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="John Cougar Lunchbucket":5ajgoook]
* Wouldn't let us into the "Promenade Club" I thought we could at least get into one bar?![/quote:5ajgoook]
Seriously? I was there the same night as you in 519, and the guy in front of us brought two 13-year olds down to the Promenade club and left them there. They had no trouble getting in.
And I may or may not have mentioned it on another thread, but where the heck are the exit signs? You really had to scope things out ahead of time or else you were caught in a logjam.
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John Cougar Lunchbucket
Apr 20 2009 12:25 PM
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Guy at the door said our tickets needed to say "Promenade Club" on them. I was like, dude. It's four degrees. Let me the fuck in.
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HahnSolo
Apr 20 2009 12:29 PM
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="John Cougar Lunchbucket":v2abb578]Guy at the door said our tickets needed to say "Promenade Club" on them. I was like, dude. It's four degrees. Let me the fuck in.[/quote:v2abb578]
Hmm. Didn't notice my ticket, and didn't try to get in, but that is contrary to what Wilpon said on a CitiField SNY special. He made it like every patron would have a club they could go to.
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metirish
Apr 20 2009 12:44 PM
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It means little to us but the configuration of the bullpens and especially the visitor bullpen is weird. SNY can't even capture who is warming up most of the time. Apparently the players can't see the game from there either. I'm interested to know if any players have complained about that.
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John Cougar Lunchbucket
Apr 20 2009 12:46 PM
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="HahnSolo":3ntysfk4]="John Cougar Lunchbucket":3ntysfk4]Guy at the door said our tickets needed to say "Promenade Club" on them. I was like, dude. It's four degrees. Let me the fuck in.[/quote:3ntysfk4]
Hmm. Didn't notice my ticket, and didn't try to get in, but that is contrary to what Wilpon said on a CitiField SNY special. He made it like every patron would have a club they could go to.[/quote:3ntysfk4]
That's what I thought too. But who knows.
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Gwreck
Apr 20 2009 12:55 PM
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The comment about everybody having a club to go was made by Kevin Burkhardt. Jeff didn't correct him.
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John Cougar Lunchbucket
Apr 20 2009 12:59 PM
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So it was bullshit?
That's bullshit, man.
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Fman99
Apr 20 2009 01:03 PM
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="metirish":oshwv17n]It means little to us but the configuration of the bullpens and especially the visitor bullpen is weird. SNY can't even capture who is warming up most of the time. Apparently the players can't see the game from there either. I'm interested to know if any players have complained about that.[/quote:oshwv17n]
They ought to throw a couple of cameras, at least someone besides Manuel would know who is tossing out there.
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Edgy DC
Apr 20 2009 01:05 PM
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Oh it was correct. You just need to find your way to the Club=black]FuckOff.
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G-Fafif
Apr 20 2009 01:08 PM
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I don't particularly need a club or restaurant when at the ballpark, but to put them there and then restrict access (especially after the "one on every level" propaganda) is bad business. Not that a TGI Friday's is really my goal, but they had one in Arizona (presumably still do) and my buddies and I walked in and got a table overlooking the field during BP. When they built Coors Field, SandLot Brewery, a brewpub, was built with access for the public. I'm, at once, surprised the Mets don't have one venue for all and not the least bit surprised.
The more I think about Citi Field, the more it seems like the Mets: overpromise, underdeliver and then expect a world of credit for coming relatively close to getting everything right. In the early going, it strikes me as an 88-74 park. At least it probably won't collapse.
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metirish
Apr 20 2009 01:13 PM
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A guy I know here at work with a 15 game plan was turned away from the Acela Club , said he felt like an idiot.
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Frayed Knot
Apr 20 2009 01:42 PM
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="metirish":iep9mef8]It means little to us but the configuration of the bullpens and especially the visitor bullpen is weird. SNY can't even capture who is warming up most of the time. Apparently the players can't see the game from there either. I'm interested to know if any players have complained about that.[/quote:iep9mef8]
A few of the Brewer relievers (Coffey in particular) were all over it; "worst pen in the league", etc.
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G-Fafif
Apr 20 2009 01:43 PM
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Opposing relievers are psyched out by their proximity to the old Home Run Apple.
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soupcan
Apr 20 2009 01:48 PM
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I didn't try to get in the club but it's my understanding that there is in fact a specific club for everyone who has a tcket.
I'll find out the deal with the promenade seats.
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HahnSolo
Apr 20 2009 01:50 PM
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="G-Fafif":2mw78wv1]
The more I think about Citi Field, the more it seems like the Mets: overpromise, underdeliver and then expect a world of credit for coming relatively close to getting everything right. In the early going, it strikes me as an 88-74 park. At least it probably won't collapse.[/quote:2mw78wv1]
Brilliant.
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Edgy DC
Apr 20 2009 01:51 PM
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It just seems to be so lazily thought out. The total space used seems more-or-less square, so why not turn it 90 degrees, from this:
<table cellpadding="0" border="1" cellspacing="0" bordercolor="black"><tr><td width="180" height="86" align="center">Guests</td></tr><tr><td width="180" height="12"><br></td></tr><tr><td width="180" height="86" align="center">Home</td></tr></table>
to this:
<table cellpadding="0" border="1" cellspacing="0" bordercolor="black"><tr><td width="86" height="180" align="center">Guests</td><td width="12" height="180"><br></td><td width="86" height="180" align="center">Home</td></tr></table>
?
That way both have access to the outfield wall and a vantage point to watch the game from.
At least give the plum positioning to the guests. It's rude otherwise.
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HahnSolo
Apr 20 2009 01:52 PM
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="metirish":4ff0nwtj]A guy I know here at work with a 15 game plan was turned away from the Acela Club , said he felt like an idiot.[/quote:4ff0nwtj]
That I believe you need reservations for ahead of time.
