Going to Citi-field and experiencing a baseball game live is an excellent experience and you don’t have to break the bank in the process. Here are some tips that I came up with after many years if visiting Citi-Field. It is important to note that every stadium has its policies and regulations, and my list is unique to Citi –Field.
Tips to Save Money
Ø Buy tickets online never purchase at the ballpark. The stadium does not honor online promotions.
Ø Find free Street parking. From 114th Street to 108th Street going west and from 34th Ave. To 45th Ave. Going south. This perimeter is the closest to Citi-field and allows a clear walk to the stadium through Roosevelt Avenue.
Ø Bring your food. Citi-field allows outside food as long as they can see through the Tupperware and all purchased drinks items are sealed. No glass bottles or hard-sided coolers are allowed.
Ø Bring a water bottle. Water is $5 at the park, and a single person at a hot game can drink a lot of water. It is a good idea to bring in an empty transparent sports bottle. You can ask the concessions staff for ice and water, and they are happy to oblige. You can also fill up at a water fountain to stay hydrated.
Ø Purchase kids meal. If you are attending a game with children and opt to purchase food at the stadium, the kid’s meal is a good deal. Located by “Kiddie Field”, the meal includes a hot dog, popcorn, drink and a prize for $7. Considering that hot dogs alone cost $5.50, it’s a pretty good deal.
Ø Do not buy Merchandise.Resist the temptation to purchase merchandise at the stadium. Most if not all Mets merchandise can be purchased online or through other sporting goods stores for a fraction of the price. No matter how excited you get at the game, the savvy thing to do is to take a picture of the item and look for it online.
Helpful tips
Ø Get to the stadium early! The earlier you arrive, the shorter lines will be and if there is a "giveaway” you are guaranteed to receive one.
Ø Enjoy picnic area right outside Citi-Field. There is a grassy area along the parking lot perfect for tailgating before and after the game (if you choose to use stadium parking). The best area is along the Roosevelt street fences closest to the seven train stop. The area is not limited to those who park in the lot. However, it does pose a practicality issue of where to leave your stuff once it’s time to enter the stadium.
Ø Mass transit is best, but if you are like me and prefer to drive, take the Triboro Bridge if you are coming from Westchester or NYC. To avoid traffic get out at La Guardia parking exit off 94th Street then drive through local streets to get to Citi-Field. Getting off in this exit can shave 30-60 minutes off your trip.
Ø Avoid the left Shake Shack line. There are two shake shack lines always get on the line closest to Blue Smoke. They have more registers and employees making line progress faster.
Ø If you are visiting with a baby, you can leave your stroller at fan assistance. Fan assistance is conveniently located on each level. I recommend the Fox woods lounge access seats when attending with kids. The 330’s section of the Excelsior level. The Excelsior level grants you access to the lounge which comes in very handy on extremely hot days, rainy days, cold days or when your child needs a change of scenery. The lounge is equipped with restrooms, concessions, bar, televisions, and air conditioning and comfortable seating.
Ø Get kid’s club membership to get free tickets, kid’s merchandise, and extra stuff for kids to enjoy. Worth the $25 a year. Make sure to let a stadium employee know if it is your child’s first game. They will mail home a certificate with the child’s name and date of attendance as a keepsake.
Ø Comfortable seats at the game: Citi-Field has many wheelchair user accessible sections that are often not used. If you get to the stadium early and have a stroller or small child, you can be granted permission to sit in these areas and enjoy the game without disturbing your section.
These are just a few things I have picked up over the years, and they may not work for everyone; however, the most important aspect is to know that you can have a great experience at the ballpark no matter your budget. See you at a ball game! LETS GO METS!
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