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Preliminary Citi Field Thoughts

Gwreck Mar 29 2009 02:31 PM

Went to the St. John's/Georgetown game today. Rotunda looks great and is a worthy tribute. The Mets history banners on the outside of the park in left field are exceptionally well done and run chronologically from Casey to a picture of Johan tipping his cap on September 27, 2008. Perfect. Unfortunately, there is no other discernable reference to Mets history inside the park. No sign of the WS trophies or the Mets Hall of Fame. Retired numbers and postseason flags are not up. There appeared to be some space in right field (above the space that's now known as the "Modell's Clubhouse") which could possibly be a place for either. Or it could be for a forthcoming Modell's ad. (Granted, the Mets don't play in the park for another week -- and the first game that counts is in two weeks -- so they could still be working on this). The food options are amazing as expected. Each stand only had a limited menu today but the full menus are great. I can start by highly recommending the steak tacos at the Taqueria in centerfield. $7.50 for two generously sized tacos (plenty of meat). Delicious, too. I have major issues with the scoreboards. a. The out-of-town scoreboard looks great but has a fatal flaw. It does not indicate which team is batting. The indicators of how many outs there are and how many runs are on base are great. But that information is totally irrelevant unless the board indicates who's batting. Hopefully this was a feature that was simply not working today... ...because if it's missing from the board, they'll need to fix it IMMEDIATELY. b. The LCD ribbon board that runs around the bottom of the promenade level needs to have more information. It has the score on the left edge, and has batter/ball/strike/out and clock on the right edge. The rest of the board was filled with "welcome to Citi Field" graphics. I do not like that the ribbon board had colored "dots" to represent the number of balls, strikes or outs. Just put the numerical digit up, thanks. The ribbon board needs to include the pitch count and pitch speed information. Yes, this info is present on the RF board -- but since the seats angle towards homeplate, much of the seating down the line would have to turn between 90 and 180 degrees to see the RF board. With all that space, they certainly could provide that info. I am also not a fan of the RF board alternating between the pitch count and the pitch speed. Both should be up there at the same time.

SteveJRogers Mar 29 2009 02:50 PM

Apparently the Met Museum, where I'd assume the trophies and HOF busts are going is to be behind the big 42 in the Rotunda so I guess it isn't open yet.

metirish Mar 30 2009 08:27 AM

I hope it's OK to put Neil Best's review here. Summing up Citi Field: This place is amazin'! ] Hubbubs over tax-free bonds, naming rights, chop shops, ticket prices and plans, partially obstructed views and other matters, large and small, past and future - each deserves our attention in the ongoing sagas of New York's two new baseball stadiums. But for at least one day, none of that mattered yesterday upon descending the steps from the No. 7 train, beyond the rubble that was Shea Stadium, then looking across the brick plaza and up. To appreciate the feeling fully, it helped to have an 11-year-old along. It wasn't quite awe, which is not what Citi Field is after; I believe that's Yankee Stadium's department. So what was it? I'm pretty sure one of us said, "Cool." And maybe the other added, "Wow." Obviously, a chilly, misty day featuring a college game few in the crowd of 22,397 cared about was not a true test of the place. That will start to form Friday when the Mets make their debut against the Red Sox. But after we sat in a dozen seats and got lost in a half-dozen dead ends, the ballpark's quirky charms and many nooks and crannies were evident during its first day of hosting paying customers. The place is a gem, the first smallish-scale New York City ballpark since its spiritual predecessor, Ebbets Field, hosted its last Dodgers game in 1957. Speaking of Ebbets Field, your experience begins in the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, as grand a gathering place as advertised. From there, one theme quickly becomes apparent, in keeping with a trend in modern stadium design: more places than ever to spend your time and money, and far more elbow room, too. Even on a dreary late March day, it was easy to imagine July, with fans sunning themselves while enjoying a drink from the Shake Shack - adorned with the city skyline from the Shea scoreboard - or, perhaps, a nice order of fried calamari. The prices seem to be the standard ballpark rate - roughly 50 to 100 percent higher than in the real world. Small soda: $3.50. Small sushi: $9. Helmet ice cream swirl: $6.50. Steak tacos: $7.50. Fries: $4.75. Some food items were unavailable and some areas were closed, including the kid-friendly section that features the dunk tank that Mike Francesa has promised to visit for charity. (Don't worry; he'll fit.) But almost everything should be up and running by Friday. Numerous male fans noted one of Citi Field's most memorable features: the seemingly science fiction-inspired, oddly shaped, water-free urinals. One fan said it looked like something out of the "22nd century." Mets fans will settle for 21st century facilities, having traded up from a stadium whose rest room failings famously contributed to the Jets' decision to bolt Flushing for New Jersey long ago. Mets executive VP Dave Howard said each of the 270 waterless urinals will save 40,000 gallons per year. "Do the math," he said. "That's millions of gallons of water we'll be saving." So the stadium is friendly to the environment. But is the stadium environment-friendly? Mostly, the feel is open and welcoming, with a bridge-styled walkway and vast concourses. What about the seats themselves? The Mets offer a dizzying array of options, from $11 for the cheapest ticket to the least attractive game to $695 for a front-row seat to see the Yankees. We started in Section 142 in dead center, priced at $21 to $49. Pretty nice vantage point, as outfield seats go. The views from the last row, in Section 536, are partially obscured by the out-of-town scoreboard and have a claustrophobic feel compared with the top of Shea, but they cost a modest $11 to $27. One concern was the first row of the promenade - $45 to $105 - because of a display board attached to the facade that partially obscures views for shorter fans. I had no trouble seeing, but my 4-10 companion had to sit slightly forward to see the entire field. The Mets recently raised the seats a couple of inches to ease the problem. More troubling are some seats near walkways leading to the upper promenade where railings, plexiglass and pedestrian traffic damage the view. Those will be sold only for individual games when needed. Eventually, the kinks will be worked out and the novelty - even those wacky urinals - will wear off, of course. Not on this day, though, and not anytime soon. Citi Field firsts FIRST NATIONAL ANTHEM Joanne Persico, St. John's volleyball coach FIRST CEREMONIAL FIRST PITCH John Franco FIRST PITCH Ball thrown by Georgetown's Tim Adleman to St. John's Brian Kemp FIRST OUT Brian Kemp flied to leftfielder Sean Baumann FIRST STRIKEOUT Georgetown's Sean Baumann by St. John's pitcher Brendan Lobban, bottom of first FIRST HIT Single to left-centerfield by Georgetown's Tom Elliott, bottom of first FIRST ST. JOHN'S HIT Single to center by Tim Morris, top of second FIRST RUN Scored by Georgetown's Dan Capeless, bottom of second FIRST HOME RUN Georgetown's Sean Lamont, solo shot to left, bottom of third