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seawolf17
Apr 20 2009 02:00 PM
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="Frayed Knot":3fergdf3]A few of the Brewer relievers (Coffey in particular) were all over it; "worst pen in the league", etc.[/quote:3fergdf3]
Coffey -- just looking at him -- strikes me as a dick. Not a guy I think I'd like to hang out with.
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G-Fafif
Apr 20 2009 02:01 PM
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="soupcan":1avtxfwt]I didn't try to get in the club but it's my understanding that there is in fact a specific club for everyone who has a tcket.
I'll find out the deal with the promenade seats.[/quote:1avtxfwt]
Attempted the Promenade club with Promenade tickets. Told to take a hike, son, take a hike, that we needed Promenade Club tickets. If you know of another club hidden away on the Promenade deck (with Isaac, your bartender, serving up love, exciting and new), do tell.
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Frayed Knot
Apr 20 2009 06:14 PM
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From 'Metsblog'
A team spokesman just told me the Mets plan to move Doc Gooden’s autograph from the wall in the Ebbetts Club, ‘where only a select group of fans can see it,’ to a more prominent location, ‘where all fans can see it.’. In addition, it will be part of a ‘Mets Wall-of-Fame,’ so to speak, in which other notable players from the team’s past will be asked to sign the wall, and dedicate messages to fans, on days when they first visit Citi Field.
Yeah ... it was our plan all along to do that. That's the ticket
Lastly, the team is aware of fan response, and intends to make various announcements over then next few weeks with regards to adding Mets-centric items to the new ballpark.
At least we know they're aware of the complaints.
Plus we've got something to hold them to.
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Vic Sage
Apr 21 2009 09:01 AM
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| ]Plus we've got something to hold them to. |
unless the "something" to which you refer is an open flame, i'll be dissatisfied.
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John Cougar Lunchbucket
Apr 21 2009 09:45 AM
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They don;t want written feedback
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soupcan
Apr 21 2009 12:58 PM
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="Edgy DC":zczq918u]It just seems to be so lazily thought out. The total space used seems more-or-less square, so why not turn it 90 degrees, from this:
<table cellpadding="0" border="1" cellspacing="0" bordercolor="black"><tr><td width="180" height="86" align="center">Guests</td></tr><tr><td width="180" height="12"><br></td></tr><tr><td width="180" height="86" align="center">Home</td></tr></table>
to this:
<table cellpadding="0" border="1" cellspacing="0" bordercolor="black"><tr><td width="86" height="180" align="center">Guests</td><td width="12" height="180"><br></td><td width="86" height="180" align="center">Home</td></tr></table>
?
That way both have access to the outfield wall and a vantage point to watch the game from.
At least give the plum positioning to the guests. It's rude otherwise.[/quote:zczq918u]
It took me two days to figure out what that post was about.
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soupcan
Apr 21 2009 01:04 PM
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To all the fans lamenting about the non-Metlness of Citi Field, I would simply say to be patient.
A house is not a home the day you move into it, it takes time to furnish, decorate and make it your own.
I have friends that have bought houses, hired decorators and filled their houses up with furniture and crap within a month of moving in. Those houses look really nice and they're furnished and finished, but what does their house tell me about them? That they like Ethan Allen? That there's a Pottery Barn nearby?
We've lived in our house for 10 years and our master bedroom is still unfurnished (of course there's a bed and a flatscreen TV in there, I'm not a complete idiot). Filling a place up with things that reflect your own style and sensibilities takes time and effort if you really want to make a place your own.
The rooms we have done are very comfortable and speak to who we are and how we live as a family. Over time you collect decorative pieces and pieces of furniture on trips, at auctions, tag sales, from relatives etc. These have memories within them that add to your home and your life.
I think there's nothing wrong with wanting a place ready-to-move-in when you build it, but to really get a feeling like its yours, be patient, let it grow on you. Bit by bit the place will fill up with things naturally.
On the other hand, there is only 9-year-old Comerica Park...
     
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Swan Swan H
Apr 21 2009 01:48 PM
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You'll never sell papers with that attitude, Soup.
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LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr
Apr 21 2009 01:52 PM
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| ="soupcan"]To all the fans lamenting about the non-Metlness of Citi Field, I would simply say to be patient.
A house is not a home the day you move into it, it takes time to furnish, decorate and make it your own.
I have friends that have bought houses, hired decorators and filled their houses up with furniture and crap within a month of moving in. Those houses look really nice and they're furnished and finished, but what does their house tell me about them? That they like Ethan Allen? That there's a Pottery Barn nearby?
We've lived in our house for 10 years and our master bedroom is still unfurnished (of course there's a bed and a flatscreen TV in there, I'm not a complete idiot). Filling a place up with things that reflect your own style and sensibilities takes time and effort if you really want to make a place your own.
The rooms we have done are very comfortable and speak to who we are and how we live as a family. Over time you collect decorative pieces and pieces of furniture on trips, at auctions, tag sales, from relatives etc. These have memories within them that add to your home and your life.
I think there's nothing wrong with wanting a place ready-to-move-in when you build it, but to really get a feeling like its yours, be patient, let it grow on you. Bit by bit the place will fill up with things naturally. |
Agree to an extent, Soups... more with the tone than the actual content, though.
Management worked hard on the stadium financing package, obviously. A lot of time was spent with the HOK guys (obs. view seats notwithstanding). They seemed to put a great deal of thought into the food (thankfully) and the ticket pricing (and its eleventy billion seating costs/options). I'm with Swanny on the Rotunda-- I like the idea, and its execution. And I LOVE the Endy/Rocky/Tom silhouettes topping the other entrances.
They couldn't have spent a little more time in the three-four years of stadium planning to, say, think about what their customers want by way of Mets history BEFORE the Stadium is built? Or, you know, failing that, to ask? I mean, if Doc gets it...
