ballpark including ones
behind home plate below the main concourse. Fans will have 360
degree views of the field from the concourses including from the
split level upper deck. Two restaurants will be
located in the stadium, one enclosed in glass for season ticket
holders in left field and another for all fans in the upper level
behind homeplate. There will be many amenities at Citi Field
including a Fan Fest family entertainment area on the concourse
level, an enhanced outfield picnic area adjacent to the batter's
eye, multiple party deck areas, and an interactive Mets museum with
club memorabilia and Hall of Fame displays. The big apple at Shea
Stadium that rises every time a Mets player hits a homerun will make
its way to Citi Field in some fashion. It is yet unknown whether the
current apple of a new one will be used. Bonds covering the cost of
the ballpark will be repaid by the Mets through taxes.
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