Benjamin Grimm Mar 30 2009 08:32 AM

That's all fine, but the real "firsts," as far as I'm concerned, will be on April 13.

Edgy DC Mar 30 2009 08:37 AM

I don't know. When it comes to big shot "Star Spangled Banner" singers, it's hard to get much bigger than Joanne Persico, St. John's volleyball coach. <img src="http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics29/200/GD/GDHOLHVALFUUKNX.20080116185236.jpg">

MFS62 Mar 30 2009 08:44 AM

So, the Daily News editorial writer did not make a mistake- St. Johns batted first. Amazin'. Later

A Boy Named Seo Mar 30 2009 09:26 AM

Some nice [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebarish/sets/72157616105060234/show/]pix[/url]from the guy who runs that Wright Stache blog. (Full size photos, and more of 'em, if you click the link) This one I thought was cool because it's the first real photo of the rotunda taken from the same angle as the computer-generated ones were when they first released the plans for "Mets Ballpark". The people still look fake. --- Finally the ladies get their own Mets team shop and it's powered by Alyssa Milano's sequins and velour engine. --- Pavilion Bar. Nice. Very similar to Petco. --- Caesar's Lounge. Also reminiscent of Petco and Staples Center and bunches of other stadiums with lounges that I don't think I'll ever go into. Looks nice enough, though. --- This is the first time I ever really noticed the hightened LF wall. Up and over, Davey. --- Better look at the LF wall, plus the one part of the CF wall that's a little taller and its only purpose appears to be to hide the apple and to give Beltran some weird angles to make awesome catches around. --- Speaking of weird angles, the recessed right-CF "cove". --- View from CF: --- Steve J. Rogers' Asian doppelganger? --- Oh.

themetfairy Mar 30 2009 09:30 AM

[url=http://faithandfear.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2009/3/29/4137760.html:7asbcqq9]Faith and Fear in Flushing's Jason likes the new place[/url:7asbcqq9].

Edgy DC Mar 30 2009 09:46 AM

="A Boy Named Seo"] Pavilion Bar. Nice. Very similar to Petco. Wow. Complete with Tony Gwynn.

HahnSolo Mar 30 2009 09:51 AM

Oops. missed the other thread. Never mind.

metirish Mar 30 2009 12:02 PM

Heard in a report on the telly that there is free Wi-Fi.