"They have every right to do what they want with their new stadium, but I don't understand it," Gooden said. "I think it's great that they're talking about it doing now, but I would've thought it would've been there already. "
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metsfanbook
Apr 22 2009 07:11 AM
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I asked the door guard about which sections were allowed into the Promenade Club and she told me 406-423, which are the seats designated as Promenade Club. So the 500-level is indeed frozen out of clubland completely. This is not a total loss since I'm not sure why people going to a ballgame want to have the kind of experience they can have in airport lounges or sports bars. Still, it is a total loss to have so much of the stadium turned over to the enforcement of economic exclusivity eerily and unpleasantly reminiscent of the kind of exclusivity people had to deal with in the days of Jackie Robinson.
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HahnSolo
Apr 22 2009 08:53 AM
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="soupcan":2n5xw76g]To all the fans lamenting about the non-Metlness of Citi Field, I would simply say to be patient.
A house is not a home the day you move into it, it takes time to furnish, decorate and make it your own.[/quote:2n5xw76g]
Your house may not be your home the instant you move in, but one of the first things you will do is hang photos of your kids, or if you don't have kids, your wedding day, or some great trip you've been on, or one of your old favorite pets...to remind yourself and your guests of the life you had before your new house.
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metsmarathon
Apr 22 2009 09:11 AM
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it took us a few months before we started hanging things on teh walls - we wanted to make sure the pictures were in the right spots relative to where the furniture was and how we were going to use the rooms.
not that i'm convinced at all that that's how the metsies were approaching it.. but still...
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Vic Sage
Apr 22 2009 09:13 AM
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i have a suggestion to fix 3 problems at once.
For next season, the should move the fences in 5'-10', from Left-Center to Right-Center (which now goes out to 415 feet!).
This would:
1) make the park more neutral, in terms of run production;
2) allow folks in the corner upper decks to actually see the outfield plays in those areas; and
3) provide a corridor for a Mets HOF, like the old monuments area in Yankee stadium, accessible via the CF promenade food court before and after games.
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Rotblatt
Apr 29 2009 09:50 AM
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I've been to two games so far (Secion 403) and have really enjoyed the stadium. The view of the back right-field corner is obstructed, but it hasn't really bothered me (had the same problem on the opposite field at Shea from Section 28, Loge Reserved, plus I couldn't see the scoreboard). For me, the sightlines are obstructed because they made the decision to put the fans closer to the field. If they'd widened the foul ground all around the perimeter by a couple of feet, I'm guessing they'd have dramatically improved the sightlines; instead, they decided to try and make the stadium more intimate. You can argue with that choice, but for me, they succeeded. Of course, if I had Vic's seats, I'd probably be less sanguine about the whole thing. . .
Anyway, I'm a fan of the open feel of the stadium; walking around the park before games has been a real treat--as has the food.
| ]To all the fans lamenting about the non-Metlness of Citi Field, I would simply say to be patient.
A house is not a home the day you move into it, it takes time to furnish, decorate and make it your own. |
Agreed. In a few years, I think we'll wonder what all the fuss was about.
| ]i have a suggestion to fix 3 problems at once.
For next season, the should move the fences in 5'-10', from Left-Center to Right-Center (which now goes out to 415 feet!).
This would:
1) make the park more neutral, in terms of run production;
2) allow folks in the corner upper decks to actually see the outfield plays in those areas; and
3) provide a corridor for a Mets HOF, like the old monuments area in Yankee stadium, accessible via the CF promenade food court before and after games. |
I'm down with this suggestion, especially if CitiField keeps playing the way it has (although I do like all the triples).
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LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr
Apr 29 2009 10:04 AM
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Went on Saturday for my first reg-season visit of the year. The loudest cheers on Saturday (8-2, Pelf goes 5.2, relative offensive explosion) were ALSO during the wave. Well, it's unseasonably warm, I figured, and the look-sees are probably a pretty sizable plurality on an early Saturday in a new stadium. Let them have their look-see... it'll be different during a midweek game, no?
Well, the loudest cheers last night (4-7 loss, Livan pitches decently, Sheff hits a friggin' triple!) were again for the stadium-wide wave... that occurred while Parnell was trying to put out a Marlins rally. No two-strike clapping, no "LGM" chants-- apart from some smatterings in the Promenade-- unless the scoreboard demanded it, and only WHILE the scoreboard demanded it, and no standing. At all.
I'm not sure if passive fan behavior is a commentary on the stadium but if having less comfort made Shea the place it was for the diehards, I will gladly surrender my Shake Shack. To me, the prospect of poor sightlines doesn't rankle nearly as much as the prospect of our becoming MFY fans in orange... or something boo-happily worse.
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Ceetar
Apr 29 2009 10:30 AM
Thrilled
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I'm thrilled with the new park, although I do agree that I could do with more pictures and such. Name the concessions after old Mets, put at least the Mets logo in those barren stairwells.
Some things I noticed in this thread:
The Acela Club. I'm 99% this is the Diamond Club, where you basically have to have a premium ticket and _then_ make reservations.
The Promenade Club is indeed only for the infield 400level promenade sections. The Club's kinda overrated (i was there for the Sox game). It's got TVs, a full bar, and standard ballpark fare that you can just as easily get right behind it in the food court area. Due to the handicap seats, the cameras, and the sections in front of you, you really can't see home plate from inside. Especially if the fans stand up. I heard a rumor that they were going to start letting _everyone_ on the Promenade in, but if that's the case it'll become the most overcrowded horrible area anyway, especially if it's cold.
I'd avoid the LF outfield seats on the top two levels if I could, but I'm happy with every other view. A couple of blocked corners, but that's nothing new.
The standing room, especially on the Promenade where feels like basically watching the game from the Mezz tunnels at Shea, but without being in anyone's way, are excellent. The field level standing views are nice too, come with tables and cup holders, but get crowded.
The food is pretty much amazing, and you can get the regular stuff too. The beer selection, 29+ and counting, and 'only $7.50 for premium, is excellent too. I wouldn't buy beer at Shea because I wouldn't overpay for crap, but now I will. Some of the beers are even exclusive to Citi Field.
I miss Shea, but I'm quickly falling in love with this place.
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themetfairy
Apr 29 2009 11:08 AM
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As of last weekend, the Promenade Club is now open to all fans.
