Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
On Thursday, I was part of the 8,400 or so lucky fans who were able to attend the Mets first home game with fans since 2019.
Obviously this was a different kind of opening day than Mets fans have been used to, but it was a great day at the ballpark none the less.
Before breaking down some of yesterday’s experiences that should answer some questions for anyone else looking to attend a game this season, I want get a little bit sappy for a minute.
The last game I attended in person at Citi Field was in August of 2019 (fittingly an Edwin Diaz blown save against the Nationals that cost Jacob deGrom a win), and like so many other Mets fans it’s felt like an eternity since we could enjoy our favorite ballpark once again.
However, that day finally did come, and Mets fans did not disappoint.
The atmosphere in the ballpark was electric, and even with masks on you could see the excitement on everyone’s faces to be at the game.
I really can’t put into words how amazing it felt to once again explode into cheer with thousands of other people after Jeff McNeil‘s game tying homerun in the bottom of the 9th inning.
It was a perfect day at the park and I will never take any of it for granted again.
Now, Lets get to some ballpark details that should clear any questions you might have:
Showing Your negative Covid Test Before Entry
This probably seems like the most stressful part of going back to Citi Field, but it really couldn’t have been more easy.
I got to the game about an hour and a half before first pitch and there was no line, but with limited capacity as it is I don’t believe there were any real lines at entrance.
Before entering onto the security line (which are now walk through metal detectors when you get up to it), you are greeted by a Mets staff member who checks your negative test result, and you’re good to go!
Seating Pods
Seating groups were spread out from each other a good amount, with all other seats not in use zip tied closed to ensure proper spacing and distancing.
Obviously you miss being in a full stadium and being apart of that, but it was pretty nice to not be sitting on top of someone and having some room to enjoy the game.
Concessions
Depending on where in the park you got your food (the center field area still gets crowded), the concessions were pretty quick and have a good system.
Everything is now given to you with your food in an enclosed cardboard box along with a paper shopping bag to carry your goods (this is an improvement in my opinion).
As far as the prices go, I did not see any real spikes that were noticeable or noteworthy, considering they have always been expensive.
Citi Field is a cashless experience
Not so shockingly due to Covid, everything at Citi Field is now cashless.
From parking (which is still $25 which was shocking), to the team store, or concessions, credit or debit are now king for the foreseeable future.
Mask Enforcement
Overall, folks were good with mask wearing, especially walking throughout the concourse and being in any crowded areas.
ALL the Citi Field staff were great about wearing them, from ushers to concession workers everyone seemed to really take it seriously.
Among fans it did seem to be much relaxed when people were in there seats, but with a majority of people eating or drinking in their seats it’s just something that’s unavoidable.
Overall Experience
Overall, I’d rate the experience at a 9/10: felt very safe, everything was really clean (there was a noticeable emphasis on that even during the game), and it really felt like a normal game.
It can’t be a 10/10 yet because we all can’t be there together, but it was amazing to be back at the stadium and I recommend anyone who is on the fence to please go and enjoy a game this year!
