A Look At Citi Field: Part One

Roman and Cow Bell Man

Yesterday, St. John’s took on Georgetown in a baseball game. They lost 6-4. I only know the score because I looked it up. Normally, I wouldn’t even look it up but in this case I was at the game and I felt it somewhat important that I know. Well, not really.  The reason I was at the game; it was first game ever played at brand new Citi Field. Let me tell you, the place is phenomenal. Before I take you on a bit of a tour of Citi Field, let me first put to rest Shea Stadium. I loved that place. I really did. I grew up there, went to my first game there, went to playoff games and other memorable games (yes we had them assholes). I went with friends. I made friends. I learned baseball and I learned about people too.

As I was driving home from the new place, the only comparison I could come up with is it is like your first college apartment. You have so many fond memories of your first place. The people, the parties, the good times, the bad times and you have stories and memories for a lifetime because of it. But if someone asked you to move there now, you would laugh in their face. Citi Field is your new house, which is nicely decorated with the clean house smell and has the good beer in the fridge. Not the vomit stained rug and the piss filled bathroom no one has washed in a decade. I will always remember Shea, but after today I will never miss it. I want Met fans to know, this is not a bad thing. Really, I am trying not to be disrespectful. We have a new house, it is great and it is ours. When you go you will completely understand. So with that let me take you on a little tour the best I can. Just know, I have seen other people’s pictures as well and frankly they can’t do the place justice. I will try my best to explain certain things. On with the show.

First off, for those who drive and park, it is a completely different world. I take the Grand Central and when you get off Exit 9E normally you are directed two ways. This is no longer the case. You get off and go right into the parking lot that used to be for Pre Paid only. It looks like 90% of the parking will be at old Shea. This is huge. No more 15 minute walks to the stadium. It is right there and if you forget cash, they take credit cards. These are nicely set up booths. I was very impressed. It is a small thing that makes a difference. Parking will be $18 a game. A bit steep but with the MTA hike, if you have 2 people in the car you are making out on the deal.

This is Citi Field from the parking lot. That dirt pile is what ever is left of Shea. This is what I mean by a close walk. Yesterday, we had to cross the unpaved part but by Opening Night it should be close to done.

This is the outside view of the Left Field Gate. I like the Black and White Photos of Met Greats. Another important thing I learned, if you smoke, get used to that spot. I am a former smoker so I have a bit of a compassion for those who want to slowly kill themselves. We asked about smoking and was told the only place you can go for a cigarette is out to the Left Field gate where they will pen you off. Make sure to keep your ticket stubs since you technically leave the park to smoke.

This pile of rocks is Shea Stadium. I didn’t quite dance a jig across it to get to Citi Field but let’s say, I hadn’t been inside yet and I knew this was going to be way better.

This is the view in front of the main entrance. It is called the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. How cool is that? For those taking the 7 train or the LIRR you walk down the stairs and the entrance is right in front of you. No more walking through a cage and around to Gate E. Much better. This is where the Fan Walk is too. Those who paid for the cusotmized bricks will love it. Be prepared to dodge people slowly looking for their bricks. It can get hazardous.

This is a regret. I wanted to do a brick but never got around to it. No, they aren’t available. I could kick myself but of course that would hurt so I won’t. Anywho, going in their seem to be more ways to get in and have people check your bags. This is where things got a bit confusing. I was with Gurucane, Met buddy and College Football Stadium aficionado. He asked a security guard if we could bring in food. This was OK last year. Food and closed, see through plastic bottles. In fact, on the ticket it does not prohibit either. The security guard said no. He was shocked. I brought in a bottle of water and my Medifast food. They were good to go. Others brought in food and drink. It is possible some of the new people don’t know the deal yet. As I learned going around Citi Field, there are lots of new people and they don’t know all the answers yet. My advice is to be patient and give yourself time just in case. I do think anything has changed since I was good to go but who knows.

Since this post is going to be image intensive I am breaking it up into three parts. The next one is coming in 20 minutes. Stay Tuned.