We didn't buy anything there Sunday, but we scoped the place out. Any place that has a chop salad made to order is good in my book.
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John Cougar Lunchbucket
Apr 29 2009 11:27 AM
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I just wanted in to the Promenade club because I had frostbite.
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themetfairy
Apr 29 2009 12:38 PM
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FWIW, the view in there suxx.
But it does have climate control.
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Centerfield
Apr 29 2009 01:10 PM
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="Vic Sage":68r4yy2v]i have a suggestion to fix 3 problems at once.
For next season, the should move the fences in 5'-10', from Left-Center to Right-Center (which now goes out to 415 feet!).
This would:
1) make the park more neutral, in terms of run production;
2) allow folks in the corner upper decks to actually see the outfield plays in those areas; and
3) provide a corridor for a Mets HOF, like the old monuments area in Yankee stadium, accessible via the CF promenade food court before and after games.[/quote:68r4yy2v]
Yup. And give me a uniform, 8 foot wall so Carlos can gloriously rob HR's. I keep thinking of Pratt's home run just over Finley's glove and how we can never have a moment like that here.
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metsmarathon
Apr 29 2009 01:29 PM
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can dwight howard play centerfield? he might get up near the top of them fences...
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Fman99
Jun 26 2009 07:27 AM
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Reviving this thread after my first trip to the new park.
1. The parking situation is abhorrent. I envy those of you who are in easy reach of mass transit options to the park. We had to park across the street from the Citi Field parking lot, even though THOSE lots were not filled out, in a very disorganized lot by the train platform. Took 25 minutes to exit said lot and 15 minutes to find a spot to park in the first place, with virtually no employee guidance on where to go. Also a pointless wait for my change despite paying cash. Whiff.
Add a two hour escape across the Grand Central, Triboro and Deegan to that and now you're living my day.
2. The rotunda is really sharp. Didn't linger as it was about 12:55 by the time Fboy and I got in the building. Liked the 'greeters' out front though, nice touch.
3. We didn't try and get food from any of the higher end, funkier choices because of time. Just shot up to the Promenade and had dogs and fries from Nathan's which were fine. Sad that I couldn't get a knish on the top deck, ah well.
4. The view from the Promendae is nice. It's an upper deck, and calling it the "promenade" is a bit farcical to me, but we were 10 or so rows from the top and I thought the view was solid. The two huge screens in center and right/center are a nice touch also for replays, stats, etc.
5. So many plugs, commercials and "contests" between innings and during pitching changes. Just a bombardment of it, really, and not as much time to appreciate the sounds of the crowd. It seemed like way more than what we used to get at Shea.
6. Fboy rocked the kids batting tee/field in the kids' zone. I liked having the gift shop out there too -- we did his batting thing (2 innings lost), and then got him a souvenier baseball and moved on. Skipped the pitching cages and the other crudola out there.
Some of those kids sucked at tee ball. Older than Fboy and couldn't hit and ran to third instead of first. What are they pod people? Fboy hit three frozen ropes and loved it.
7. It was super cool to meet MetFairy, MiniKnight and G-Fafif. I couldn't stay with them for long because their seats were in the sun and Fboy handles that like milk on a hotplate. Still, voices to faces is always good. They got the PG version of Fman, due to Fboy being in tow, but it counts.
I'll be going back, maybe this year.
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Edgy DC
Jun 26 2009 07:34 AM
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Yeah, I've meaining to gently tell you that your kid needs some pigment therapy.
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themetfairy
Jun 26 2009 08:21 AM
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They have Nathan's knishes on the Promenade level (and I'm pretty sure at the Kosher stand on that level also) -
When you diet the way I do, you get well acquainted with all of the food choices (especially those which have only 170 calories).
It was great meeting you in person - thanks for stopping by :)
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Nymr83
Jun 26 2009 10:27 AM
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the kosher-stand knishes are AMAZING, they are like giant garlic knots filled with potato.
| ]1. The parking situation is abhorrent. I envy those of you who are in easy reach of mass transit options to the park. We had to park across the street from the Citi Field parking lot, even though THOSE lots were not filled out, in a very disorganized lot by the train platform. Took 25 minutes to exit said lot and 15 minutes to find a spot to park in the first place, with virtually no employee guidance on where to go. Also a pointless wait for my change despite paying cash. Whiff |
i've been in that lot and once took nearly an hour to get out of there. of course i was with a girl and made good use of the time.
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metirish
Jun 26 2009 10:41 AM
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="Nymr83"]the kosher-stand knishes are AMAZING, they are like giant garlic knots filled with potato.
| ]1. The parking situation is abhorrent. I envy those of you who are in easy reach of mass transit options to the park. We had to park across the street from the Citi Field parking lot, even though THOSE lots were not filled out, in a very disorganized lot by the train platform. Took 25 minutes to exit said lot and 15 minutes to find a spot to park in the first place, with virtually no employee guidance on where to go. Also a pointless wait for my change despite paying cash. Whiff |
i've been in that lot and once took nearly an hour to get out of there. of course i was with a girl and made good use of the time. |
You lectured her on the constitution and the need to " fight them over there so we don't have to fight them here"
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G-Fafif
Jun 26 2009 10:45 AM
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="metirish"]="Nymr83"]the kosher-stand knishes are AMAZING, they are like giant garlic knots filled with potato.
| ]1. The parking situation is abhorrent. I envy those of you who are in easy reach of mass transit options to the park. We had to park across the street from the Citi Field parking lot, even though THOSE lots were not filled out, in a very disorganized lot by the train platform. Took 25 minutes to exit said lot and 15 minutes to find a spot to park in the first place, with virtually no employee guidance on where to go. Also a pointless wait for my change despite paying cash. Whiff |
i've been in that lot and once took nearly an hour to get out of there. of course i was with a girl and made good use of the time. |
You lectured her on the constitution and the need to " fight them over there so we don't have to fight them here" |
Sounds more like what to do in the parking lot leaving the Atlantic League All-Star Game.