Nymr83 Mar 30 2009 12:13 PM

]The ribbon board needs to include the pitch count and pitch speed information pitch count only would be fine with me, i dont really care what the juiced-up stadium gun says someone is throwing today

Farmer Ted Mar 30 2009 01:16 PM

The skyline should be more visible to the stadium folks. Putting it behind the Shake Shack? Heresy.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 30 2009 03:04 PM

Any word on the non-tangible stuff? ("Sweet Caroline" vs. "SingAlong" vs Something Else, Hopefully; "Lazy Mary;" organ music, etc.)

Ashie62 Mar 30 2009 06:24 PM

Thanks for the great photos. Look like the test run went well. Looking for to my first visit. Steak Tacos for $7.50 I like. Sounds better than those Premio sausage sandwiches I was hooked on.

Gwreck Mar 30 2009 10:10 PM

="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":23b11a0m]Any word on the non-tangible stuff? ("Sweet Caroline" vs. "SingAlong" vs Something Else, Hopefully; "Lazy Mary;" organ music, etc.)[/quote:23b11a0m] I booked after the 3rd (?) inning, having been there since they opened the gates at 10:30. Am told Lazy Mary was played. Nothing else significant in the music I could recall. The sound system is impressive, however. metsmarathon Apr 03 2009 10:47 PM ohmigod. ohmigod. ohmigod. ohmigod. ohmigod. best stadium ever. they have kona brewing company in the beergarden! ohmigod. ohmigod. ohmigod. ohmigod. sorry. i've been lusting... um, otherwise, the rest of the place is really nice. long motherf----ing ass lines at the catch of the day not withstanding. it felt like there were some kinks still needing ironing out in the food service department, as the lines were kinda long in the 3rd inning. but by the 4th or 5th, they seemed really short. prolly everybody wanted to be sure they got to their seats, saw the first pitch, first few innings, and then realized they were hungry and wanted to explore. everybody all seemed to have the same idea at the same time, i guess. i friggin loved the stadium overall. my only quibble is that while in line for the Catch of the Day (love that the lobster is wearing a mitt!), the nearest tv screens were pretty far away, above the seats in the modells cove. they had speakers, iirc, carrying sny, but they really could've had a screen up there to allow us to follow the game. 'specially since the line lasted a whole inning! but it was worth if for the shimp po' boy. thye horsradish-mustard sauce on that was superb, and really cleared out my sinuses. can't wait to get back there. and have more longboard lagers. so good. G-Fafif Apr 03 2009 11:02 PM Nice place to visit. And I just might want to live there. In the fan sense. Very odd feeling disoriented in the home park of the Mets. Not a quality issue, just a strangeness issue. Yes, very much a CBP/NP vibe, but you forget that after a bit because this isn't a jaunt down the Turnpike or Amtrak. This is the new house. The rain delay was a good thing. It gave Jason and me an excuse to explore. And it's a fun place for exploration. More nooks and crannies on every level than in the right field corner. I liked the ins and outs of the concourses more than the field itself, though that will grow on me. There was a moment there in the, uh, seventh (who was paying attention?) when we brought home a run on a walk and we were going nuts and the place was maybe 40% full and a couple of friends found us and...at that moment, it felt like home. The food is wonderful. Even the crappy food is wonderful. The pretzels were hot and not made of shoe. The hot dogs weren't dug up from under a dumpster. The new food kicked ass. Chicken quesadillas? Daruma? Both on the mark. Carvel a little stiff, but it's April 3. I was more impressed that the Carvel cashier was friendly and able to make change without me coming behind the counter as was the case in past seasons. Wish we could see more of the world from our seats, but when you get up and wander you feel closer to the community and the city. From one end of the stadium (or park or field) you can almost reach out and touch the U-Haul sign. You have a great angle on the Unisphere. The Empire State Building seems nearby, not just from the skyline logo. But I don't like the feeling of being enveloped all that much. Shea of course looms in the consciousness, as in "they do this here so well -- remember how they used to?" It's the way you'd speak of that silly cat who missed the box or that car that ka-chunked along. The annoyances are now fond memories. Shea doesn't ascend to sainthood. Its flaws stand out by comparison, but its flaws are our history now. The Dodger thing is only in spots. I could do without the Ebbets Club if there's not going to be a Polo Lounge, but ah, who cares really? More Mets would be nice, not that there's none. I still have to figure out where to look at scoreboards and stuff. I have no idea how this will all translate in the regular season. It was just a good feeling to find my way in. Then I was a stranger. When we exited the Rotunda at the end of the night, it felt kind of familiar. I'm a little scattered right now, but I liked it. So will you. Spacemans Bong Apr 04 2009 03:59 AM Bob Murphy Field was better. ;) themetfairy Apr 04 2009 05:54 AM The pretzels were actually ready? And hot? G-Fafif Apr 04 2009 06:45 AM ="themetfairy":3b9jp3z9]The pretzels were actually ready? And hot?