Where they play: Citi Field, 126th St. and Roosevelt Ave., Flushing, Queens
Where to buy tickets: mets.com
How to get there: Take the 7 subway train or Long Island Rail Road to Mets–Willets Point.
Who they are: New York City’s National League team, historically plucky underdogs, favorites of comedians Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock. Each of the Mets' World Series victories, in 1969 and 1986, was improbable in its own way. This year, Mets brass is making a big deal out of celebrating the 1969 team's 50th anniversary.
Jacob deGrom. Courtesy, New York Mets
What’s going on: New Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen spent the winter acquiring all-stars Robinson Cano (second base), Edwin Diaz (closer) and Wilson Ramos (catcher), among others. The starting rotation is led by defending NL Cy Young winner and recent contract-extension recipient Jacob deGrom. The Mets could contend—but they’re one of four strong teams in the NL East, and injuries might be a problem for their veteran cast. It should be a tight race all season long.
Who are their nemeses? The Mets’ chief rivals are some of those strong NL East teams we just mentioned: games against the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals can get intense. Of course, Subway Series matchups against the crosstown rival Yankees are always a good time with a raucous crowd.
Do they have a mascot? Yes, Mr. Met.
Does he have a family? You bet.
What does he do when the team’s out of town? Here’s a link. But this is a lot of questions about Mr. Met. Don’t you want to know about anything else?
Citi Field. Photo: Jen Davis
What Citi Field is like: The Mets’ ballpark, opened in 2009, is a modern facility with fancy concessions (more on that below) and a facade meant to echo the Brooklyn Dodgers’ beloved longtime home, Ebbets Field. Its green seats pay tribute to the Mets’ first home, the Polo Grounds, and outside you can see the Home Run Apple from their previous ballpark, Shea Stadium. Don’t worry—the new stadium has its own larger apple that rises whenever the Mets hit a home run.
Where to sit: There are generally good sightlines throughout Citi Field, but you’ll have a different experience depending on where you take in the game. A lot of this is common sense: seats closer to the field cost more, if you want shade consider sitting beneath an overhang, etc. During certain games, the 7 Line Army, a group of Mets superfans dressed in matching outfits, sits together in outfield seats and cheers loudly throughout.
Promotional days: The Mets run promotions year-round. Some of their best in 2019 will be the return of the popular Free Shirt Fridays, Seinfeld night—celebrating the show’s 30th anniversary—and the aforementioned tribute to the 1969 team. For more Mets giveaways and theme nights, plus highlights from other teams in the City, visit our guide to the best NYC ballpark promotions of 2019.
El Verano Taqueria. Photo: Brittany Petronella
What to eat: Oh, boy, is there a lot of great food at Citi Field. Popular choices include Shake Shack, El Verano Taqueria and Blue Smoke barbecue. For much more, check out our article on the newest food at NYC’s ballparks in 2019.
Things to do before and/or after the game: Get to the ballpark early to watch batting practice, which usually takes place two and a half hours before the game, and try to get some autographs. You can also stop by the Mets Hall of Fame and Museum, which is filled with team memorabilia (for example: Tom Seaver’s contract, vintage uniforms and World Series rings). The ballpark is located in Flushing, Queens. If you budget some extra time, you can check out nearby food and attractions in the neighborhood and elsewhere along the 7 subway line.
What do you think of the designated hitter? Personally, this writer prefers when the pitcher hits, as happens in National League games like those hosted by the New York Mets.