Step Inside: Citi Field – Home of the New York Mets

Stadium History | Parking & Admission | Seating & Capacity | Food & Concessions

Citi Field is located in Flushing, Queens, New York City, and is the home of the New York Mets of Major League Baseball. The stadium opened in 2009, replacing the previous home venue of the Mets, Shea Stadium. Plans to improve Shea Stadium began in the ’90s. The original stadium was built as a multi-purpose stadium in 1964 and hosted the NFL’s New York Jets in addition to the Mets. In 1983, the Jets moved to Giants Stadium, making Shea Stadium a permanent baseball venue. With no other tenants, it became apparent that Shea Stadium was no longer a suitable baseball venue.

Construction for the stadium began in 2006, adjacent to the existing Shea Stadium. Building was complete by the end of 2008, and Citi Field was ready for MLB Opening Day in 2009. The first regular season game played at Citi Field was against the San Diego Padres. The venue has hosted many events in addition to baseball games played by the Mets, including concerts and events for other professional sports leagues.

Citi Field’s address is 41 Seaver Way, and was permanently changed in 2019 to honor former Mets pitcher, Tom Seaver, whose jersey number was 41 and who led the Mets to their 1969 World Series Championship.

What events are coming up at Citi Field?

See upcoming events and buy tickets for Citi Field right here on Ticketmaster.

Citi Field History

The first game played at Citi Field was a college baseball game between St. John’s and Georgetown on March 29, 2009. The Mets played their first games in the Stadium on April 3 and 4, 2009 against the Boston Red Sox.

Citi Field’s design pays homage to several previous baseball stadiums in New York. The green seats of the stadium are built after the Polo Grounds, which was the longtime home of the New York baseball Giants, and was the first home for the Mets. The façade pays homage to Ebbets Field which was the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers until their move to Los Angeles in 1957. Citi Field is the only MLB park to feature orange foul poles instead of the standard yellow. This feature was borrowed from Shea Stadium.

One of the most prominent features in the stadium is the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, located at the front entrance of Citi Field. The rotunda is named after Brooklyn Dodgers legend Jackie Robinson and recognizes his life and career accomplishments. The rotunda floor features words and images that define Robinson’s nine values: Courage, Excellence, Persistence, Justice, Teamwork, Commitment, Citizenship, Determination, and Integrity. There is also an 8-foot tall sculpture of Robinson’s iconic number 42. The rotunda was dedicated on April 15, 2009, as part of the celebration for Jackie Robinson Day.

The first concerts held at Shea Stadium were headlined by Paul McCartney on July 17, 18 and 21, 2009. McCartney played a historic show at Shea Stadium as a member of The Beatles in 1965. The 2009 concert sold out all 180,000 tickets within hours of the announcement.

The Mets hosted the 2013 MLB All-Star Game at Citi Field, and competed in the 2015 World Series. The Mets won their first World Series game at Citi Field against the Kansas City Royals in Game 3. The Royals won the World Series in Game 5 with a 7–2 win over the Mets.

Parking and Admission at Citi Field

There are six lots that can be used for parking that are conveniently located around the stadium. Parking for cars costs $30 for regular season games, and $50 for postseason games and special events. Oversized vehicles and buses are permitted and parking costs $60 for regular season games, $90 for postseason games and $100 for postseason events.

The Mets recommend arriving to Citi Field using the #7 Subway line, but other transportation options include the New York City Bus and Train systems, with both offering convenient access to the stadium.

Citi Field rules require all guests to be screened via metal detectors before entering the stadium. Because of this screening, Citi Field recommends guests arrive early to any event. Guests must empty pockets of cell phones, cameras and any large metal objects. Citi Field’s bag policy states that bags must be soft-sided and 16″ x 16″ x 8″ or smaller. All bags will be inspected prior to entry. All guests, including children, must be screened and toddlers and infants may be carried through. If the metal detectors are alerted of any other devices, an additional screening is required by a handheld metal detector, or by physical pat down. Once screening has been completed, guests will be able to have their tickets scanned and entry will be permitted to the stadium.

Citi Field Capacity & Seating Options

Citi Field’s capacity for baseball games is 41,922 — almost 15,000 seats less than its predecessor, Shea Stadium. One of the main focuses for the new stadium was to ensure that Citi Field seating provided enough comfort that would be acceptable for the modern fan. This update reduced capacity by creating wider seats (19-24″) and more legroom (33-39″) for guests.

There is no shortage of VIP options at Citi Field. The stadium holds 53 luxury suites with 7,800 club seats. This is an increase from the previous stadium, which featured 45 suites and 4,327 club seats. These changes give any fan a VIP experience at Citi Field.

What are the best seats at Citi Field?

The best seats at Citi Field vary depending on the event and personal preferences. Check out Citi Field seating charts and find your favorite seat today.

Food & Beverage Options at Citi Field

Citi Field offers a wide array of food and beverage options with concession stands located conveniently throughout the stadium.

You aren’t limited to peanuts and cracker jacks at Citi Field. Some of the most popular dining options include Shake Shack, Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, Sweet Chick, Cento Percento, Lobster Shack, and many more! Whether you’re looking for a hot dog at the park, or a full BBQ plate, chances are you will find it at Citi Field.

Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available throughout Citi Field.