[/quote:3b9jp3z9] An across-the-board success. The ones sold in the stands were longer, kind of compressed. Very tempting for a second go-round. The one I had was from an unbusy stand. Smaller than the Shea variety but also edible. SteveJRogers Apr 04 2009 12:14 PM Didn't feel "into" taking too many shots last night, most due to the crowd and weather. Ah well, did take some nice shots There used to be a ballpark here: Arthur Ashe Stadium as you've never seen it before! ;) Speaking of shots the paying customer really couldn't get at Shea. Directly behind the Right Fielder! The overhang in right You know, this really IS a crazy setup with the bullpens I still want to know where, and when I can update this pic! SteveJRogers Apr 04 2009 12:22 PM Retired numbers View from the Promenade metsguyinmichigan Apr 04 2009 12:38 PM Nice shots, Steve! Kong76 Apr 04 2009 12:43 PM My boy Jeter has a bunch of these. (the devil made me post it) metirish Apr 04 2009 12:45 PM The bullpens do look odd even by todays standards which themselves seem odd to me. They had a shot last night and the visitors bullpen is only slightly higher than the home bullpen in front of it . The Boston players looked like they were in holding pens not unlike those you would see in Gitmo staring out through the wire mesh separating the bullpens. Fman99 Apr 04 2009 01:12 PM ="SteveJRogers"]Retired numbers Nice pics Steve. I like seeing that the "Shea" baseball is carried over to the new park. G -- does this mean a revision to the FAFIF T-shirt is in the works? OlerudOwned Apr 04 2009 01:13 PM Did they dump the pinstripes on the retired numbers, or are they just too faint to be seen in those pictures? If we ever get a player with the last name Shea, would he have to change it? SteveJRogers Apr 04 2009 01:20 PM ="OlerudOwned":1xerg8vh]Did they dump the pinstripes on the retired numbers, or are they just too faint to be seen in those pictures? If we ever get a player with the last name Shea, would he have to change it?[/quote:1xerg8vh] Faint, and that was taken from the opposite side of the stadium with a zoom lenses that is quite basic. A Boy Named Seo Apr 04 2009 01:58 PM Nice pix, Steve. apmorris Apr 04 2009 02:18 PM Thanks for the pics! risen. G-Fafif Apr 04 2009 02:59 PM First impressions appraisal [url=http://faithandfear.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2009/4/4/4143200.html:gkvynbco]here[/url:gkvynbco]. OlerudOwned Apr 04 2009 05:20 PM ="SteveJRogers":139p9rfj] ="OlerudOwned":139p9rfj]Did they dump the pinstripes on the retired numbers, or are they just too faint to be seen in those pictures? If we ever get a player with the last name Shea, would he have to change it?[/quote:139p9rfj] Faint, and that was taken from the opposite side of the stadium with a zoom lenses that is quite basic.[/quote:139p9rfj] Good to know, thanks. SteveJRogers Apr 04 2009 05:32 PM FWIW, they sold the ones that hung in Shea Stadium as part of the MeiGrey auction. Kind of strange that they made complete new ones that look EXACTLY like the ones that has been at Shea since 1998! When the Mets added the black shadowdrops to the uniforms, the black was added to the retired numbers. One would think, new place, eh lets have a new design for the retired number signage. OlerudOwned Apr 04 2009 06:04 PM Oh, dang, are there still dropshadows on these too, then? Retired numbers should be in the style they wore during their careers, not whatever the club wears now. SteveJRogers Apr 04 2009 06:07 PM ="OlerudOwned":255306uu]Oh, dang, are there still dropshadows on these too, then? Retired numbers should be in the style they wore during their careers, not whatever the club wears now.[/quote:255306uu] ITA. It should be the way it is in my avatar. metsmarathon Apr 04 2009 09:22 PM LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 04 2009 11:28 PM Was in 105-- field-level, just foul of the RF pole-- today. A little brain-scattered right now, but a few impressions: -- The tacos are indeed all that and several cups of fresh salsa (add the "open kitchen" thing being prominently featured in our ballpark to the miles-long list of pleasantly disorienting new CitiFeatures). You'll want the 9.75 sampler thingy. -- Times to hit Shake Shack: Well before gametime, or midgame. Any other time during a weekend game seems like it'll lose you an inning or two. (Those who've never been to Madison Square Park: You do need to have one; whatever G-d you worship, he/she/it smiles on these beef patties.) -- Hidden bonus souvenir: Mets Store bags. Handsome, sturdy reusables... perfect for a run to the market for Nathan's or J.R. Watkins. -- The ushers/greeters are indeed disarmingly polite... if not quite ready for primetime (got 1-2 iffy answers in response to "where's that thing again"-type queries). metsmarathon Apr 05 2009 03:12 PM i took some pictures of my own at citi... a beautiful day for a ball game. