Ultimate Guide to Going to a Mets Game at Citi Field

If you’re headed to a baseball game in New York City, you have two options: the Yankees or the Mets. While the Yankees are generally considered the golden child in town, do not sleep on the Mets who play over in Queens at Citi Field. In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about watching a Mets game at Citi Field. 

Note: This post has been updated with stadium and food updates for the 2024 season.

In this Post

Here’s what we’re covering in this post. We invite you to read the full guide or jump ahead to the section you’re most interested in.

• Citi Field Overview 
• How to Purchase Mets Game Tickets 
• Where to Sit at Citi Field 
• How to Get to Citi Field for a Mets Game
• What Can you Bring to a Mets Game (and one important thing you can’t!)
• What to Eat at a Mets Game
• Fun Things to Do at Citi Field
• Going to a Mets Game with Kids 
• 5 Tips for your First Mets Game at Citi Field

Citi Field Overview

The New York Mets play in the Queens borough of New York City at Citi Field. The stadium opened in 2009 and is one of the newest stadiums in Major League Baseball. 

Citi Field replaced the iconic Shea Stadium, the team’s original ballpark that opened in 1964. The change was met with mixed emotions from loyal Mets fans, many of whom wanted to see Shea preserved to the likes of Wrigley Field or Fenway. The design of the new stadium pays tribute to Shea Stadium, but it was also heavily inspired by Ebbets Field — the original home of the Brooklyn Dodgers who relocated in LA in 1957. 

In 2023, the Mets unveiled a massive new digital scoreboard. At 21,500 square feet, it is the largest in the MLB! And in 2024, the stadium had another facelift where they relocated the shops and museum. More on that, later on.

Despite being one of the larger stadiums in the MLB, Citi Field is surprisingly easy to navigate and is very accessible. 

Citi Field Levels

Citi Field has three main levels: Field Level, Excelsior Level & Promenade Level. Each level is accessible by escalators (through the 7th inning), elevators and ramps located around the stadium. All three levels have food and beverage vendors and bathrooms (including family and accessible bathrooms).

All ticket holders can freely move between levels to access services and amenities on each level (excluding premium clubs and bars which require special ticketed access). Access to seating sections is limited to those who have a seat in that section.

Field Level is where you will find the majority services, stores and food vendors. The Field Level concourse encircles the entire stadium. It is very spacious and you can see the game from most parts of the walkway. 

Excelsior and Promenade Levels have a more limited selections of food and beverages, but still have all of the essentials. The walkways for these levels do not fully circle the stadium.

Note: There are also suites and club levels, but entry to those levels and areas is limited to those ticket holders. I will not be covering those in this post.

Citi Field Sections & Seating Areas

Within each level are numbered sections, each section comprising rows of seats. Sections are numbered and clearly labeled on signs throughout the stadium. Each ticket will be assigned a section and seat number, as is typical with all stadiums.

Sections are then grouped together into seating areas and given names. For example, sections 411-418 are called “Promenade Gold.” These named seating areas are not posted around the stadium, but instead are used to reflect similar price points and club access. You can check which sections and ticket holders have access to which clubs here.

I personally found all of these names to be a bit overwhelming. At the end of the day, don’t let it distract you. Unless you are looking for club access, you don’t need to worry about the names of the seating areas. If you’re interested in more information on seating areas and their benefits, check out this post.

Citi Field Gates

There are six main gates at Citi field. Ticket holders can enter from any of these six gates and access any seat in the stadium. Some people tend to enter the gate closest to where they arrive, while others prefer to enter the gate closest to their seats. Either works.

Rotunda Gate is the main entrance located behind home plate. It’s the most convenient entrance for guests arriving on public transportation via the 7 train or LIRR or guests parking in lots D, E and F. Just outside this gate is the original Home Run Apple from Shea Stadium, which makes it a popular entrance for diehard fans and first-time visitors alike.

Seaver, Stengel and LF gates are located along left field and are ideal for guests parking in lots B, C or D and sitting along the 3rd baseline.

The last two gates, Bullpen and RF gates, are located along the outfield. These gates are best for those sitting along the first baseline or in the outfield sections.

Citi Field Amenities

When I use the term amenities here and throughout this post, I’m referring to all of the vendors and services that are available at the ballpark other than the actual baseball game. Things like food and beverage vendors, fan services, ancillary activities, etc. 

Citi Field is a relatively new stadium. They didn’t overdo it with bells and whistles, but it’s a well thought out, nice stadium. 

Here are a few things you will find at Citi Field. 

• Jackie Robinson Rotunda: This beautiful entryway is located directly inside Rotunda Gate (the main entrance). Inside, there are some photo ops, the new team store (which now occupies the former Team Museum space), the Mets Hall of Fame (upper level), and Lost & Found. There is escalator and elevator access up to Field Level from the rotunda. 
• Fan Assistance Booths: This is where you can register for your first game certificate or get a day pass to access club levels to utilize the nursing pod or sensory nook. There are four Fan Assistance booths around the stadium: two on Field Level (across from 3B Hyundai Club & behind Section 142 next to the Shea Bridge), Excelsior Level near Section 306, and Promenade Level nearSection 412. 
• Field Level Concourse: This is the main, spacious concourse that circles the entire field. Here you’ll find many food and beverage vendors, stores, Center Field Plaza, and access to lower seating areas and standing room viewing.
• Center Field Plaza: This wide open patio in center field is the location for many of the stadium’s non-baseball activities. Fan Fest and kids activities are over here, plus it’s the new location for the Mets Museum. There’s also a large Shake Shake and many restaurants and bars over here.
• Shops: The new and largest Team Store is now located adjacent to the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. There’s also children’s team store (Field Level, right field), Jersey customization (Field Level, behind home plate), and Amazin’ Memorabilia (Field Level, behind home plate). Several smaller shops can be round around the stadium as well.
• Shea Bridge: An homage of sorts to former Shea Stadium, this functional bridge leads straight to Center Field Plaza. It also offers great views of the game.
• Bathrooms: There are ample bathrooms located around the park, including 15 family restrooms. All concourse bathrooms have baby changing tables and some also have adult changing tables.
• First Aid: The first aid room is located on Field Level across from the Hyundai Club third base entrance.
• Cell phone charging: There are two charging tables on the Field Level behind sections 101 and 128. There is also charging tables on the Excelsior Level along the first and third base side bars. 

