Shea Stadium

Dragged some NY friends to a game even though they don’t care about baseball to see the Mets play in Shea Stadium in its final year.
I liked that they had 3 tiers of ticket pricing. I liked that there wasn’t an obstructed or bad seat in the house.
The fans in my section were dicks though. The Mets were playing the Reds and there was a guy in a Reds jersey a few rows in front of me and everyone was terrible to him — swearing, throwing stuff, etc.
I just remember eating a few Nathan’s hot dogs, drinking Bud Light out of a metal Mets bottle and thinking about how great it was to be watching baseball.

It was a beautiful stadium with a lifetime of wonderful memories. Don’t forget the Mets Apple! Thank you, Shea.

Home of the New York Mets until September 2008. Soo Many Memories and I even worked here for a couple of years. I remember all the times I went with my dad where he waited on line for an inning to grab me a hotdog and also going to this ballpark with my bros of NAPhi. Many would say that this was a crappy stadium, but this stadium was built on memories of their fans. Which is why I love Shea so much.

GODSPEED… Shea wasn’t an awful place, but it was the product of the functional mind set of the 60’s to build a place where lots of people could see a game. Sure Fenway is intimate and small, Shea was a big jalopy of a stadium and we loved it that way. The same way you love that first clunker you get when your 16 from your crazy uncle or grandmother!
We miss you Shea!

I saw Rey Ordonez hit a grand slam.
Beat that one.

I LOVE THE METS.
I’m going to miss Shea Stadium, when I first went (I was 7) it was with my whole family, four cars deep, we practically took over that stadium, I don’t really remember if we won that night but that was the night I was hooked with the mets. I was there in August and I truly felt like a kid again, oh and the tickets were free so you know I was super excited. I had about 15 free tickets so I took my mom, sisters, nephew (he’s 7 it was his first and last time there sadly. and he loved it) and took my best friends too.
AHHHHHHHHH Shea you will be missed.

I have literally been going to Shea Stadium as long as I can remember. My godparents lived in Flushing, and they took me to my first games during the ’86 season. I was only 2 years old, and I have no recollection of that magical year (damn you, Mom and Dad, for having me so late). But I’ve been a fan ever since.
Last night I went to Shea for the last time.* The game was essentially a perfect metaphor for being a Met fan over the course of a season: incredible highs; brief flashes of beautiful, shining hope… ultimately ending in bitter disappointment.
Carlos Delgado hits a grand slam in the 3^rd inning, 5 – 1 Mets. [This is like a hot start in May. There are high-​fives all around, and Shea is ROCKING. After Harvey Keitel (as the Wolf) comes on the scoreboard** and says «Let’s not start sucking each other’s popsicles just yet,» everyone settles down and reminds themselves that there is a lot of baseball left.]
The Mets blow the lead in the 5^th, tie ballgame. [That’s the Mets running cold in July and letting everyone back in the pennant race. We know it’s bound to happen, but at least we’re not losing. Yet.]
With the score tied in the bottom of the 9^th, the Mets lead off with a triple, with Wright, Delgado and Beltran coming up. [It is late in the season, and there’s NO CHANCE that we could blow this one. And then we blow it.] Inning over.
In the tenth inning, we were just waiting for the inevitable. They give up 3 runs in the top of the inning, and embarrass themselves in the bottom. I was pissed off, surrounded only by my fellow diehards because all the frontrunners who don’t REALLY care went home sometime between the 6^th and 9^th to beat the rush. [Metaphorically speaking, this would be the beginning of fall, when half the «fans» are no longer interested because the Mets aren’t in first place, and football season is back anyway.]
This was a miserable game, perhaps the worst I’ve actually attended, and an awful way to say goodbye to Shea. But this is not how I am going to remember Shea Stadium. I’ve been to 100 great games, and this one isn’t going to erase those memories.
For the past 22 years, Shea has been a place of happiness for me. Regardless of the outcome of the game, there isn’t much better on a summer night than drinking beer, eating hot dogs, and watching the Mets at Shea.
What struck me most as I looked around one last time, was that the people still in the upper deck in the 10^th inning, when it’s unseasonably fucking freezing and you know it’s only a matter of time before the bullpen blows it… those are FANS.
Those are fans who are actually choosing the Mets over sex, because their girlfriend is cold and ANGRY that they are still there at 11:25 pm.
Those are fans that wrap their jackets around their 6 year old girl daughter, who is still cheering as she freezes in her miniature rally cap.
Those are fans that renounce the Mets every season: «If they don’t make the playoffs this year, I’m done with them.» But they’re back every year.
Those are fans whose booing is only interrupted in order to scream at the nearest Cub, «Soriano you SUCK!»
Those are fans that outwardly expect the worst, but harbor a secret hope that it will be different this time. Because one of these times, it will be.
Those are fans that will boo their own team for letting the Cubs score the go-​ahead run, but turn around to yell «Shut the FUCK up!» at the lone Cubs fan in Section 48 who’s clapping and cheering. The cheering stops immediately, and the clapping slowly dies out as the guy looks around and realizes (1) that he’s in the wrong place, and (2) how long it would take security to get there.
And that is what Shea is all about. The real fans. When you bring someone to Shea for the first time, it’s the first thing*** they notice. People CARE. Everyone’s watching the game. They know what’s going on, and they are into it.
It doesn’t matter if Shea looks like a piece of shit. Hell, it IS a piece of shit. But Shea is OUR piece of shit, just like the team itself. And I love them both.
_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​
*Because it’s closing, not because I’m giving up on the Mets. Not that I could blame you for thinking that.
**This didn’t actually happen, but it would if I was in charge.
***Aside from the smell of urine.