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/twenny6point2/3414311923/" title="DSC_0003 by twenny6point2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/3414311923_ec074cb50c.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0003"></a> fans walking on the fanwalk. my sneakers look filthy! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/twenny6point2/3414314805/" title="DSC_0014 by twenny6point2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3414314805_ed0752d808.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0014"></a> the new apple is big and shiny. it might not get much use this year... <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/twenny6point2/3415124296/" title="DSC_0036 by twenny6point2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3309/3415124296_bc6e36bd1c.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0036"></a> i'm probably too old to play here. i need to get me some kids... <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/twenny6point2/3414319997/" title="DSC_0040 by twenny6point2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/3414319997_acc36cb42d.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0040"></a> the retired numbers <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/twenny6point2/3415126868/" title="DSC_0051 by twenny6point2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3406/3415126868_d2e838d821.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0051"></a> lets play ball! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/twenny6point2/3414324049/" title="DSC_0060 by twenny6point2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/3414324049_4d971e83a9.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0060"></a> i love this crazy nook thing. i can't wait to see jose rattle a few balls around in there. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/twenny6point2/3415135558/" title="DSC_0102 by twenny6point2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3415135558_81534a28f7.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0102"></a> this bridge is cool too. here it is during the rain delay. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/twenny6point2/3415136704/" title="DSC_0115 by twenny6point2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3415136704_0680a1108a.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0115"></a> this shot, of the scoreboard, is one of my favoriter pictures that i took that day. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/twenny6point2/3415141010/" title="DSC_0124 by twenny6point2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3366/3415141010_f4d616c964.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0124"></a> the wait at the catch of the day was worth it for the shrimp po'boy. yum! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/twenny6point2/3415143776/" title="DSC_0143 by twenny6point2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3415143776_20789a4991.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0143"></a> frankie enters the game <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/twenny6point2/3414344107/" title="DSC_0172 by twenny6point2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3414344107_76c2d242df.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0172"></a> Edgy DC Apr 05 2009 03:34 PM Looks like they went seriously overboard with the wall height changes. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 05 2009 03:47 PM ="Edgy DC":3bfi37b3]Looks like they went seriously overboard with the wall height changes.[/quote:3bfi37b3] Tatis smacked the top of the wall twice on balls that would've been out in something like 90 percent of the majors' parks. Lowrie's HR was hit a ton, and still skin-of-the-teethed it out in left-center. The difficulties of making the playoffs aside, it'll still be REAL tough to squeeze a righty-hitting MVP offensive player out of this joint. Benjamin Grimm Apr 05 2009 03:53 PM Well, it's not like Shea had a whole bunch of them either. Maybe instead we'll get an extra Cy Young or two. themetfairy Apr 05 2009 03:55 PM Nice shots marathon :) MK and I were there today for the batting practice. This is MK on the LIRR platform - We figured we would visit the Jackie Robinson Rotunda today so that we won't have to fight the crowds in there during the season. The obligatory Shake Shack visit. Yes I'm still on Weight Watchers, but MK let me have a couple of bites of his burger and some sips of his shake. Now my curiosity has been satisfied, at a fraction of the calorie count. This garbage can in the Fan Fest area amused me - The remains of the Shea. MK said that Shea will live on forever in the souls and homes of Mets fans everywhere. Speaking of Shea, we had the chance to visit the old Home Run Apple. I don't care how corny it is - I love that thing! We enjoyed the visit - it was a good opportunity for us to acclimate ourselves to the new digs. metsguyinmichigan Apr 05 2009 04:00 PM Beautiful! And the stadium shots are nice, too! themetfairy Apr 05 2009 04:07 PM LOL - thanks :) MFS62 Apr 05 2009 04:53 PM Memo to staff: When the Yanks come to play the Mets this year, protect those garbage cans from Paul O'Neill. He'd probably try to kick them, thinking they're a water cooler. Later metsmarathon Apr 05 2009 05:39 PM ="Edgy DC":3so2bhzo]Looks like they went seriously overboard with the wall height changes.