Mets Overview

Fast facts

League: MLB

Head Coach: Buck Showalter

Team Mascot: Mr. Met and Mrs. Met

Year Opened: 2009

Capacity: 41922

City / State: Queens / New York

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Subway Series

Rival Team: New York Yankees

The intracity rivalry between the Mets and Yankees always makes for a fun game to watch. There are always a lot of bragging rights on the line when the Mets and Yankees meet, and you’ll hear plenty of trash talking making a Mets-Yankees game at Citi Field a can’t miss experience.

Battle of the Broads

Rival Team: Philadelphia Phillies

Said to be one of the more heated rivalries in the National League, you’ll be in for a treat when attending a Mets-Phillies game. Between the many brawls of the 1980s, to the unbalanced scheduling in the early 2000s that made divisional rivalries meet each other more frequently, to the controversial statements made by both teams regarding their rivals’ status in the NL, this rivalry is always interesting to watch.

Mets vs Braves

Rival Team: Atlanta Braves

The rivalry between the Mets and Braves has been going strong since the Braves moved to the NL East in the early 1990s. The two have met in the playoffs several times over the years including the 1969 and 1999 NLCSs. If you want to attend a good matchup, then there are few better than a Mets-Braves game.

Mets vs Nationals

Rival Team: Washington Nationals

Right now the Nationals are the Mets biggest competition for the NL East title, which means there’s a lot at stake whenever the Mets and Nationals square off.

Mets Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

The isolation of Citi Field makes for a steady stream of orange and blue fans coming to the stadium via car and train on game day. Widely known for its incredible concession selection, Citi Field is a great place to catch a game of baseball. The large open spaces allow for fans to walk to the game, which livens up the atmosphere on game day.

Also because of Citi Field is fairly isolated, the city of New York promised with the new stadium would come an assortment of noteworthy concessions and the Mets delivered. When preparing for a game at Citi Field, it’s in your best interest to come hungry and explore all the stadium has to offer before the game starts. The concessions at Citi Field open three hours before game time and plenty of fans take advantage of that.

Tailgating is allowed at Citi Field, but many fans will venture anywhere from a half-mile to a mile outside of the stadium (the subway stops before and after Citi Field) to visit local pre-game hot spots. The fans that stick around Citi Field for the pre-game celebration usually end up at McFadden’s, or other areas within the stadium. With some of the friendlier fans in New York, Citi Field is a lively, modern stadium that presents an excellent place watch the Mets play and enjoy a day of baseball fun.

Traditions

Original Home Run Apple

Make sure to check out one of the iconic landmarks from the former Mets field Shea Stadium, the Home Run Apple. Standing 16.5 feet tall and 18 feet in diameter, this massive apple is a piece of Mets history and a must-see. Stop by the original Home Run Apple in the parking lot to get the full Mets game day experience.

Jackie Robinson Rotunda

The Jackie Robinson Rotunda is located in the front entrance of Citi Field and honors one of the most important players in the history of baseball. Check out his famous quote “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives” etched into the rotunda as well as the eight-foot sculpture of his iconic number, 42.

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Where to tailgate

Mets Stadium Guide

In Game

Influenced by great ballparks such as PNC Park and Coors Field, Citi Field opened in 2009 with an homage to New York City in its architecture, as well as some of the historical features of the former Shea Stadium. Home to the New York Mets, the architecture of Citi Field reflects the role bridges play in New York City; the city is linked by over 2,000 bridges. The Mets take the symbol of the bridge to a deeper level with their logo.  They use the bridge to honor the bridge between the past of New York baseball – the Giants before their move to San Francisco (1883-1957) and the Dodgers before their move to Los Angeles (1884 – 1957) – to the present New York Mets.

Despite the influence of modern ballparks, preserving the history of New York baseball was important in the building of Citi Field. The former Shea Stadium was the only ballpark in the major leagues to have orange foul poles instead of the standard yellow and that tradition is carried over to the new stadium. The Mets also brought the iconic Home Run Apple that was a part of Shea Stadium to the new field – a bigger one was built for inside the park, but the original Shea apple can be found in the Mets Plaza.