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Fman99
Jun 26 2009 10:47 AM
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| ="themetfairy"]They have Nathan's knishes on the Promenade level (and I'm pretty sure at the Kosher stand on that level also) -
When you diet the way I do, you get well acquainted with all of the food choices (especially those which have only 170 calories).
It was great meeting you in person - thanks for stopping by :) |
Now I'm bummed. I just stopped at the first Promenade spot that we saw because I didn't want to miss the start of the game and there were no knishes at that specific one. I did not venture further in search of them.
Ah well, I'll have to search that out next time I guess.
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themetfairy
Jun 26 2009 10:58 AM
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Ya got any food questions next time, let me know. I'm in the zone ;)
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LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr
Jun 26 2009 11:11 AM
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="themetfairy":kn892bgt]Ya got any food questions next time, let me know. I'm in the zone ;)[/quote:kn892bgt]
I'm all about the fat, bad-for-you, mood-changing shit when at the ballpark. So if you need a concessions guide on your OTHER shoulder...
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themetfairy
Jun 26 2009 11:39 AM
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You're assuming that I haven't tried out Shake Shack, Blue Smoke, etc.
Faulty assumption.
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LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr
Jun 26 2009 12:11 PM
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@ TMF:
Misinterpreted "in the zone."
Thoughts on the Shack and the 'cue? (You sounded... uneffusive in earlier posts.)
Frankly, unless I'm getting there late, or with someone who's gunshy about the line, I'm on the Double Shack like white on Ellen DeGeneres.
Underratedly delicious: Beer-steamed hot dog at Catch of the Day. It's subtly sweet, and even tastier than the Nathan's-- perfect with just a dab of moutarde.
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Swan Swan H
Jun 26 2009 12:33 PM
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The Double Shack and a black and white shake are bliss. The pulled pork and ribs from Blue Smoke are right there as well.
The fries at Shake Shack are fine, and Box Frites fries are awesome, but the best fries I had on our tour came from Catch of the Day. For all I know they're the same as the others, but they were just perfect the day we had them. Can't go wrong with any of them, though, and the dips at Box Frites, especially the bacon, are killer.
The only disappointment from any of the new stands was the shrimp po' boy. Too mustard-seedy for my tongue, but lots of folks rave. Monster shrimp done right on a delicious roll, the dressing was just not to my taste.
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themetfairy
Jun 26 2009 12:43 PM
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Did Shake Shack during the batting practice day in April. The burger was good, but not worth the huge line that you get most days. Really liked the shake - had more of it than I planned on (was sharing with MK).
Did Blue Smoke yesterday - shared a pulled pork sandwich with MK. Tasty, but a bit on the fatty side.
Box Frite fries are overrated - the big deal with those are the dipping sauces. Nathan's fries are much better (and more available throughout the park). BTW, the garlic fries from the World's Fare Market are too light on the garlic/too heavy on the salt.
Didn't try the dog at Catch of the Day. With respect to the chowder and the calamari - good for ballpark food, but not great overall. The shrimp cocktail salad isn't much of a salad - some nice jumbo shrimp, but just a bed of lettuce with it.
Shared the taco combo plate yesterday, and found it very tasty. The corn on the cob at the taco place is buttered and spiced - a little odd, but tasty.
Next on my hit list is to try the eggplant parm hero at the Italian place on the concourse.
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Benjamin Grimm
Jun 26 2009 12:46 PM
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Is that Mama's of Corona? (They have a location on the roof of the Rotunda.) When we were there, I had the turkey/mozzarella hero. (I loved being able to order a "hero" instead of a "hoagie" by the way.)
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themetfairy
Jun 26 2009 12:51 PM
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="Benjamin Grimm":a6ixasn8]Is that Mama's of Corona? (They have a location on the roof of the Rotunda.) When we were there, I had the turkey/mozzarella hero. (I loved being able to order a "hero" instead of a "hoagie" by the way.)[/quote:a6ixasn8]
No - the eggplant parm is at Nonna Delia's.
I've done Mama's of Corona a lot for the grilled chicken salad and I tried the antipasto salad once. Those are my go-to meals when I'm hungry and want something light. And the tomatoes and mozzerella from there is REALLY tasty! Mama's is on the Promenade Level food court, and is also available in the World's Fare Market.
Sushi is also in the World's Fare Market. I had a taste once, and enjoyed it. Will do it again later in the season.
One hint - if you want Carvel ice cream, and the line at the Carvel stand is long, just go to one of the regular concession stands; they have the same ice cream there.
BTW, if you're looking for coffee, there's a Dunkin' Donuts stand to the left after you take the stairs/escalator up through the Jackie Robinson Rotunda (there's other coffee throughout the park, but Dunkin' is better). There's also a Subway there (and on the Promenade level food court) if you're looking to count calories with a quick sandwich.
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soupcan
Jun 26 2009 12:59 PM
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You guys that complain about the Shake Shack line are doing it wrong.
Before the game starts the line is much more manageable. 10-15 minutes tops. During a game you could be stranded out there for 2-3 innings.
I'm all about the Double Shack with a black & white.
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metirish
Jun 26 2009 01:01 PM
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I didn't get to Shake Shack when I was there , better planning like soup says is the trick...when you order the ribs do you get a good slab or what?
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Benjamin Grimm
Jun 26 2009 01:04 PM
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When I was there, the line was pretty darn long about 45 minutes prior to game time. Maybe it was short compared to during the game. I don't know, we didn't head back that way again.
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G-Fafif
Jun 26 2009 01:06 PM
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My brother-in-law said he waited 45 minutes for Shake Shack last Sunday and was thrilled. He hates baseball.
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G-Fafif
Jun 26 2009 01:07 PM
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="metirish":1esm0zgl]I didn't get to Shake Shack when I was there , better planning like soup says is the trick...when you order the ribs do you get a good slab or what?[/quote:1esm0zgl]
I witnessed an order being consumed the other night: five big ribs. Does not look unfilling.