[/quote:3so2bhzo] the one too many is the little bit in straight away center feild that jumps back to 16' or so at the base of the apple. i mean, jeez, its hard enough to hit it there already! soupcan Apr 05 2009 07:14 PM We went on Saturday. The place is really great. It is definitely a bit disconcerting to see the Mets in their home whites in a completely different ballpark. Realizing that this new place with the high outfield fences, enclosed centerfield and green seats is the new home is odd. The food as has been said is so much better than I'm used to having while watching a Mets game. Shake Shack burgers are 2 die 4. There is a place sort of near us in Bethel. CT called The Sycamore which has burgers very similar. I try to get to there a few times a year simply for their 'Dagwood'. No need to do that anymore since I'll be getting my burger fix at good ole City Field (see what I did there?). The game was sold out but there were empty seats everywhere because everyone was walking around checkin' out the new digs. Made it hard to walk around even with the wide concourses. I'm guessing it will be about mid-season before that calms down. The only criticisms I had is that concourse celings are low and they could be lit better. Other than that, its really, really nice. I agree that the outfield walls are high but I think eventually we will all get used to it and adopt the mantra that The City is indeed a pitcher-friendly park and take some pride in that. Edgy DC Apr 05 2009 07:59 PM ="soupcan"] That restaurant makes me feel hostile. I guess I just have to tell myself that those swells are paying for Wright's next extension. But man. soupcan Apr 06 2009 06:30 AM ="Edgy DC"]That restaurant makes me feel hostile. I guess I just have to tell myself that those swells are paying for Wright's next extension. But man. Not just a 'restaurant' it's a 'club'. The Acela Club. And if that doesn't tighten your colon even more - its an exclusive club, open only to holders of tickets in certain areas of the park. As a matter of fact that's another thing about the park that I didn't particularly care for - there are several 'clubs' within the place that cater to only ticketholders of certain sections. Granted - Everyone who has a tcket has a club that will accomodate them (I think) - whether it be on the field level or the Promenade (upper deck) level, but still. Walking by the club entrances and knowing that you are not allowed access to that particular one is a bit of a downer. And I don't know this for sure but I'd guess that the Promenade level club somehow isn't as nice as the the field-level (Ebbets Club maybe?) club. metsmarathon Apr 06 2009 07:07 AM yeah, i always used to like how when i had upper deck seats at shea, i could always come down to the field level any time i wanted and just mill around down there. oh, wait... soupcan Apr 06 2009 07:38 AM No, that's nice that you can do that - and I know that the Diamond Club was only open to ceratin ticketholders as well. My point was more that its more obvious that certain ticketholdres aren't permitted in certain places is all. At least it was more obvious to me. metirish Apr 06 2009 07:44 AM When Burkhardt was in The Acela Club I think Saturday he mentioned that you needed reservations to get in. soupcan Apr 06 2009 08:01 AM ="metirish":10v2x56u]When Burkhardt was in The Acela Club I think Saturday he mentioned that you needed reservations to get in.[/quote:10v2x56u] But even if you have reservations, your ticket has to say 'Admit One To Acela Club' John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 08:06 AM Hey Soup, I talked to the restaurateur who is opening the place and came away with the impression that although policy errs on the safe side especially at launching time, if you asked the right people nicely they'd probably accommodate you. soupcan Apr 06 2009 08:08 AM Well then - there you go. seawolf17 Apr 06 2009 08:18 AM We were there for the workout yesterday. I enjoyed it; I think I'm over Shea. Two negatives, I thought -- the navigation was difficult (although I'm sure that'll go away once I'm familiar with the place), and it was way, way too fucking loud. Seemed like everything and everyone was on full volume. Maybe that'll be better in game situations, where the music isn't going to be blasting the whole time, but it was a major turnoff yesterday. It took me a full hour to relax and enjoy myself, because I spent so much time shouting to Ms. Wolf and MiniWolf to be heard. A few photeaux. First, MiniWolf mourns the loss of Shea: Taking his cuts at Kiddie Field: Playing the outfield, like his dad. Notice his dad in centerfield, talking with a couple of other Poolers who were on the scene: metirish Apr 06 2009 08:20 AM ="soupcan":e6xl82n7] ="metirish":e6xl82n7]When Burkhardt was in The Acela Club I think Saturday he mentioned that you needed reservations to get in.