Sunday, June 14, 2009

Welcome To CitiField

By Denise I Smithson

After a deal was constructed for the new Shea Stadium to receive $20 million a year from Citi Group for naming rights, the stadium was named Citi Field. Not a bad day at the office considering the team is looking at $400 million in the next 20 years. Then of course, you have the Sterling area that will be named after Delta Airlines as well as a substantially large area behind home plate. However, this is just the beginning to many benefits the stadium has for its fans.

On Opening Day in 2009, you will see the unveiling of the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, which is basically the entrance to the ballpark. You'll notice when viewing photos that it is almost identical to the entrance of Ebbets Field so many years ago. In fact, once you begin to look over all the benefits that the new stadium has to offer, one of them isn't increased seating capacity. You'll find that what used to be a stadium with over 57,000 seats available will now only have around 45,000.

Other things you'll be able to enjoy is the improvement from 4 to 11 elevators, over 700 more seats for wheelchairs, 9 more luxury suites, 2 additional restaurants, and almost 80 more restroom facilities. Even things you won't necessarily notice on your own like the dimensions of the seats, which make the games more comfortable watching. While all the benefits are great, the most important factor for the city is that the New York Mets are positioned to be there until at least 2049.

While it was only a matter of time until Mr. Met had a new place to hang his hat, the timing worked out rather well for the Mets organization as well as for fans. Have a look at these images of the new stadium under construction and the projection of what the finished stadium will look like.

Before long, you'll be able to see Citi Field in person and enjoy all of its amenities. While Shea Stadium will be missed, the memories will live on - and of course, Citi Field will mark a new era for the New York Mets; will you come and be a part of it? - 24585

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