I finally got to see Shae Stadium this weekend. I saw the Mets v. Braves doubleheader (September 13, 2008). The Friday night’s game rained out and they were given a rain check. We had tickets for Saturday and we got two games for the price of one!
Shea is a generic stadium from the 60’s and isn’t anything spectacular. What makes this a cool place is the atmosphere and the fans. I had a great time and enjoyed it thoroughly. The beers cost $ 8 for a bottle and $ 9.50 for a 24oz. Water costs $ 4.75 and hot dogs $ 6.
I am glad I got to see the mighty Shea and attend a game before it finally closes it’s doors at the end of the season.

A cookie cutter, which is not the best designed stadium. This stadium obviously screams 1970’s design and is very dated. I attended numerous Met games here in my past life and enjoyed it. The atmosphere is alive! Oddly, this stadium is never filled to its maximum seating potential.
It’s great for children and the whole family. Stadium employees sends shots of free t-​shirts to the audience in between games. They have a red apple which pops up whenever the home team, Mets hits a home run.
Let’s go Mets!

I don’t care if you don’t like baseball, Shea is fun.
The smell of food comes from every direction and eventually right by you. The food is pretty good with typical ridiculous prices.
It is dingy and the seats can get uncomfortable but I always have a good time. People watching is great here just be sly about it.
My favorite cheer is the the slow to fast clap, somehow when a group of people do that I become happy.
Let’s Go Mets!

Okay so it’s not pretty. It’s not shiny and new. You won’t find the latest trendy restaurant attached or a build-​a-​bear workshop. It doesn’t have the historic value of Wrigley Field or Fenway Park or that other NY baseball stadium. However it is my baseball home and I can’t help but love it.
Aside from some banners hanging in the concourse you won’t see much dedication to the Mets history. You can find a marker in the furthest part of left field in the upper deck that marks the longest home run hit in Shea by Tommy Agie. The Hall of Fame is located in the Diamond Club although I hear you can say you’re going to the shop to get in there. I haven’t tried this yet but I will before the year is over.
Food is typical ballpark fare. Ho Hum. I believe you can get sushi on the field level but are you really going to eat sushi at a baseball game? (Pussy.) Best deal you’ll find are the enormous $ 9.50 beers on the Mezz level.
Field Level and Loge are nice but you’ll find the real fans in Mezzanine and Upper Deck. If you want a true Shea experience save a few bucks to buy another beer or two and sit your bum higher. Don’t sit in the back rows of Loge or Mezz, you’ll lose every pop-​up hit. Obviously the closer to home plate the better. Opt for the 1^st base side so you can see Diamond Vision.
CitiField will definitely be bitter sweet next year.

Last concert venue…
I was lucky enough to see the Last play at Shea with billy Joel and special guests and let me tell you, it was awesome.
The place was never designed as a concert hall but it stepped up and did a great job– the acoustics were awesome and Billy Joel put on a great show.
I’ll miss Shea– I saw my first baseball game there and now I can say I saw the last concert there — and with Paul McCartney making an appearance to boot!
Thanks for the memories!

I came to a Mets game at Shea in 2000. It was OK. I was with a diehard Mets fan, so that made the experience more fun, but all in all, I was neither impressed nor disappointed. I was surprised, actually, by how similar Shea was to Dodger Stadium. Not the surroundings or the fans, but the physical layout of the field.
It loses stars, though, because it seems like an afterthought and because the empty outfield just seems amateurish. This is a Major League Baseball team, right?
All of that said, I like the fact that’s it’s called Shea. I can definitely wait for Citi Field or whatever.

so, my wife is a Mets fan, so I’ll an extra star for her and for Mr Met. Shea has all the charm of a big super market. Add onto that the nice airline flights going overhead, and you really have a winner. The stadium isn’t old enough to be considered a classic (like Fenway or Wrigley) nor was it made when retro stadiums were in vogue and teams realized that a cool stadium is cool & people will go more often if it is interesting (like Pac Bell or Camden).
Once you get past that, the sight lines have been pretty good, I actually had some great seats on the top deck, between home & first, could see everything and that game Jose Reyes hit an inside home run and we had a perfect view of the whole thing unfold in front of us, hard to beat that.
The food & beer is typical, not great, expensive, not always hot when you want it to be (like hot dogs) or cold (beer). But if you go to a ball game expecting cheap prices, you are out of your mind.
All that said, I’ll be back in 2008.

