Another official press release, I haven’t studied it yet but looks way cool at first glance:
Mets announce additional enhancements to Citi Field for 2010 season
04/01/2010 2:04 PM ET
MLB.com
FLUSHING, N.Y., April 1, 2010 – The New York Mets today announced additional enhancements to Citi Field for the 2010 season that raises the profile of club history and elevates the fan experience at their new home.
The Shea Stadium Home Run Apple has been relocated to Mets Plaza in front of the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, offering fans a central meeting point. The popular piece of Mets history will also be available anytime before or after games for photo opportunities.
Topps baseball cards showing the Mets lineup of the day’s game will sit atop the escalators and stairs in the Rotunda. Oversized vintage baseball cards of Cleon Jones, Dave Kingman and Robin Ventura will be among those featured on Topps displays on the first and third base sides of the Field Level.
Following a successful inaugural season, Union Square Hospitality Group’s Blue Smoke and Box Frites concepts will open additional locations in the Promenade Food Court along with a second Big Apple Brews, featuring 30 Anheuser-Busch products.
The 1969 and 1986 World Champion Mets will be celebrated at the Champions Club, formerly known as the Ebbets Club, on the Field Level behind home plate. Photographs from those memorable seasons will decorate the space, with the first base side honoring the 1986 team and the third base side saluting the 1969 club.
“These changes along with the opening of the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum, reflect our ongoing desire to enhance the fan experience and showcase Mets history,” said Dave Howard, Executive Vice President, Business Operations, New York Mets. “Our fans told us what they wanted to see, and we will continue to respond to their feedback as we further refine the ballpark.”
The previously announced renaming of Citi Field’s VIP entrances will be completed for Opening Day. Hodges VIP, on the first base side of the ballpark, is marked both inside and outside with imagery of the legendary Mets manager Gil Hodges. Seaver VIP, on the third base side, features photos of Mets Hall-of-Fame pitcher Tom Seaver. Stengel VIP, at the left field entrance, displays imagery of the first manager in team history, Casey Stengel.
Banners of Mets players from all eras including Ed Kranepool and Edgardo Alfonzo have been added to Mets Plaza and in the parking lots. Inside the ballpark, the centerfield scoreboard “Lets Go Mets” sign facing the field and the “Home of the Mets” sign on the opposite side both now use the Mets script logo.
The outfield bridge on the Field Level will be dedicated Shea Bridge during a pre-game ceremony on Opening Day. Naming the bridge after William A. Shea honors the man who brought National League baseball back to New York after the Dodgers and Giants left for California in 1957 leading to the creation of the Mets.
A limited number of tickets to Opening Day, Monday, April 5 against the Florida Marlins at 1:10 p.m., are available through the purchase of Season Tickets and Plans by phone at (718) 507-TIXX and at Mets.com or LosMets.com.
Also, here’s more museum details!
Mets Hall of Fame & Museum opens this Monday, April 5, Opening Day at Citi Field
04/01/2010 1:41 PM ET
MLB.com
FLUSHING, N.Y., March 31, 2010 – The New York Mets today announced the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum will open this Monday, April 5 – Opening Day – at Citi Field. Fans with tickets to the 1:10 p.m. game against the Florida Marlins will be able to access the museum when gates open at 10:40 a.m.
The Mets Hall of Fame & Museum recognizes the greatest moments in club history and honors those who have left an indelible mark on the organization. The museum features significant artifacts, interactive exhibits, videos and photographic imagery, recognizing the unforgettable plays and players that have defined the Mets’ 48-year history.
Highlights include plaques honoring the 21 members of the Mets Hall of Fame (with the Class of 2010 to be installed Sunday, August 1), the 1969 and 1986 World Series Championship trophies, and memorabilia on loan from Mets greats including: Tom Seaver’s 1969 Cy Young Award and Keith Hernandez’s 1987 Gold Glove Award. The ball Mookie Wilson hit in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series that brought Ray Knight home with the winning run – voted by fans as the most memorable moment in Shea Stadium history – will also be on display courtesy of the Seth Swirsky Collection.
The Mets Hall of Fame & Museum features more than a dozen artifacts from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y. including the ball used in the first play at Shea Stadium, Tommie Agee’s glove from the 1969 World Series and the ball Tom Seaver threw to Mike Piazza for the ceremonial first pitch to open Citi Field. Numerous private collectors have also loaned memorabilia for display at the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum.
Exhibits chronicle all facets of Mets history including the creation of the franchise, the work of broadcasting legends Ralph Kiner, Bob Murphy and Lindsey Nelson, and the championship seasons of 1969 and 1986. Major League Baseball Productions created custom videos of those memorable seasons for display at the museum.
