Braves 3, Mets 2
Well they finally did it; the Braves finally broke the streak of losing games that I attend that are not in the month of April. Yeah, it’s been 26 long years coming, so it was nice of them to create a new tradition at Citi Field. Of course Chipper Jones going 0-for-10 in the series is not a new tradition I’d like him to create, but at least Brian McCann got a homerun, right?
Citi Field is a massive upgrade from the orange and blue disaster that was Shea Stadium or what we now refer to as the parking lot. I’d suggest starting your adventure by going through the Jackie Robinson rotunda located at the Subway/LIRR exit. The rotunda pays homage to the Brooklyn Dodgers’ Ebbets Field and certainly has the biggest wow factor of the Stadium. In the rotunda fans can stop at the large team store or proceed up the escalator to the field level. From there I would head either left or right by passing the usual concession stands and head towards centerfield. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see three very large lines. Two of those lines are for the Shack Shake and - I won’t lie - will not move quickly, but trust me, you will not be disappointed by the Shack Shake burger (single or double) or the frozen custard shakes. If you’re in the mood for barbeque, Blue Smoke is right next door. And make sure to look up while you’re wasting away on line, directly above the Shake Shack/Blue Smoke concession stand is the New York skyline that was previously located above the scoreboard in centerfield at Shea Stadium, one of the few leftovers from that relic. There is also a video board on the backside of the scoreboard which shows replays of the game.
If you’re in the mood for French Fries, take a few extra minutes to head across the concourse to pick up the tasty treat at Box Frites. The fries aren’t remarkable (well not nearly as good as the crab fries at Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia) but the dipping sauces are out of this world. (Last night I chose the ballpark mayo, which had a hint of honey mustard, and bacon varieties. Don’t be fooled by the sign, you can get an extra sauce without paying an extra fee.) After loading up on the goods (read: calories) you can head to your seats and enjoy the game.
The Stadium offers many interesting sections to view the game. My first trip to Citi I was seated in the left field upper deck, but I’ve also watched the game from the field level, right field seats, which were perfect. Under the Pepsi Porch, the seats were shaded and close to the field with very little restricted views. Another great spot is the Bridge Terrace seating which is located above the bullpen. These seats are actually tables from which fans can watch the game. There is also the Modell’s section located in right field that is literally at field level.
The Ballpark itself has a lot of modern amenities fans have grown accustomed to or could easily do so. Things like the three large video boards that show replays and game facts, TV monitors located in sections (like those under the Pepsi Porch) that do not have a view of the video boards, comfortable seats, large open concourses which blare the TV broadcast, differing concession stands on every level so you’re not stuck with just hot dogs and fries, various team stores and kids areas.
Once the game is over, make it a point to head out the bullpen exit. There you’ll see the original homerun apple and all of the Mets pennants. During the game, this is also a great place to watch the pitchers warm up.
Citi Field hasn’t surpassed Miller Park as my favorite place to catch a game, but it’s definitely worth a trip the next time you’re in New York.
Well they finally did it; the Braves finally broke the streak of losing games that I attend that are not in the month of April. Yeah, it’s been 26 long years coming, so it was nice of them to create a new tradition at Citi Field. Of course Chipper Jones going 0-for-10 in the series is not a new tradition I’d like him to create, but at least Brian McCann got a homerun, right?
Citi Field is a massive upgrade from the orange and blue disaster that was Shea Stadium or what we now refer to as the parking lot. I’d suggest starting your adventure by going through the Jackie Robinson rotunda located at the Subway/LIRR exit. The rotunda pays homage to the Brooklyn Dodgers’ Ebbets Field and certainly has the biggest wow factor of the Stadium. In the rotunda fans can stop at the large team store or proceed up the escalator to the field level. From there I would head either left or right by passing the usual concession stands and head towards centerfield. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see three very large lines. Two of those lines are for the Shack Shake and - I won’t lie - will not move quickly, but trust me, you will not be disappointed by the Shack Shake burger (single or double) or the frozen custard shakes. If you’re in the mood for barbeque, Blue Smoke is right next door. And make sure to look up while you’re wasting away on line, directly above the Shake Shack/Blue Smoke concession stand is the New York skyline that was previously located above the scoreboard in centerfield at Shea Stadium, one of the few leftovers from that relic. There is also a video board on the backside of the scoreboard which shows replays of the game.
If you’re in the mood for French Fries, take a few extra minutes to head across the concourse to pick up the tasty treat at Box Frites. The fries aren’t remarkable (well not nearly as good as the crab fries at Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia) but the dipping sauces are out of this world. (Last night I chose the ballpark mayo, which had a hint of honey mustard, and bacon varieties. Don’t be fooled by the sign, you can get an extra sauce without paying an extra fee.) After loading up on the goods (read: calories) you can head to your seats and enjoy the game.
The Stadium offers many interesting sections to view the game. My first trip to Citi I was seated in the left field upper deck, but I’ve also watched the game from the field level, right field seats, which were perfect. Under the Pepsi Porch, the seats were shaded and close to the field with very little restricted views. Another great spot is the Bridge Terrace seating which is located above the bullpen. These seats are actually tables from which fans can watch the game. There is also the Modell’s section located in right field that is literally at field level.
The Ballpark itself has a lot of modern amenities fans have grown accustomed to or could easily do so. Things like the three large video boards that show replays and game facts, TV monitors located in sections (like those under the Pepsi Porch) that do not have a view of the video boards, comfortable seats, large open concourses which blare the TV broadcast, differing concession stands on every level so you’re not stuck with just hot dogs and fries, various team stores and kids areas.
Once the game is over, make it a point to head out the bullpen exit. There you’ll see the original homerun apple and all of the Mets pennants. During the game, this is also a great place to watch the pitchers warm up.
Citi Field hasn’t surpassed Miller Park as my favorite place to catch a game, but it’s definitely worth a trip the next time you’re in New York.
(Photos: PIMC)
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