Citi Field also offers some of the best concessions in all of baseball, many of which are unique to New York. With options from the Shake Shack – one of New York City’s favorite burger joints – to Blue Smoke – a loved Manhattan BBQ place –  you should come to Citi Field hungry.

Things to check out

Promenade Club

Located right behind home plate on the Promenade level is the Promenade Club, which offers two full bars and-and pub-style food options that fans can order and bring back to high-top tables to watch the game.

Fan Fest

Located on the field level in center field is the Fan Fest, which opens when the gates do and close after the final out in the seventh inning. Walk on over to hit a home run on Kiddie Field (a miniature version of Citi Field), take a few swings in the batting cages, or test your arm for accuracy and velocity with the Mets Dunk Tank radar gun.

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Mets Hall of Fame and Museum

The Mets Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates the Mets history and includes many exhibits such as the World Series rings, plaques honoring legendary Mets players, and much more.

Unique Concessions

Do a little bit of exploring and see all the unique food items inside Citi Field such as a s'mores version of bacon on a stick: bacon dipped in chocolate, sprinkled with graham cracker crumbs and marshmallows. Be sure to check out the food court Taste of the City featuring food from famed restaurateur Danny Meyer (Union Square Hospitality Group) and The World’s Fare Market, featuring foods from all over the world - experience a taste of Tokyo, China, Korea, and Italy.

Shake Shack

Famous for their unofficial title of the best burger in New York, Shake Shack’s location in Citi Field is a real fan favorite. The line can get pretty long, but you can use that extra time to admire the city skyline from Shea Stadium’s old scoreboard above the Shake Shack signage.

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Mr. Met

Voted the best mascot in sports by Forbes Magazine, Mr. Met has been the beloved face of the New York Mets since 1963. Keep your eyes peeled for Mr. Met at the game as you wouldn’t want to miss him.

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The 7 Line

After a third straight season of disappointment in 2009, Mets fan Darren Meenan made himself and a few of his friend's T-shirts that read “I SURVIVED” followed by a series of heartbreaks Mets fans had experienced. On the opening day of the 2010 season, Meenan launched his Mets fan t-shirts and has since become a household name for the Mets fan base and merchandising. If you’re a die-hard, you definitely will own one of his t-shirts.

The 7 Line Army

As stated above, Darren Meenan created a t-shirt line for die hard Mets fans that has evolved into a fan section that tries to get a big group together at least once a month for home and away Mets games. Win or lose; these fans make their presence known to all within the stadium, whether it be at Citi Field or an away game.

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Home Run Apple

When a Mets player hits a home run, look over into center field at the Home Run Apple. Brought over from Shea Stadium, the giant apple with a light-up Mets logo on the front rises from its housing in center field.

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Uniform Colors

The New York Mets uniform colors are blue and orange, in honor of the city and its baseball past. Blue represents the Brooklyn Dodgers (now the Los Angeles Dodgers) and orange represents the New York Giants (now the San Francisco Giants). Blue and orange are also the colors of the New York flag, giving these colors true significance to the fans and team

Fight Songs

  1. Meet The Mets

    This song is played while the New York Mets take the field for the first time

    MEET THE METS,
    MEET THE METS,
    Step right up and greet the Mets!
    Bring your kiddies,
    bring your wife;
    Guaranteed to have the time of your life
    because the Mets are really sockin’ the ball; knocking those home runs over the wall!
    East side,
    West side,
    everybody’s coming down
    to meet the M-E-T-S Mets of New York town!
    Oh, the butcher and the baker and the people on the streets,
    where did they go? To MEET THE METS!
    Oh, they’re hollerin’ and cheerin’ and they’re jumpin’ in their seats,
    where did they go? To MEET THE METS!
    All the fans are true to the orange and blue,
    so hurry up and come on down –
    ’cause we’ve got ourselves a ball club,
    The Mets of New York town!
    Give ’em a yell!
    Give ’em a hand!
    And let ’em know your rootin’ in the stand!
    Come on and MEET THE METS,
    MEET THE METS,
    Step right up and greet the Mets!
    Bring your kiddies,
    bring your wife;
    Guaranteed to have the time of your life
    because the Mets are really sockin’ the ball; knocking those home runs over the wall!
    East side,
    West side,
    everybody’s coming down
    to meet the M-E-T-S Mets of New York town!
    Of New York town!