“The Mets Hall of Fame & Museum honors the greatest players and greatest events in our history,” said Dave Howard, Executive Vice President, Business Operations, New York Mets. “The museum connects generations of fans to the moments they cherish and reflects our ongoing commitment to celebrate our heritage and history at Citi Field.”
Season Ticket and Plan Holders will have an exclusive first-look at the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum during the team’s workout day Sunday, April 4, starting at 9:30 a.m. The Mets will announce access to the museum on non-game days along with tour information in the coming weeks.
The Mets collaborated on the 3,700 square-foot museum with curators at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, internationally acclaimed designers at Populous, and exhibit producers at 1220 Exhibits Inc. The Mets Hall of Fame & Museum, adjacent to the Jackie Robinson Rotunda on the first base side of Citi Field, will be accessible through the Rotunda on game days to all fans holding tickets.
A limited number of Opening Day tickets are available through the purchase of Season Tickets and Plans by phone at (718) 507-TIXX and by visiting Mets.com and LosMets.com.
Exhibits
Ring of Champions
Focuses on the Mets World Series Championships in 1969 and 1986 and includes the World Series trophies.
Mets Hall of Fame
The 21 members of the Mets Hall of Fame are honored with classic bronze plaques. The Class of 2010 will be inducted Sunday, August 1.
The Mets Story/Defining Moments Display
This video narrated by broadcaster Gary Cohen takes fans on a journey from the early seasons at the Polo Grounds to Citi Field, highlighting memorable players and unforgettable moments. The Defining Moments display features World Series rings and press pins, as well as ticket stubs and game-used balls.
Mr. Met
This exhibit features an original Mr. Met head and a host of fun facts about the origin and continued popularity of baseball’s first live-action mascot.
Put It in the Books
Players who set Mets records and rank among the club’s all-time statistical leaders are recognized with artifacts from their achievements.
Tom Seaver
A tribute to the first Mets player inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Birth of a Franchise
Chronicles the early history of the franchise, from its creation to the first years under the watch of manager Casey Stengel.
Broadcast Legends
Honors original Mets Ralph Kiner, Bob Murphy and Lindsey Nelson, while also recognizing current Mets broadcasters.
Stadiums
This tribute to the Mets’ homes includes a game-used ball from the Polo Grounds, first game program from Shea Stadium, and a ticket from the first game at Citi Field.
Mets Uniform History
From Casey Stengel’s 1962 original ensemble to Johan Santana’s 2008 home jersey, this exhibit displays classic uniforms representing the different eras of Mets baseball.
List of Selected Artifacts
Artifact Exhibit On Loan From
Tom Seaver’s 1967 Rookie of the Year Award Tom Seaver Tom Seaver
Tom Seaver’s 1969 Cy Young Award Tom Seaver Tom Seaver
Bob Murphy’s Ford C. Frick Award Broadcast Legends Joye Murphy
Ralph Kiner’s Emmy Award Broadcast Legends Ralph Kiner
First ball put in play from first game at Shea Stadium Stadiums Baseball HOF
Ball from last out at Polo Grounds Stadiums Baseball HOF
Casey Stengel jersey from 1962 Uniform History Baseball HOF
David Cone jersey from 19-strikeout game in 1991 Uniform History Baseball HOF
Al Leiter jersey from 2000 World Series Uniform History Baseball HOF
Casey Stengel’s blazer from 1962 Mets Gallery Baseball HOF
Tommie Agee’s glove from 1969 World Series Mets Gallery Baseball HOF
Rusty Staub’s bat used to get 8 straight pinch hits Mets Gallery Baseball HOF
Benny Agbayani’s bat used in 2000 World Series Mets Gallery Baseball HOF
Robin Ventura’s bats from 2 grand slams in doubleheader Mets Gallery Baseball HOF
Mike Piazza’s helmet from 2000 World Series Mets Gallery Baseball HOF
John Franco’s FDNY hat Mets Gallery Baseball HOF
Keith Hernandez’s 1987 Gold Glove Award Mets Gallery K. Hernandez
1986 Game 6 World Series ball Defining Moments Seth Swirsky
1969 World Series ring Defining Moments Bud Harrelson
1969 World Series press pins Defining Moments Baseball HOF
1973 World Series press pins Defining Moments Baseball HOF
Tom Seaver-Mike Piazza Citi Field ceremonial first pitch Defining Moments Baseball HOF
Tom Seaver’s cap from 19-strikeout game Defining Moments Baseball HOF
As leader of the cranks, I say let us all give the Mets applause for hearing us and responding and improving Citi Field as the home of the Mets. Â No need to dwell on the past. Â Very cool!