My husband is a huge Mets fan so I have been to Shea many times. We have been to both Opening Day and the Subway Series at Shea. We even saw Vito from the Sopranos!
Jonathan is right about this stadium being a dump! The new stadium can’t come fast enough! I wonder if they will keep the Apple?
As for seats, we have been everywhere… field level, loge box, bleachers.
I am an Atlanta Braves fan and I always wear my Braves hat to this stadium. Not once has this caused a problem. Mets fans seem to be clueless :)

In my many visits to this place as a visitor, jogger, or fan, I have marveled at how «Amazin» this place can be and been shocked at how disorganized it is as well. I would pass by here all the time throughout the summer and looked at how crowded the parking was in the the small parking lot and the shuttles coming the stadium would be super slow battling the congested traffic below the subway tracks. The lines at Gate A, B, C, D were consistently long and slow, only to be ignored by the excitement of the fans.
Aside from that, many incredible moments have taken place here. In spite of its little faults (shotty construction, disgusting bathrooms, spendy yet cheaper food than Yankee stadium), is a historical and popular spot in Queens. Ticket prices are not as outrageous as some other sporting venues and serves as a good option for the summer afternoon. Seats are actually comfy and the obstructed views aren’t as bad as some people may be lead to presume. Course, this place would be heaven on earth, if the Mets could just win all the time here.

I LOVE the Mets. Love them. No matter what. Being a Mets fan means never having to say you’re sorry.
That being said, I’m just OK with Shea. I’ve never had a bad seat in the stadium. But. I have almost lost it and broken my off my eye teeth scrambling on the steep trajectory of the steps. I also have been the most horrifically drunken here, very very badly, leading to nightmarish outcomes badly, you have no idea. Something about it’s placement or energy of the area is responsible. Really.

Amazing! The fans are knowledgeable and welcoming when you have your game face on ;) Beers are cheaper than yankee stadium! The fans are into the team and although a pitcher might have a bad outing, or a field player might make an error, at least the fans don’t turn on them like another new york team I know of…
I’ve been to a lot of stadiums around the country, Shea isn’t the nicest, but the fans and the team are what makes this stadium what it is, awesome. Go Mets!

Let me preface this by saying that I have been a Mets fan since I moved to NY in 1981. That said, and having visited many ballparks in the past few years, this place is awful. My love for the Mets definitely overshadows many aspects of the team but the stadium could be the worst part of it. Now, why then, you ask, do I give this hole 3 stars?!? Well if you were there last night, bottom of the 12^th, man on 2^nd and 3^rd, 2 out, 2 – 2 count, Mets DOWN 2 – 1 — you would know why. TWO WORDS: ENDY CHAVEZ! I think I had 19 beers (at $ 7.50 a pop no less) but this did not change anything for me. I love my Mets!

I have had some fun times at Shea! Alas, I must withdraw a star because the pricing of food has gone up ($ 4.75 hot dog, up from $ 3.75!). But, this is your place to get a really good taste of America’s Pastime. Cheer for the Mets, make noise, drink a cold one, eat a Nathan’s hot dog (or two). How can you not have a good time?
Currently, as they are working on the new stadium, there is less parking, so try to go a little early if you’re driving. Taking the 7 train is really easy, though!

My first day in NY after 11 years, and the first plan of game is the SF Giants v. the NY Mets game. The weather is not fairing so nicely, but nonetheless, we are on a mission!
We take the subway to Shea Stadium and it drops us off quite nicely right in front. But alas, the game is canceled! Bummer! There goes our free T-​shirt giveaway! We still spend two hours getting a refund for our tickets.
But lucky us, we have tickets for Saturday’s game, which turns out to be a doubleheader! Again, we get on board the train to Shea Stadium and the gates are open! Yay! We get there in time for our free cap giveaway, only to spend the next three hours wandering around the stadium due to the rain delay.
We suffer through the cold and watch the Giants kiss ass. I grab my Nathan’s dog — gotta have a hot dog at the game, and spend the rest of the afternoon listening to a bunch of high school girls behind us bark «San Francisco sucks!» over and over again. With such a delay, we couldn’t stick around for the second game.
Overall, the park is okay. The vendors wore fluorescent color shirts that made them stand out everywhere, which was super convenient when looking for them. But overall, the park was just okay too. There were lots of food concession stands available, although not a great variety. It only gets a three star from me. (Those NY Mets caps from Verizon were pretty good quality though, I must admit. A few fans asked to buy ours since they knew we were Giants fans, but I had to say no.)