The Mets Police

Here at the half-way point it seemed a good idea to update our Unofficial Uncensored guide To Citi Field.

A half-season in we are still getting to know the place.   The original article on the Mets Police was written early in the season after we were fortunate to visit the stadium a few times between the St. John's exhibition games, and the workout.  Then of course we went to games, and most recently I toured the lower deck with my camera in hand.

So with some help from Mets Policemen Osh41 and Dan Twohig...here's the uncensored unofficial guide to Citi Field.

It's a great great park. There's so much to love. We discovered a few troubling things, but overall it's fantastic.


THE ROTUNDA

Osh41: Getting off the subway - it was jarring walking down that ramp and not seeing Shea. There was a physical and emotional jolt not seeing it there. I hate comparing things to 9/11 for obvious reasons but when you went downtown after it happened there was a hole in the sky where the buildings were. You saw them there for so long, they were so big, you'd never imagine them not there. So coming down the ramp and seeing nothing?? Very strange and that will I think be something a lot of fans will have to get used to.

Getting in - kind of seemed like Shea! Long lines, check your bag. Everyone looking up instead of ahead. Long line at main gate for obvious reasons - 1st day, everyone wants to go in the main door. There are other entrances so for future games I'll go to more seat specific gates. Rotunda - very nice, still not finished, looks like they are going to hang some more pictures of Jackie up. Huge #42 behind the escalator will be a photo op for a generation of kids. Huge Mets Clubhouses shop right behind the escalators.

Shannon: I found the rotunda to be overrated. It's nice enough, it's big...but there's nothing Mets about it, and the Jackie Robinson video is going to get quite old fast.

Dan: The entrance to the ballpark is magnificent. Coming off the subway you are lead right towards the Rotunda. The landscaping around the park is still in progress but you can already tell that once it's all completed it will look really nice. They already have blue, orange, and white flowers planted out in front, and the trees are going in along both sides if the park.

The rotunda itself is not nearly as obnoxious as I thought it was going to be. It honors Robinson, but in a very tasteful manner. A few things to know:

• the turnstiles now have an attached ticket scanner (no more hand held ones)
  
• there is a very large team store located on the ground level with an entrance inside the rotunda to the right (there is also a street entrance as the store is open everyday 10-5)
• Two video screens on either side of the rotunda show highlights from Robinson's career. I think Shannon is correct that it will get old fast

One thing that Shannon and I noticed when we were there was that as we walked around the Field Level and went out by the Rotunda, it really did feel like we were outside even though we were still inside. I can see the balcony becoming a big hangout place during rain delays


FIELD LEVEL

Osh41: At top of escalator we went in and made a left, nice wide concourses. Felt it was kind of dark in there, lights looked to be there but not set to go yet. Bathrooms, concessions all there. Spotted pics of Ebbets Field and saw the Ebbets Club entrances are on that level. You keep walking and then boom on your right, concourse opens up to the field. Looks great, grass is green, dark green seats etc. Seen pics of it but to see in person for the first time was great.

Dan: This is really the best part of Corporate Field - the Field Level concourse wraps all the way around the ballpark. You can't see the field when you are behind the home plate area (the Delta Club is located there), but once you get past there the concourse opens up to the field.

There are 2 Ebbets Clubs on the Field Level, one along each baseline. Truthfully they really aren't that special, just small interior areas with a bar, some tables, and private bathrooms.


THE CAESARS CLUB LEVEL

Dan: This is the small mid-level area (kind of like the Loge Level at Shea). Unlike the Field and Promenade Levels, The Caesars Club Level is only accessible to those holding tickets to this level.

The level includes several food options as well as two full bars with seating, one on each base side. In addition, there is also the Caesar's Club, an expansive area located above the Rotunda with leather chairs, tables, bar seating, and many food options, including salads and wraps.

Here are a few pictures taken from the level and inside the Caesars Club.


THE PROMENADE LEVEL (AKA UPPERS)

Osh41: Let me tell you the trip wasn't half as long as it took to get to the uppers at Shea. Quick trip, could have taken an elevator if I wanted.

The promenade is great. Huge upgrade over Shea. You feel much closer to the field. The upper deck is split in half so you can walk down or up. Lots of room to stand around and watch the game. No more craning your neck to see a TV to know what's going on, just turn your head and the field is right there.

Dan: Yes there are some obstructed seats (see below) but it's amazing how much closer to the field you are here compared to the top deck at Shea. The incline isn't that steep so no sense of vertigo, and the seats really are all angled towards the infield.

The concourse up here is huge - in some areas it seemed even wider than the concourse on the Field Level.

Above home plate is the Promenade Club. No specialty foods or beers, just an enclosed area with tables, a bar, and windows looking out onto the field. Admittance will be to only those holding specified tickets.

Behind the Promenade Club along the concourse is the Promenade Level Food Court. Here is where you will find Mama's of Corona, as well as other staples (burgers, dogs, etc.) Several picnic tables and benches ensure that this will be a popular hang out area.

The thing I liked the most about the Promenade Level though was the lack of wind. Shannon and I were up there during the Friday night Boston game, and even though we could see the flags on top of the park whipping in the wind, we felt little more than a breeze. Granted it was only one night but I don't think early Spring and Fall games will be as bad to handle here as they were at Shea.


CENTERFIELD / THE PEPSI PORCH

Osh41: Osh41 is of the middle class. He is an upper deck/bleachers guy. I would sit in these Apple seats in center ahead of 95% of the park. They are fantastic. You're right behind the pitcher, its like watching it on TV. You walk out behind you and you have the food, drinks etc.

I didn't know anything about the Shake Shack until the past few weeks but their burgers are terrific. $5.75 for a great cheeseburger - I didn't feel violated on the price either. I think I ate 1 burger in 30 years of going to games at Shea - for a reason - they were awful. This stand is going to be mobbed every night. They should use half the parking lot as a grazing field for cattle because they will need to keep the beef coming.

Dan: Out beyond center field at Citi Field is Taste of the City- the concession area that everyone (from the Times to NY Magazine) is talking about. This is where you will find Danny Meyer's Shake Shack and Blue Smoke stands,as well as Box Frites and Nona's Deli. During the open house workout the missus and I sampled the Blue Smoke Pulled Pork Sandwich. At $9 not cheap - but considering it was as filling as 2 hot dogs it's overall a cheaper (and tastier) meal.

But for me, the happiest moment on Sunday was when I met Will. Will is the man in charge of Big Apple Brews, a beer oasis that will make any beer aficionado smile. A 4-sided,12 door refrigerator stocks dozens of micro and imported beers - and the selection is constantly changing based on sales and consumer feedback. I met Will while gazing at a bottle of Longboard Lager from Hawaii's Kona Brewing Company. According to Will it was a big seller over the weekend. Not so much the Kirin or Tiger (which only sold "maybe 4 bottles").

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