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Swan Swan H
Jun 26 2009 01:16 PM
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My daughter's office just moved across the street from Madison Square Park, home of the original Shake Shack. I am beyond jealous.
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themetfairy
Jun 26 2009 01:29 PM
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BTW, one nice thing about Citi Field is the ability to find a condiments station throughout the park. I love sauerkraut, and I appreciate being able to take as much as I want for my Nathan's dog (or any other dog you choose).
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LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr
Jun 26 2009 01:58 PM
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| ="soupcan"]You guys that complain about the Shake Shack line are doing it wrong.
Before the game starts the line is much more manageable. 10-15 minutes tops. During a game you could be stranded out there for 2-3 innings.
I'm all about the Double Shack with a black & white. |
Indeed.
Definitely pregame. An hour before gametime, it's a quick 20 (especially if you bring a beer and a companion). When the line spills past the sausage and peppers stand nearby, it's time to have some tacos or ribs.
I'm okay with the pork. I dig on the ribs (4-5 bronto-sized dry rubbed beauts) and the sweet-and-tangy wings (usually prefer mine hot-- but these are succulent and not cloyingly sweet).
| ="themetfairy"]BTW, one nice thing about Citi Field is the ability to find a condiments station throughout the park. I love sauerkraut, and I appreciate being able to take as much as I want for my Nathan's dog (or any other dog you choose). |
Also, multiple kinds of mustard.
And the availability of Mama's in the hoi-palloi food court is the double truth, Ruth.
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G-Fafif
Jun 29 2009 12:12 AM
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First time with the Blue Smoke spare ribs Sunday night, before the game. Culinary highlight of the season. Obviously the highlight of Sunday night.
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sharpie
Jun 29 2009 07:03 AM
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My first time at Citifield last night. Went to the Smoke Shack for the pulled pork. Loved it. Great beer at that beer garden place as well. Later, went for another beer at one of the regular beer stands. I notice the guy is pouring two. I note that I only ordered one and he said he misunderstood me. He charged me for one, but gave me two. I like it.
The seats, via KC, had their problems. First row of the upper deck which meant you watch home plate through plexiglass and between railings. The "Let's Go Yankees" alternating with the "Yankees Suck" chants were mostly happening elsewhere until the end when the MFY fans began to predominate. From where we sat it sounded like the same people were invoking both chants so that people were yelling "Let's go Yankees Yankees Suck." The worst was the MFY fans at the subway station gloating. Other than that, and the outcome, we enjoyed ourselves.
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dgwphotography
Jun 29 2009 07:25 AM
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="G-Fafif":1mhncrh7]Opposing relievers are psyched out by their proximity to the old Home Run Apple.[/quote:1mhncrh7]
Standing on the mound, and facing the Mets' lineup is quite the elixir, though...
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Nymr83
Jun 29 2009 09:22 AM
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does Blue Smoke have any good fish?
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themetfairy
Jun 29 2009 09:36 AM
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="Nymr83":1m4bprs9]does Blue Smoke have any good fish?[/quote:1m4bprs9]
I don't think it has fish - it's ribs, pulled pork, etc.
For fish you want Catch of the Day (between the World's Fare Market and the Willie Mays Bridge).
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metirish
Jun 29 2009 09:40 AM
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Does Catch of the day have ribs?
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Nymr83
Jun 29 2009 09:46 AM
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="themetfairy":3u3vk04a]="Nymr83":3u3vk04a]does Blue Smoke have any good fish?[/quote:3u3vk04a]
I don't think it has fish - it's ribs, pulled pork, etc.
For fish you want Catch of the Day (between the World's Fare Market and the Willie Mays Bridge).[/quote:3u3vk04a]
the worlds fair market had some awesome cheesecake. i missed catch of the day i guess
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John Cougar Lunchbucket
Jun 29 2009 09:46 AM
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="metirish":1ygl4iu9]Does Catch of the day have ribs?[/quote:1ygl4iu9]
lol
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themetfairy
Jun 29 2009 11:58 AM
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="metirish":30lozeih]Does Catch of the day have ribs?[/quote:30lozeih]
If it's a serious question, the answer is no.
Calamari, chowder, other fish dishes. But I give a thumbs down to the shrimp cocktail salad - nice shrimp, but not much of a salad (and I tend to rely on entree salads to get through games).
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metirish
Jul 14 2009 07:36 AM
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A mid-season report from Mark Hermann , not that that means much but there is a bit of news regarding Citi field
A tale of two new ballparks
BY MARK HERRMANN | mark.herrmann@newsday.com
9:58 PM EDT, July 13, 2009
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This just proves that all rookies need a while to settle in, even a pair that came in together with a massive buildup and a combined $2.3-billion price tag. All that New York can say to the new Yankee Stadium and Citi Field after a sometimes rocky, sometimes pretty first half-season is what the city always says to a bonus baby: Welcome to the big leagues, kid.
The new homes for the Yankees and Mets sure were the talk of the town, as expected. It's just that the clubs who built the stadiums (or, as they prefer, a stadium and a ballpark) never imagined the conversation would be about obstructed views, empty seats, muted tradition and, above all, too many or too few home runs.
Everyone in the big leagues has heard the buzz. In his first hour as a Met on Saturday, former Brave Jeff Francoeur said: "You're not going to go out and hit 45 home runs in this park. If you want to do that, you've got to go 10 miles down the road."
Nothing like each other
Yes, the park built for intimacy is playing like the Grand Canyon and the stadium built for grand stature is playing like a neighborhood slow-pitch softball diamond.
Yankee Stadium, next door to the slowly disappearing old Yankee Stadium, has become the Cape Canaveral of ballparks. It's a launching pad for four-base hits and one-liners. It has been called Coors Field East because it appeared to be a challenger to break the Denver stadium's record for homers in a season (303).
