Enjoying a New York Mets baseball game at Citi Field is a great way to spend a spring, summer or fall afternoon in New York City.  Here’s some useful information on how to visit this New York landmark, see a game, and maybe keep the party going afterward!

HOME OF THE UNDERDOGS: CITI FIELD

Citi Field was completed in 2009 as the new home of the New York Mets after the team’s former home, the famous Shea Stadium (home to one of the most historic Beatles’ performances ever) was closed after a good run from 1964 and then demolished.

Situated right next to the grounds from the World’s Fair (think Men in Black’s spaceships at the end of the first movie), the swanky, newer home for the Mets boasts a high-end food scene (even Shake Shack, hello!) and lower prices than its neighbor to the north.  While the Mets don’t enjoy the same reputation as the Yankees as a consistently winning team, everyone loves a good underdog and although they haven’t clinched a World Series since the 1980’s, the Mets put on a great show for kids of all ages, and have made several MLB Playoffs showings in the past few years.

How to get there

The best way to get to the stadium – Take the 7 express subway trains in the Main Street – Flushing direction to the Mets/Willets Point stop, get off, and follow the signs/crowd to the stadium, just steps away from the station. Keep in mind that Citi Field is in Queens. It’s a decent area but there’s not much to do around there. Cabs are likely needed to get you where you want to go after.

On a nice day, you can even take a water taxi from lower Manhattan to the game. Seating is limited to 147 passengers per Water Taxi and tickets can be picked up at Pier 11/Wall St., as early as two hours before departure. A limited number of tickets will also be available online at www.nywatertaxi.com.  There’s no return taxi, so you’d need to take the subway back home.

The Citi Field Experience

Take a walk around the stadium between innings or before the game to see some of the historical plaques and read some of the history of the Brooklyn Dodgers and Jackie Robinson – the only player in baseball history to have his number retired by every team and as the first African American baseball player in the major league. While the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles, many consider the Mets to be the heirs of their New York City baseball history.  Check out the NY Mets Hall of Fame and Museum in the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, or head over to the Shea Bridge and read about Shea Stadium’s history.

Eating and Drinking

Citi Field has the reputation of having better food and better craft beer selections than Yankee Stadium, and everything’s a little bit cheaper, too.

There’s a Shake Shack and the iconic NYC BBQ joint Blue Smoke, as well as a gourmet french fry-erie (hehe), a Mexican cantina churning out tacos and other street fare, and even lobster rolls, New York deli sandwiches, and everything in between. Of course, there’s no shortage of delicious all-beef hot dogs and cold beer.

Check out the list of beers they have at this craft beer stand! They’re $9.50 if you can’t read the writing!

[Update: They may cost more now. This post was first written in 2015. I just read an article that says they’re up to $11!]

In 2019, Sports Illustrated reported on the best beers available at Citi Field, which includes the fact that there’s a new brewpub from super-famous Danish brewery Mikkeller on-premises now! (Mikkeller had a NY presence already, so this is not completely random…)

Post-Game Action Nearby Citi Field

The World’s Fair fairgrounds are nearby and the US Open is also played nearby. You could always head after the game to Main Street in Flushing for authentic Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine or some private-room karaoke, though. I’ve heard of this bar – McFadden’s – which is very close to the action but haven’t been there yet personally… so take that for what it’s worth!

Or, why not visit a few Queens breweries while you are there? This DIY Queens Craft Brewery tour begins by getting off the 7 train. Just saying. 😉

[Last Updated 10/31/19]

What about you? What’s your favorite ballpark (other than Citi Field) and when can I go there? Tell me in the comments!

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