Shea Stadium and Citi Field, both homes of the New York Mets, were located in the borough of Queens in New York City. While they shared the same borough, their exact locations differed. Shea Stadium occupied a space in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, directly adjacent to the site of the 1964-1965 World’s Fair. Citi Field, on the other hand, was built just across 126th Street from Shea, in the parking lot that formerly served the older stadium. Essentially, Citi Field replaced Shea Stadium, inheriting its baseball legacy in a slightly shifted location within the same Queens neighborhood. This article will delve deeper into the differences between the two stadiums.
A Tale of Two Stadiums: Comparing Shea and Citi Field
Having personally experienced Mets games at both Shea and Citi Field, I can offer a firsthand comparison. My inaugural baseball game was at Shea, witnessing a Mets-Phillies matchup from the upper deck behind home plate. Years later, I attended a Mets-Dodgers game at Citi Field, securing pricier seats in the lower left field section due to the Dodgers’ popularity. While neither stadium ranked among the best I’ve visited, Citi Field offered a marked improvement over Shea for several key reasons.
Size and Capacity: A More Intimate Baseball Experience
Citi Field, though a pitcher’s park like its predecessor, boasts a significantly smaller footprint. Shea Stadium’s larger design accommodated the New York Jets NFL team for a period, while Citi Field was purpose-built for baseball. This dedicated design translates to closer seating, especially in the outfield, fostering a more intimate fan experience. Citi Field’s seating capacity, approximately 42,000, is considerably less than Shea’s 57,000. This smaller capacity contributes to a more concentrated and energetic atmosphere.
A Nod to History: Design Elements that Honor Baseball’s Past
Citi Field thoughtfully incorporates historical elements into its design. The all-green seating pays homage to the Polo Grounds, the former home of the New York Giants. This monochromatic scheme contrasts sharply with Shea’s jarring mix of red, blue, orange, and green seats, a questionable aesthetic choice.
Furthermore, Citi Field’s prominent bridge motif reflects New York City’s interconnectedness and the team’s logo. The Shea Bridge, a pedestrian walkway in the outfield, specifically echoes the architectural style of the Hell Gate Bridge, connecting Queens and Manhattan. This symbolizes the Mets as a link to New York’s rich baseball heritage.
Interior Design: The Jackie Robinson Rotunda and Architectural Influences
Citi Field’s interior design, inspired by ballparks like PNC Park, Great American Ballpark, Coors Field, and Citizens Bank Park, showcases a unique rotunda honoring Jackie Robinson. Located at the main entrance, this rotunda features an eight-foot sculpture of Robinson’s number 42. Surrounding archways highlight his nine core values: Courage, Excellence, Persistence, Justice, Teamwork, Commitment, Citizenship, Determination, and Integrity. This prominent tribute to a baseball legend sets a respectful and inspiring tone for the entire stadium.
Conclusion: A Worthy Successor
While Citi Field may have its detractors, its aesthetic improvements and thoughtful design elements undeniably elevate it above its predecessor, Shea Stadium. The new ballpark successfully blends modern amenities with historical homage, creating a more engaging and enjoyable experience for Mets fans.