  2. Lazy Mary

    This song by Lou Monte is played during the seventh inning of Mets games.

    C’ ‘na luna mezz’u mare
    Mamma mia m’a maritare
    Figlia mia a cu te dare
    Mamma mia pensace tu
    Se te piglio lu pesciaiole
    Isse vai isse vene
    Sempe lu pesce mane tene
    Se ce ‘ncappa la fantasia
    Te pesculia figghiuzza mia
    Là lariulà pesce fritt’e baccalà
    Uei cumpà no calamare c’eggi’accattà

    C’ ‘na luna mezz’u mare
    Mamma mia m’a maritare
    Figlia mia a cu te dare
    Mamma mia pensace tu
    Se te piglio lu pulezia
    Isse vai isse vene
    Semp’a scuppetta mane tene
    Se ce ‘ncappa la fantasia
    Te scuppettea figghiuzza mia
    Là lariulà pesce fritt’e baccalà
    Uei cumpà ‘na scuppetta c’eggi’accattà

    Lazy Mary you better get up
    She answered back I am not able
    Lazy Mary you better get up
    We need the sheets for the table
    Lazy Mary you smoke in bed
    There’s only one man you should marry
    My advice to you would be
    Is to pay attention to me
    You’d better marry a fireman
    He’ll come and go, go and come

    Sempe la pompa mane tene
    Se ce ‘ncappa la fantasia
    Te pomperia figghiuzza mia
    Là lariulà pesce fritt’e baccalà
    Uei cumpà ‘na pompina c’eggi’accattà
    0 cummà ca m’ voglio marità
    Trovame ‘na uagliotta
    Ca me voglio marità
    Trovame ‘na uagliotta
    Ca me voglio marità
    Trovame ‘na uagliotta
    Ca me voglio marità
    Hey!

Mets Bars & Restaurants

  1. A+ Roof Bar

    Flushing Bar

    The Parc Hotel’s rooftop bar is the perfect spot for a post-work drink, pre-game cocktail, or special celebration with friends.

    3916 College Point Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354, USA

    718-869-1691

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Leaf Bar & Lounge

    Leaf Bar drink

    Uniquely located steps away from the 3rd busiest intersection in all of New York City, Leaf Bar & Lounge provides a green oasis in bustling downtown Flushing where one can drop by for a botanically-inspired cocktail.

    133-42 39th Ave, Flushing, NY 11354, USA

    718-865-8158

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Kelly’s Pub

    Mike Speedway Lounge Beer Northstar Bar and Grill Beer Shipleys Tavern Beer Press Box Sports Bar Beer

    Kelly's is the only Irish bar in downtown Flushing.

    136-11 41st Ave, Flushing, NY 11355, USA

    718-359-9668

    Bar website

    european - $

  4. The Coop

    The Coop

    Provides not only phenomenal classic Korean flavors, but also offers a venue that people of all groups are welcomed to.

    133-42 39th Ave #103, Flushing, NY 11354, USA

    718-358-9333

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  5. Leo’s Lattcini-Mama’s

    corned beef sandwich chips

    The best Italian sandwiches and most heavenly desserts!

    46-02 104th St, Flushing, NY 11368, USA

    718-898-6069

    Bar website

    italian - $

  6. McFadden’s Restaurant And Saloon

    McFaddens

    McFadden's, located at the Citi Field Stadium, is the ONLY public venue for crowds seeking delicious eats, great sips, and unparalleled service.

    20-36 126th St, Flushing, NY 11356, USA

    718-651-2220

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  7. Parkside Restaurant

    Park Side Restaurant

    Good old fashioned traditional Italian restaurant with great service, a vibrant atmosphere and just awesome food.

    107-1 Corona Ave, Corona, NY 11368, USA

    718-271-9274

    Bar website

    italian - $$$

  8. Los 3 Potrillos

    Los Tres Potrillos

    Great authentic Mexican food that you will certainly enjoy in a heartbeat!

    111-16 Roosevelt Ave, Corona, NY 11368, USA

    718-505-1433

    Bar website

    mexican - $$