Citi Field

History

Citi Field opened on April 3, 2009, in Flushing, Queens, as the new home of the New York Mets, replacing Shea Stadium. The design—by Populous—pays tribute to classic ballparks like Ebbets Field, featuring brick, limestone, and the Jackie Robinson Rotunda entrance. Over the years, it has undergone several upgrades such as repositioning outfield walls in 2015 and installing the largest scoreboard in MLB in 2023.

Description

The ballpark seats 41,922 fans and blends retro charm with modern amenities. It features natural grass, a green seat color homage to the Polo Grounds, orange foul poles from Shea Stadium, and thematic elements like Shea Bridge and the Home Run Apple.

Architectural Features

The Jackie Robinson Rotunda welcomes fans with engraved values and a 42−foot sculpture. The outfield includes iconic features like Shea Bridge, the Coca‑Cola Corner porch, and the large “World’s Fare Market.” The design was influenced by PNC Park and includes a bridge motif referencing NYC’s many bridges.

What is Citi?

Citi (Citigroup) purchased naming rights in 2006 under a 20-year deal at approximately $20 million per year. The name reflects a long-term partnership linking a global bank with New York Mets heritage.

Records

Citi Field hosted the 2013 MLB All-Star Game with a record crowd of 45,186. It also welcomed nearly 2.5 million visitors in the 2023–24 season. Notable historic events include Mets milestones, concerts, soccer matches, and even cricket exhibitions.