I took the 7 train to the game, and so you’ll see Shea Stadium show up between the treetops. Getting off the old platform, we get a look at the under-construction Citi Field and a sense of the atmosphere around Shea. We take a look inside the dark corridors of Shea (no Shake Shake there), and then a vision any of us can recall: emerging from the dark corridors to see the bright green landscaped grass of Shea Stadium. I recorded the Opening Introductions (including a loud ovation for new Met Johan Santana), and finally a little bit of some game action. Remember what “Lets Go Mets” sounded like at Shea?
I have a friend with whom I’d been going to Mets Opening Day for I don’t even know how many years. This year he called it quits on the streak. I didn’t really try to twist his arm – I hoped he would go, but he just said he doesn’t feel connected to this Mets team, he doesn’t like ownership, and he still misses Shea. Watching this video does make me nostalgic, but really it makes me nostalgic for my younger days. By the time 2008 rolled around, Shea Stadium was past its days. There really is no denying it; I just wish the architects of Citi Field had remembered they were building a baseball stadium, and not a food court with a ballfield attached.
Continuing from last night, here’s part two of the Mets’ press release.
Citi Field Dining
Under the direction of Citi Field Executive Chef Robert Flowers, the Mets and ARAMARK have added new dining options throughout the ballpark.
The Delta Sky360° Club Market will feature a LaFrieda family custom blend sausage, Two Boots pizza, and Batter Up Chicken by Tribeca Grill, buttermilk fried chicken, warm pizzelle cookies and a whipped maple butter.
Dude, I had that chicken last year at the taste of Citi Field event (was that what it was called or did I make it up?) – super duper yummy. Tell @mediagoon to start saving up for the chicken fund.
El Verano Taqueria at Taste of the City on the Field Level behind centerfield will feature a new Cantina bar menu….
Wait. Cantina bar?
Yes you know where I’m going with this…
….with frozen drinks and housemade snacks such as chile roasted peanuts and pork rinds.
oh
The newly renamed Hain Celestial Gluten-Free Stand adjacent to the World’s Fare Market will offer gluten-free Hain Celestial snacks, hot dogs, sausage and peppers and beer. The Promenade Level will feature a bar by section 414 with frozen and mixed drinks.
Two new single-serve Zipz wines – Fetzer Crimson Cabernet Blend and Fetzer Quartz Chardonnay Blend – will be available at several locations throughout the ballpark including most Taste of the City concessions and through in-seat service.
Wait, what? Look man, if you order Fetzer Crimson Cabernet Blend at a baseball game…I will make Marge Face at you.
The following is a sampling of some of the new items and where they are available:
Shake Shack – ‘Shroom Burger (vegetarian), High Heat Cheese Fries, Cheese Dog/High Heat Cheese Dog, “Meet the Pretz” (black & white custard, chocolate covered pretzels and malt powder)
Blue Smoke On The Road – Beef Brisket Sandwich, Corn Bread, Pit Beans
El Verano Taqueria – Steak tacos/quesadillas
Catch of the Day – Fish tacos
Acela Club – Moules Frites, Braised Short Rib, Pork Milanese, Bouillabaisse “A La Peron”
Caesars Club – New paninis and sandwiches
Hey Goon, while you are up please get me a Pretz. Thanks.
Mets Hall of Fame and Museum
With the Mets hosting Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game for the first time since 1964, the Mets Hall of Fame and Museum will feature a special display highlighting All-Star Game memorabilia from Mets All-Stars. Johan Santana’s no-hitter, the first in franchise history, will be honored in the Put it in the Books display with the pitching rubber and home plate from the June 1, 2012 game. The museum will also commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Mets capturing the National League pennant in 1973 by displaying artifacts from members of that team. The Jersey Wall will return and display uniforms from such Mets greats as Edgardo Alfonzo, David Cone, Pedro Martinez, Willie Mays and John Stearns.
The following is a sampling of All-Star Game items:
1964 All-Star Game program, ticket, pennant
Gary Carter game-used cap from 1986 All-Star Game
Darryl Strawberry 1986 All-Star Game trophy for most votes
John Franco 1990 All-Star Game ring
Mike Piazza 2002 All-Star Game bat
David Wright game-used cleats from his first All-Star Game in 2006
David Wright 2006 Home Run Derby bat
Cool I guess. Nice to see them rotating things. Remember 23 years ago when John Franco was in the All Star Game? Yes, you have gotten old.
Major League Baseball All-Star Game Merchandise
A selection of Major League Baseball All-Star Game merchandise will be available at the Mets Team Store and throughout the ballpark. The items include: backpacks, bags, baseballs, blankets, caps, fleeces, jackets, jerseys, mini bats, mugs, pennants, pins, towels and t-shirts.
