Post archive for ‘Photos’
Shea Goodbye, Part 3
With the Mets greats introduced and on the field, it was time for one last trot to home plate. After that, the Mets lone Hall of Famer Tom Seaver threw one final pitch to future Mets Hall of Famer Mike Piazza. A couple of fireworks later and all that was left was to demolish the old park.
Shea Goodbye, Part 2
As disappointing as it was to see the Mets season end one game short of a chance to make the playoffs, we still had to do right by Shea and give her the send-off she deserved. After 45 seasons housing some great teams and many more shitty ones, it was time for this stadium to go.
Shea Goodbye, Part 1
The final regular season game at Shea Stadium was played on September 28, 2008. The New York Mets came into that game with the chance to extend Shea’s run for at least another game in the postseason if they could beat the Florida Marlins. On a cool, dreary, rainy day, there was hope as fans walked into the stadium. Hours later, the Mets would lose while the Milwaukee Brewers would win, eliminating the Metropolitans from postseason play.
First Look at Citi Field – Walking around the ballpark
With the Red Sox jumping out to the quick 6-0 lead and the fact that this game doesn’t, ya know, count, let’s just take a walk around the new digs.
The next four photos are views from the seats in the left field reserved section.
First Look at Citi Field – Mets vs. Red Sox
After a disastrous first inning for Oliver Perez, it’s time for the Mets offense to get to work.
Jose Reyes digs in at the plate…
First Look at Citi Field – Mets vs. Red Sox
After making a circuit around the stadium’s field level concourse, it’s time to settle in for a game.
The scoreboard above the bridge terrace now shows the current lineup and the stats for the batter at the plate. It’s similar in function to the old scoreboard in right at Shea but much better in execution.
First Look at Citi Field – Views from the first base side and the Mets taking the field
Continuing along with the tour of Citi Field, let’s pick up where we left off – the bullpen section of the concourse.
Downstairs from the bridge terrace is the bullpen gate, where fans can enter the stadium and the first thing they’ll notice is the home run apple that’s made its way over from Shea Stadium. It’s been cleaned up and polished off, of course. It’s never looked better – seriously, it never has looked this good.
First Look at Citi Field – Views from the outfield
Continuing the exploration of the new home of the Mets, it’s time to check out what’s between the foul poles.
Behind the main video board in center field is the “Taste of New York” food court, featuring four brands from restaurateur Danny Meyer. Above the Shake Shack is the New York City skyline that adorned the old scoreboard at Shea Stadium, complete with the ribbon still covering the Twin Towers.
First Look at Citi Field – Views from the third base side
After entering Citi Field through the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, it’s time to have a look at the actual field. Walking around the stadium clockwise from the rotunda starts this tour off with views from the third base side of the field.
This high-definition video screen will constantly show the lineups for both teams – just look at all those ads surrounding it. The vintage Pepsi-Cola sign is a neat touch and is right above the suitably named Pepsi Porch – guess that’s gonna be the spiritual successor to Shea Stadium’s Pepsi Picnic Area.
First Look at Citi Field – The Jackie Robinson Rotunda
Opening day at the Mets new stadium, Citi Field, isn’t for another week but they’ve opened the stadium up for previews via exhibition games. These were taken during the second of two exhibition games against the Boston Red Sox. First up is the main entry way for most fans – the Jackie Robinson Rotunda behind home plate.