Citi Field, next door to the vanished Shea Stadium (now a parking lot), has become baseball's Great Plains, a paradigm for the Mets' offensive drought. The first reason cited for acquiring Francoeur was that he is good enough to track down balls in the roomy, quirky outfield.
Even for a couple of phenoms, replacing a combined 129 years of history isn't easy.
Both clubs (especially the Mets) point out that most fans really like the new parks. And as for the kinks, each side said it is working on them.
Back in March, the Yankees reduced the prices of some bleacher seats that didn't have full views. In April, in the face of ridicule over the sight of so many empty, padded premium seats right near the field, they announced a huge markdown and/or rebate, especially on the $2,500 tickets.
They'll let it play out
A Yankees spokesman said Monday that the club is not commenting on the Stadium now, instead choosing to see how the rest of the season goes. Hal Steinbrenner, the managing general partner, recently did send out e-mails to some customers inviting them to meetings at the Stadium or Rockefeller Center, and "telling us how we are doing and how we can make the 'Yankee Stadium Experience.' "
Bloggers have objected to relentless promotions on the public address system, the fact that Monument Park is basically hidden behind the centerfield fence and that the place just doesn't have the electric feel that the building next door had. Visiting players have privately said the new Stadium is not as verbally intimidating as the old. Blue Jays first baseman Kevin Millar, formerly of the Red Sox, said he preferred the original: "I got booed a lot louder. I like to get booed. I don't know if it's all corporate, but they're too nice to me here."
Home of the home run
The real major story, though, is the long ball. The Stadium's home run binge isn't what it was, but it still is booming. The total of 142 through 42 games is on pace for 274, as opposed to 160 next door last year. In 46 road games, the Yankees and their opponents have hit only 102.
At first, the Yankees blamed it on the weather, but a meteorologist disputed that, releasing a study backing the contention of hittrackeronline.com. It attributed the power surge to the lack of curvature in the rightfield wall (to accommodate a vintage-looking auxiliary scoreboard), effectively making the field smaller.
Early in the season, A.J. Burnett spoke on behalf of all pitchers when he said, "This ballpark, obviously, is in your head." But the Yankees have won 20 of their past 29 at home, to which reliever Phil Coke said, "Even though, early on, it seemed like this place was going to yield the same amount in home runs as it did [in dollars] to build it, we're going to get the job done."
Manager Joe Girardi said last week: "I love coming here; the players love coming here. Even though our ballpark has so much to offer and has so many new things, I think a lot of people have seen a lot of it and I think now the game is the main attraction. I don't know because I'm not in the stands, I'm not in the Great Hall, I'm not in the restaurants, but that's just kind of a feeling I get."
Not enough Mets
Dave Howard, the Mets' executive vice president for business, said Citi Field has been "extremely well received," with people commenting even on their reception in the parking lot.
He did acknowledge early-season criticisms: Some seats have obstructed views and that there is less celebration of Mets history than the Brooklyn Dodgers' legacy. As much as there was a "good riddance" feeling about Shea, there was an uproar Sunday when one of its traditions, the apple, failed to pop out of the centerfield hat for the second of two home runs. "We've heard our fans," he said.
So, he said, the Mets received permission from Major League Baseball to show the live feed on video screens the instant the ball is in play, allowing fans to follow action they might not see live. Also, an additional video board will be installed in the rightfield corner after the All-Star break.
Howard added that more Mets memories will be reflected with displays in the park this summer, and that there are bigger long-term plans to give the place a Mets atmosphere.
Whether they will make it a more hitter-friendly atmosphere by bringing in the fences or lowering the walls is a decision for the offseason. Howard did say that if the Mets are healthy, the park can work to their advantage because of their gap hitters, fly ball-oriented pitchers and mobile centerfielder and rightfielder. Backup centerfielder Angel Pagan said, "I need room to gallop, so this is the right place."
Howard said, "I think it gets in other teams' heads, too."
The question is, does it get in Mets' heads, especially David Wright's? There is some feeling that he and other Mets have taken their Citi Field swings on the road, where they have hit even fewer home runs than they have at home (24 to 28).
"You have to adjust your approach, you have to adjust your philosophy to this ballpark because it's not a launching pad,'' Wright said. "It's not a place where you're going to go out and get a lot of cheap home runs."
Gary Sheffield, who had a fondness for Shea ever since his uncle Dwight Gooden pitched there, said: "I love Citi Field. The atmosphere is electric. It's a challenge, but if you hit the ball square, it goes out."
The half-season has not been a solid hit or a full whiff for either park. But this week will be big in both spots. Yankee Stadium will import memories from next door with Oldtimers Day on Sunday. Citi Field will strike a chord with concerts by Paul McCartney, who played Shea with the Beatles in 1965, and with Billy Joel, who helped close down Shea last year.
Having gotten into heads and under skin, the two rookies, clearly here to stay, are trying to make their way into people's hearts. |
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Frayed Knot
Jul 14 2009 07:39 AM
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="metirish":2cq4yf7v]Does Catch of the day have ribs?[/quote:2cq4yf7v]
I think most fish have ribs, yes.
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dgwphotography
Jul 14 2009 07:57 AM
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We made the shake shack our first stop after getting off the subway on Sunday... We got a table and walked right up and placed an order with no line at all....
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metirish
Jul 14 2009 08:02 AM
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="Frayed Knot":3n1il63q]="metirish":3n1il63q]Does Catch of the day have ribs?[/quote:3n1il63q]
I think most fish have ribs, yes.[/quote:3n1il63q]
tis true.......I got our smart assed....
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metirish
Jul 14 2009 08:02 AM
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="dgwphotography":2ccowj6z]We made the shake shack our first stop after getting off the subway on Sunday... We got a table and walked right up and placed an order with no line at all....[/quote:2ccowj6z]
not told here is the dgwp was carrying a gun.