I’m really bummed about Dave Howard leaving the Mets. I know I’m probably the only one on this side of the turnstiles who cares about an executive departure but I like Dave. I liked the imaginary thing we had going in my head.
Who will I write missives to? Jeff? It’s not the same.
Dave was a working stiff. (Well, “is” – I shouldn’t write about him like he’s dead.) Sure, Dave had a good job, but he had earned his place in life. What’s the line on Jeff – and I forget who said it – he was born on third and thought he hit a triple? I don’t know Jeff but I know rich people’s kids, and they almost always are completely out of touch.
From the little time I spent with Dave I know him to be family man. You’d like the guy.
On the blogger front it was fun to have a playful foil. Dave would give some quote and I would poke fun at it. If Jeff gives the same quote I’m likely to lose my mind. Imagine Jeff telling us about geometry. We’d go bananas. With Dave I could just goof on the statement.
I’m trying to think of analogies. I don’t think either of us is the Joker or Lex Luthor so none of those comparisons make sense…but now I feel like I have no Yang to my Yin. Wikipedia explains it…
Yin and yang are actually complementary, not opposing, forces, interacting to form a whole greater than either separate part; in effect, a dynamic system. Everything has both yin and yang aspects, (for instance shadow cannot exist without light). Either of the two major aspects may manifest more strongly in a particular object, depending on the criterion of the observation.
So if nobody is there to say sales are gangbusters, then I have no post to write.
If nobody is there to say Opening Day sales are strong, then it’s harder for me to write a playful column observing that I can buy 12 seats in a row. Like this…
By the way notice Opening Day tickets are now $50. I guess the market didn’t support $63.
Anyway..I need Dave. Dave is fun. Jeff will just bring out rage in me.
Kirk needs his Klingons. Pac-Man needs ghosts. Mets Police needs someone to chop-bust.
I have issues.
Anyways, congrats to Dave Howard on what seems like a great gig. May whoever fills the void be as good a sport.
Our favorite baseball team has issued a press release. Let’s take a look…
SPECIAL OFFERS AND NEW ATTRACTIONS AT CITI FIELD FOR 2013 SEASON
Birthdays and First Days Highlight Special Offers;
T-Shirt Tuesdays, Power Packs and Student Rush Return
Tickets Available for Opening Day, Monday April 1 at Mets.com and (718) 507-TIXX
FLUSHING, N.Y., March 26, 2013 – The New York Mets today announced the lineup of special offers and new attractions at Citi Field for the 2013 season. The Mets open the season this Monday, April 1 against the San Diego Padres at 1:10 p.m. Tickets are available at Mets.com and (718) 507-TIXX.
Special Offers
Birthdays – As a happy birthday present from the Mets, fans can receive a complimentary ticket to that day’s game to celebrate their birthday at Citi Field. Fans can show a valid form of identification (birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, etc.) at the Citi Field Ticket Windows on their birthday to receive a ticket, subject to availability. Offer does not apply for games on Opening Day, April 1, the Subway Series May 27-28, or after September 29. For those celebrating their birthday when the Mets are on the road, on an off day, in the off-season or on non-eligible games, their complimentary ticket can be redeemed for games on April 3-4, 23-25 and September 13-15.
That’s a lot of fun.
First Days – Fans who are coming to a Mets home game for their first time are encouraged to stop by Fan Assistance to receive a personalized First Game certificate signed by Mr. Met.
T-Shirt Tuesdays – Fans will receive an exclusive limited edition t-shirt plus a game ticket for just $19. For more information, visit: Mets.com/tshirts
Power Pack – For $23, fans can enjoy a ticket to a game in the Left Field Landing and a Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog, Two Boots pizza slice, Brooklyn Burger or veggie burger, Nathan’s Famous French Fries and a regular sized 16oz Pepsi-branded soda. Fans can upgrade their seating location to the Baseline Box on the Field Level for $39 per ticket. For more information, visit: Mets.com/powerpacks
I’m typing as I think…$15 type ticket…$5 hot dog…soda..fries….yeah not bad. That $39 offer seems decent.
Student Rush – High school and college students can purchase tickets for $10 with valid school identification for all home games except Opening Day, April 1 and the Subway Series, May 27-28, subject to availability. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: Mets.com/studentrush, beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, March 27.
Smart. Works for lots of other sports franchises.
Military Go Free –Military personnel with active military identification will be issued complimentary tickets day-of-game only in the Ticket Office lobby in the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, subject to availability. Accompanying non-military persons must purchase tickets, subject to availability.