[/quote:e6xl82n7] But even if you have reservations, your ticket has to say 'Admit One To Acela Club'[/quote:e6xl82n7] I suppose if I called to make a reservation they would ask if I had the ticket, but in any time especially these tough times that doesn't seem like a smart business plan for the owner of the restaurant. soupcan Apr 06 2009 08:21 AM Damn that kid grew up fast. I totally agree about the noise, although the sound system is MUCH better than it was at Shea. Edgy DC Apr 06 2009 08:25 AM Edited 3 time(s), most recently on Apr 06 2009 08:26 AM wolf: So I had this great house until the neighbors put in this damn whiffleball monstrosity. And now soupcan says... KC: Yeah, blahblahblah. Get off the field. There's a game goin' on. HahnSolo Apr 06 2009 08:25 AM One thing I don't "get" from the place is the bridge motif. I can't understand why it was so important to do it. I tried to explain it to my wife and she was like, "I totally don't see NYC bridges." Seawolf, how does the wiffle ball thing work? Is it free? A wait your turn thing? My son is already angling to hit that first when we go next week. Edgy DC Apr 06 2009 08:28 AM It would make more sense if it was a suspension bridge. batmagadanleadoff Apr 06 2009 08:31 AM To those who already went to Citi Field for any of the exhibition games, what were the views like from your seats? Is it really true that every seat is a good one? seawolf17 Apr 06 2009 08:38 AM ="batmagadanleadoff":1tq93prv]To those who already went to Citi Field for any of the exhibition games, what were the views like from your seats? Is it really true that every seat is a good one?[/quote:1tq93prv] We only really "sat" for any length of time in the 330s, out in left field, second tier up, just to the home-plate side of the glass-windowed restaurant. I thought the view was great, but you completely lose the left-field corner, right under you. Didn't bother me too much, because there were plenty of places at Shea where you'd lose a corner also. ="HahnSolo":1tq93prv]One thing I don't "get" from the place is the bridge motif. I can't understand why it was so important to do it. I tried to explain it to my wife and she was like, "I totally don't see NYC bridges." Seawolf, how does the wiffle ball thing work? Is it free? A wait your turn thing? My son is already angling to hit that first when we go next week.[/quote:1tq93prv] I agree on the bridge thing. I think if you're going to go bridge, you have to go Brooklyn Bridge, or a suspension bridge -- something that's really distinct. Or, say, the BRIDGE THAT'S IN THE TEAM'S LOGO. Call me crazy, but doing the logo bridge in right-center field would have kicked ass. The wiffle ball thing is free, but the line was monstrous yesterday. I don't put too much credence into yesterday's lines, because the majority of folks were on the concourse, not at their seats. Probably better during a regular game, I'd think. For yesterday, the line snaked around Kiddie Field, and when you got up there, you (the kid) went into left field, then center, then right, then you got your AB, and you got anywhere between three and six swings, depending on if you were a toddler who was just up there hacking (six) or a teenager who was really to big for it (three), then you got to run the bases. So you got four "at-bats" in total to run around. MiniWolf was beyond thrilled. soupcan Apr 06 2009 08:47 AM ="HahnSolo":9zu9g7v4]One thing I don't "get" from the place is the bridge motif. I can't understand why it was so important to do it. I tried to explain it to my wife and she was like, "I totally don't see NYC bridges." [/quote:9zu9g7v4] The boroughs are all connected by bridges. Its not a stretch. ="Edgy DC":9zu9g7v4]It would make more sense if it was a suspension bridge.[/quote:9zu9g7v4] Agreed. metirish Apr 06 2009 09:07 AM I have a silly question. Are these restaurants open on off days and days the Mets are on the road? themetfairy Apr 06 2009 10:05 AM batmag - I was in the Promenade, and the view from my seat was nice. Analogous to my old Mezz seats, I think. I'll know for sure once the season starts and I'm actually focusing on a game or two. Agreed about the noise level, especially when Chris Carlin was yelling into the mike. I never thought much of him before, but after yesterday I hat him. SteveJRogers Apr 06 2009 10:24 AM ="soupcan":3ko0a4i5]Granted - Everyone who has a tcket has a club that will accomodate them (I think) - whether it be on the field level or the Promenade (upper deck) level, but still. Walking by the club entrances and knowing that you are not allowed access to that particular one is a bit of a downer. And I don't know this for sure but I'd guess that the Promenade level club somehow isn't as nice as the the field-level (Ebbets Club maybe?) club.