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DocTee
Jul 14 2009 08:06 AM
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Mebbe the Mets should bring this guy aboard:
[url:r0m1vf1g]http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/14/SPE718LA3T.DTL[/url:r0m1vf1g]
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dgwphotography
Jul 14 2009 08:06 AM
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="metirish":37oc76h5]="dgwphotography":37oc76h5]We made the shake shack our first stop after getting off the subway on Sunday... We got a table and walked right up and placed an order with no line at all....[/quote:37oc76h5]
not told here is the dgwp was carrying a gun.[/quote:37oc76h5]
LOL - I just a pretty big lens... Not my fault if they mistook it for a weapon...
The view from the 7...
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dgwphotography/3717000916/" title="CitiField - view from the 7 by dgwphotography, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/3717000916_fc5d5be532_o.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="CitiField - view from the 7"></a>
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bmfc1
Jul 14 2009 09:38 AM
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http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/ ... 3781.story
Some changes will be made to CF. What gets me that management had to "hear" from the fans before realizing that we want Mets history to be incorporated into a Mets ballpark. A smarter management would have built a team HOF right away instead of as an afterthought. A smarter management would have kept a panel or two from the Shea OF fence in place (if it didn't impede traffic) as both an historical marker and a meeting place.
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metsguyinmichigan
Jul 14 2009 10:28 AM
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="dgwphotography":72k07gfl]="metirish":72k07gfl]="dgwphotography":72k07gfl]We made the shake shack our first stop after getting off the subway on Sunday... We got a table and walked right up and placed an order with no line at all....[/quote:72k07gfl]
not told here is the dgwp was carrying a gun.[/quote:72k07gfl]
LOL - I just a pretty big lens... Not my fault if they mistook it for a weapon...
The view from the 7...
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dgwphotography/3717000916/" title="CitiField - view from the 7 by dgwphotography, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/3717000916_fc5d5be532_o.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="CitiField - view from the 7"></a>[/quote:72k07gfl]
Beautiful photo!
It really is a nice-looking ballpark.
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Benjamin Grimm
Jul 14 2009 10:59 AM
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="metsguyinmichigan":123rtddu]
Beautiful photo!
[/quote:123rtddu]
I agree!
="metsguyinmichigan":123rtddu]
It really is a nice-looking ballpark.[/quote:123rtddu]
I agree with that, too. I only wish it was closer to Manhattan.
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metirish
Jul 14 2009 11:01 AM
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Why closer to Manhattan when you live closer to Philly?
the image is very beautiful , great capture.
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Benjamin Grimm
Jul 14 2009 11:04 AM
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I wasn't thinking of my own convenience. I just think the stadium would be better located closer to Manhattan so they'd be able to get more of the after-work crowd.
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Vic Sage
Jul 14 2009 11:56 AM
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its easy to get there after work. It's a 35 minute ride on the 7 train, or less on the LIRR. The problem is driving during rush hour, but that would be the problem even if you drove to the east side from the west side.
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G-Fafif
Jul 14 2009 12:20 PM
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Great picture, no surprise, considering the lensman. Park and setting still need to be surrounded by a city block for full effect. Otherwise it still smacks of Arlington Comes to Flushing rather than homage to St. Ebbets.
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Farmer Ted
Jul 15 2009 03:28 PM
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Took in the game on Sunday. First time to Citi. Had recent trips to PNC and Safeco so I was anxious to do a some comparison shopping.
Overall a definite A. I got there early so I was literally the first person to the Shake Shack. Yum. Only an hour before game time and the place was mobbed. So here are my drawbacks:
1. Food court. Serious congestion here before and during the game. Put a destination location at the stadium and everyone flocks to it. I say tear down some of the junk yards across the street, install a foot bridge, and put some more fun stuff over there to ease the food mess.
2. Concourse width not enough. Then again, maybe the concourse is wide enough but you lose 10 feet of space with the cashier ropes that jut out from the food counters. Who thought of this traffic nightmare?
3. Home Run apple. I'll give a pass to the apple not coming up for Tatis' home run. I was turned away trying to get to the OLD apple since there was a private reception on that level. Fuckers.
I was impressed with the staff at the game. Tons of staff in an array of colored shirts. Lady behind me got up in between innings and the schmuck behind her spilled beer on her seat. Dude was sloshed and subsequently tossed by security for being "that guy". No fewer than five staff showed up including one supervisor to wash down and scrub around her seat. NEVER saw that at Shea or any other stadium.
I had the usher nazi in my section. No ticket, get out. Ninth inning and want to sneak down for a closer look? Tough shit.
The place looked great. Still a bit sad about the vacant parking lot next to it. Surprised to see the brackets holding up piping in the stadium were rusting. Yeah, rusting. Speaking of Rust. No homage to Rusty Staub? Boog Powell and Greg Luzinski have their food pits.
Until the area around the stadium is cleaned up, Safeco and PNC still get a slight edge for convenience and accessibility. I was happy that the place turned out to be a top flight facility.
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Ashie62
Jul 15 2009 08:25 PM
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="metirish":fl693ser]Why closer to Manhattan when you live closer to Philly?
the image is very beautiful , great capture.[/quote:fl693ser]
Wish it was closer to Newark...sorry..train goes there
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dgwphotography
Jul 16 2009 11:45 AM
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="G-Fafif":19bf1wye]Great picture, no surprise, considering the lensman.[/quote:19bf1wye]
This takes me back to the writing in those 1970's yearbooks....
="G-Fafif":19bf1wye]Park and setting still need to be surrounded by a city block for full effect. Otherwise it still smacks of Arlington Comes to Flushing rather than homage to St. Ebbets.[/quote:19bf1wye]
This is an excellent point - I oddly felt more in place when standing line for the the Mr. Met dash by the chop shops...
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G-Fafif
Jul 16 2009 12:50 PM
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I think CF looks best when viewed from 126th St, though that's not really the ballpark. The admin building looks like a civic institution there, like a school or post office from the 1930s. Fits into a neighborhood even if the neighborhood isn't there. I like the back end of it, supporting the Willie Mays Bridge and the Pepsi Porch, as viewed from the Promenade as well. A bit of an OP@CY warehouse feel. Just a bit.
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