Nice. Hook up a spouse or family member. You guys will have the seats. If Jeff lets me interview for Dave Howard’s old job I can share these awesome ideas with him.
Kids Go Free – Pick up a copy of the Daily News starting April 3 and fill out a voucher to receive up to three free kids tickets with the purchase of a regularly priced adult ticket for the April 19-28 games. Vouchers can be redeemed at the Citi Field Ticket Windows on the day of the game.
Renamed Seating Locations
Hyundai Club – The all-inclusive club, formerly known as the Champions Club, features a gourmet buffet includes a daily chef selection of carved meats and pasta and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. A selection of peanuts, popcorn, fresh baked cookies and ice cream are also available. The club, located on the Field Level behind home plate, is only accessible to Hyundai Club ticket holders.
Tomorrow we’ll walk through the rest of the press release.
The Mets have announce that Dave Howard is leaving his post as executive vice president for business operations, to accept a position with Madison Square Garden as President of MSG Sports. I guess he must love having crazy owners of sports franchises as bosses.
Shannon has met Dave, and says he is fond of him, and worries about the loss of a rational-thinking buffer between Jeff Wilpon and the rest of the organization.
I’ve never met Dave, or Jeff, or any of the Mets brass, and I am not even 100% sure what Dave’s roles and responsibilities were as executive vice president for business operations. All I know about Dave Howard are his quotes in the press, and in particular one maddening interview with Mike Francessa after CitiField first opened. Those statements to the press don’t inspire a whole lot of fondness for the guy, at least for me, and so forgive me if I don’t think Dave Howard is leaving a gaping hole in the Mets hierarchy.
Time will tell the truth of his legacy, of course, but one day after the end of The Dave Howard Era, here are Five Things I learned from Dave Howard:
There is blue in green
When CitiField opened, Mets fans were annoyed at the lack of Mets-ness in the Mets’ new home. Compared to Shea Stadium, there was barely any blue and orange in the decor. Mike Francessa kind of screwed this question up when he asked about seat colors, because that was the least of it, but Howard’s answer was ridiculous: “there is blue in green,” he said, and also explained that Mets blue was too light and thus would fade, while a darker blue would be too much like the Yankees.
There are no obstructed view seats in CitiField
I would love it if someone could dig up the promotional videos the Mets had previewing CitiField, because I know it’s not my imagination that they implied every seat at CitiField would be better than those at Shea Stadium. When we showed up in 2009, fans were ticked off about the sightlines. Whether we couldn’t see the entire field, or our view of home plate was obscured by panes of plexiglass, or both, clearly there were some poor architectural choices made by the designers. But rather than admit it, Dave Howard went on air to explain to fans what the definition of an obstructed view was. He also said that fans who complained must not have been to other modern ballparks because if they had, they would know that blind spots is the price one pays for having such a great view of the action. This answer was downright insulting. Personally I’ve been to over a dozen Major League parks and CitiField is the only one I’ve seen where there are these kinds of issues in so many seats at the higher levels. If Dave Howard had bothered to visit Camden Yards instead of just taking HOK’s word for it, he’d know it to be true. The Nationals and the Phillies have beautiful new ballparks with beautiful sightlines as well. And for all the issues Shea Stadium had, the view behind home plate from the upper deck at Shea was much better than from any seat I’ve sat in the Promenade Reserved.
$63 Opening Day Seats Were Well Received
Despite another disappointing 2012 season, the Mets decided to start ticket prices for Opening Day 2013 at $63. If you ask me, the real crime is what they are charging for seats that aren’t horrible, but when Dave Howard was asked about what kind of nerve the Mets had for charging such exorbitant prices for Opening Day, he made it seem like the Mets were doing us a favor and that fans were gobbling them up. Sales “actually went very well. It was well-received… We made a before-the-holidays sale. We made a limited number available that are not in packs.”
Garbage Is Good
In 2010, windy nights at the ballpark caused an inordinate amount of litter to blow around the outfield grass. When asked if the Mets would be hiring extra personnel to clean up the garbage, Howard said they would not. “It’s sort of good now that there is debris to be blown out there,” Howard said. “It shows people are spending some money and buying food and drink and enjoying themselves.”
Being a Mets fan Builds Character
Mets fans should be happy that we’re disappointed so often. Mr. Howard told fans that “being a Mets fan builds character,” so I guess we should be grateful for all the embarrassing moments we’ve shared together.
So, maybe it is true that Dave Howard was stopping the Wilpons from being even crazier, and none of these insane thoughts were his, and he was just towing the company line. If so, he’s well experienced to handle the wacky Dolans. But luckily for Knicks and Rangers fans, the renovations at the Garden will be complete before Mr. Howard comes on board.