[/quote:3ko0a4i5] Actually, you have to pay a bit extra for the club pass. Don't know how much more, but from what I gathered, it was substantial. Gwreck Apr 07 2009 09:24 AM The access to the various clubs is based on your seats. If you're seated in the "Promenade Club" seats, you get access to the Promenade Club. If you're in the "Ebbets Club" seats, you get access to the Ebbets Club. If you're in the "Delta Club" seats, you get access to the Delta Club. If you're in the "Caesar's Club" seats, you get access to the Caesar's Club. The restaurant in left field, the "Acela Club," is open to Metropolitan Box, Field Box, Ebbets Club Gold, and Delta Club Platinum and Gold ticket holders. holychicken Apr 07 2009 09:30 AM ="batmagadanleadoff":357bumo9]To those who already went to Citi Field for any of the exhibition games, what were the views like from your seats? Is it really true that every seat is a good one?[/quote:357bumo9] My experience is that all the seats I saw (and I went around to most parts of the stadium) felt very close to the infield and had a good view of the infield. However, the draw back to this is a lot of the seats outside the infield lose a bit of a corner of the outfield AND if you are in a covered seat, you lose views upward. Like sitting in the Mezz in Shea, you really only can see where a pop fly is going by watching the fielders. But, overall, the view of the field is MUCH better, especially for the type of seats I buy. Farmer Ted Apr 07 2009 10:27 AM There's an Acela Club? As in the amtrak train? Let me get this straight. Bankrupt bank has naming rights the stadium and a money-bleeding rail line sponsors the A-list dining area? LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 07 2009 02:04 PM ="Farmer Ted":1wt09uid]There's an Acela Club? As in the amtrak train? Let me get this straight. Bankrupt bank has naming rights the stadium and a money-bleeding rail line sponsors the A-list dining area?[/quote:1wt09uid] That's nothing... wait until you hear who's sponsoring the "Fair and Balanced" no-flush urinals. themetfairy Apr 07 2009 05:46 PM We stopped by today en route to Long Island. D-Dad checked out tailgating spots, and we all visited our brick. Kong76 Apr 07 2009 06:24 PM I've been hesitant to whine here about it, but my front row promenade seats kinda suck. The railing sucks and the staircase with glass around it that is right in the same place as home plate sucks. It will suck even more when there are people on it all game. I called to try and move and the only thing they'd give me was like the next to last section of the outfield in row 13 and was reminded that upgrading year after year from there would be harder than from my crappy seats prolly. It's only a Sunday plan, and I can shift around and carpetbag, and watch from other areas, and the tickets aren't all that expensive ... but I feel gypped especially since on a whole the rest of the place is just so damn nice. seawolf17 Apr 07 2009 06:31 PM Hey, nothing wrong with bitching about it. Ultimately, though, you're probably screwed, because if you want to give up those seats, there are probably plenty of folks who would take them from you next year. The Mets -- and the Yankees -- knew they had us all over a barrel with these stadia; if we wanted to get in, we'd have to pay the price. I hate to say that Mike Francesa is right, but in this case, he is; the only recourse we have is with our wallets. If we think ticket prices are too high, or the views suck... then we don't buy the tickets. (They've priced me out, and that's fine; maybe we go to a game, but more likely we don't.) Kong76 Apr 07 2009 07:00 PM I'm more hesitant to whine about it more because I posted how excited I was to be in row one. I sat in row six with a poster in the same section and those seats are fine. They weren't the best available when I got mine days before they could log on and renew their Sunday plan if theirs are better. Who's Mike Francessa, where does he post? As for high ticket prices, my tickets are much cheaper this year than last and location is fine ... if I wasn't in row one. MFS62 Apr 07 2009 07:12 PM ="Kong76":3ru6ijum]I'm more hesitant to whine about it more because I posted how excited I was to be in row one. I sat in row six with a poster in the same section and those seats are fine. They weren't the best available when I got mine days before they could log on and renew their Sunday plan if theirs are better. Who's Mike Francessa, where does he post? As for high ticket prices, my tickets are much cheaper this year than last and location is fine ... if I wasn't in row one.[/quote:3ru6ijum] Well, if he had them, I'm sure Bob Uecker would exchange yours for his in the very last row. Later Rockin' Doc Apr 07 2009 07:39 PM <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jc3UGda8T8c&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jc3UGda8T8c&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> KC, thanks for the excuse to post a classic beer commercial. MFS62, thanks for the perfect lead in. MFS62 Apr 07 2009 07:55 PM Doc, All I see is a big white rectangle. Later themetfairy Apr 07 2009 07:58 PM I see the Uecker ad, Doc. I just showed it to MK - he had never seen it before. Thanks. Rockin' Doc Apr 08 2009 05:23 AM MFS62 -<i>"Doc, All I see is a big white rectangle."</i> You wouldn't believe how many times I've heard that line before. Kong76 Apr 08 2009 05:38 AM Close your eyes and walk slowly towards the white rectangle.