A Look at New Stadiums in the NY Area

Ever since the inception of Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles in 1992, what I refer to as the “Stadium Revolution” has been taking place. We have the seen the replacement of historic ballparks (I.E. Veterans Stadium), as well as the building of some that have revolutionized sports as we know it. For the next few minutes, I am going to ”edutain” you about some of the notable ballparks opening in the New York Area.

Citi Field-Despite my personal disliking of the Mets, this field is can be summed up in one word: Amazing. I was recently able to take a tour of the site and Preview Center in Shea Stadium, and may I say I was very impressed. I’ll start with some notables, such as the Tiger-Stadium-Esque Right Field Porch. The Right Field Upper Deck actually overhangs the playing field, turning a potential deep fly ball into a home run. Alongside that, it has joined all HOK designs in the fact that ALL SEATS are angled towards Home Plate, which is unlike its ancestor Shea. Open-air concession stands as well as wide aisles make it fun and easy for all fans to enjoy the game no matter where they are. While Citi Field will see a 10,000+ Seat DECREASE from Shea, it will become one of the most fan friendly parks in the nation, offering over 60 Suites that each hold 16-39 people (thank you Citi Field Preview Center). If you have been to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, you can get a taste of Citi Field, except expect an even more fan-friendly place to enjoy a ballgame. The Jackie Robinson Retounda is sure to fill the minds of every baseball fans, as it reminds all of the late Ebbets Field. My Grade: A. Mets fans will be saying “Shea Who?” when they see this park.

New Yankee Stadium-What can I say about this park? When Yankee fans heard about the replacement of their team’s home for over 85 years, they were less than thrilled (myself included). However, upon seeing the stadium take shape, many have become excited for the new home and change in scenery. Let’s put it into perspective: It will only have 3,000 less seats than the current stadium, which is nothing compared in the drop from Shea to Citi Field. The stadium’s dimensions will remain the same as the current one, an attempt to maintain the current feel of the ballpark. Alongside, the seating dimensions have been changed. There will be 30,000 seats on field level, with 20,000 upper deck. This is the opposite of how it currently stands. A dining area called NYY Steak will occupy the Center Field “Black Spot”, with a Hard Rock Café in Right Field. A Great Hall will provide a spot for Yankee Fans alike to be educated about Yankees History. The outside of the stadium is also a replica of the Old Yankee Stadium as well. My Grade: A-. We can thank Hammerin’ Hank Steinbrenner for raising the ticket prices to record levels on this one.

New Meadowlands Stadium-With the arrival of Meadowlands Xanadu, a multi-million dollar entertainment center, this stadium should be a hit for anyone who comes. The field will be retractable, meaning it can literally be carted off in exchange for another surface. It will once again serve as the home of both the New York Giants and Jets, but will have an unrelated name to both. When complete, it will become the second largest NFL stadium in the nation behind the new Cowboys Stadium. There will be large amounts of Bowl-Seating, with 4 100+ Foot HD Jumbo Trons on the sides. The stadium will be able to convert from team to team in just hours, making it possible for the first time for both teams to have a home game during the same week if needed. There will not be any bad seating views, leaving all fans a fantastic and AFFORDABLE game experience. The field surface will be NexTurf, the most common type of artificial turf. My Grade: A-. Great opportunity for all, but they area around the field will be quite hectic, making parking near impossible.

The Winner: Citi Field. Mets fans will be very pleased with this one. All though you are losing the home of the ‘69 Miracle Mets and ‘86 Amazins’, this ballpark is sure to be home of more great moments to come. Excellent views, great prices, and the best fan experience in America is coming to Flushing, NY.

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