How to Purchase Mets Game Tickets

The most straightforward way to buy single game Mets tickets in advance is from the MLB website here (powered by Tickets.com). If you’re booking weeks or months in advance, this is the best place to start.

You can search by seating section or price range. All tickets are subject to per-ticket (varies by ticket price) and per-order ($6) service charges. You will need to have or create an MLB account in order to complete your purchase.

If you’re booking closer to or on game day, the MLB site may not have the best selection or lowest prices. For last minute tickets, check StubHub, which is the official ticket reseller of the MLB.

Be sure to use the “Instant Delivery” filter to avoid any delays getting your tickets. StubHub tickets are all subject to a service fee (varies by ticket price) and a fulfillment fee ($2 per ticket).

Lastly, you can purchase Mets tickets at Citi Field. There is a ticket window on the exterior of the stadium on the third base side of Jackie Robinson Rotunda. The ticket window is open on game days starting 4 hours before the scheduled first pitch and remain open through the end of the 7th inning.

Special Ticket Offers & Promotions

If you’re flexible on dates and are looking for something special to add to your experience, be sure to check out the Mets Promotions page first. Here you’ll find information on all upcoming events and promotions. More events are added throughout the season, so check back often. 

Like many baseball teams, the Mets have several special promotions or giveaways, such as free hats, bobbleheads or shirts. These items are given out to a set number of fans on a first-come-first-serve basis. They also have other special events such as Bark at the Park when you can bring your dog, fireworks, and a chance for kids to run the bases after the game.

Sometimes you’ll even find special ticket deals. For example, if 2024 they are offering an Amazin’ Mets Pass, which gets you into every home game for a month for $49.  And in previous years, they’ve offered discounts for ticket bundles and packages that include food and drinks. 

Children’s Tickets for Mets Games

Children under 32 inches do not need their own ticket for Mets games. If the child does not have a ticket, they will not get their own seat and must sit on the lap of their parent or guardian in the adult’s assigned seat.

All guests 32 inches and taller will need a full-price ticket. There is no discounted pricing for kids tickets to Mets games.

We found the seats at Citi Field to be quite spacious compared to the seats at Wrigley Field (the stadium where we’ve spent the most time with our child.)

For their first visit, our 19-month-old was taller than 32 inches, so we bought them their own ticket. However, they sat on our lap most of the time anyway and we were perfectly comfortable. They are now almost 4, so they bop around between our lap, their own seat, and standing in front of their seat. It’s worth noting that they still aren’t quite heavy enough to hold the seat down on their own, so that’s often a challenge.

Where to Sit at Citi Field for a Mets Game

There are a few things to consider when picking where to sit at a Mets game. One of the more confusing things about Citi Field, to me at least, is all the names of the levels and seating areas.

Before you start picking your seats, I suggest reading the section above which outlines Citi Field levels and seating areas to help you better understand the terms you’ll see when trying to select your seat.

Once you’ve got a handle on that, here are a few top things to consider when choosing where to sit at Citi Field for a Mets game.

Price

The most obvious factor is price. Like all stadiums, the best seats are the closest to the action. So if money was no object, you’d ideally want to sit as close as possible. 

However, money is usually at least somewhat of an object for most guests. For everyone who is looking for the best seats within their set budget, you’ll be happy to know that Citi Field is a great place to visit for great value.

Citi Field is large, but it’s a really open stadium. Since it’s a new construction, there are virtually no seats with obstructed views. There are basically no bad seats at Citi Field, some seats are just further than others.

The Mets ticket prices are usually pretty reasonable. We suggest setting a budget and filtering your search, then choosing the closest seats in your price range.

You can often find upper level tickets for under $20. Depending on the day and opponent, Field Level tickets can usually be secured in the $50-$100 range. Weekday and day games are often cheaper, while weekend games and rivalry matchups tend to be the most expensive.

Overhead Coverage

Another thing to consider when selecting your ticket is overhead coverage. Sometimes you want to be covered (like when it’s raining or really sunny) and sometimes you don’t (like in early spring or late fall when it’s cold). Some seats at Citi Field are covered by overhangs, but with the moving sun and wind its hard to predict exactly whether or not a seat will be covered or not.

Typically, the back rows in most sections will have the best chance of being shaded, specifically along the 3rd base line. To getting a visual on your specific section, check out the Mets Seat Map. This will help give you a general idea of whether the seat is likely to be covered or not.

Amenities 

The last thing to consider is how close you want to be to the Field Level amenities. If you plan on going back and forth between your seats and these services, you may want to prioritize a lower seat so you don’t waste time moving between levels. 

Some of the amenities are listed above and detailed below in this post. Think dining options, shopping and non-baseball activities (like the Hall of Fame or Fan Fest). 

How to Get to Citi Field for a Mets Game

Citi Field is located in the Queens borough of New York City. While it can be far, depending on where you’re coming from, it’s easily accessible via public transportation or by car.

We recently relocated to Queens, so we love that Citi Field is in our borough! However, we’re starting to get the feeling that not all New Yorkers love Queens quite as much as we do. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to get to Citi Field from most other boroughs, so don’t let its location stop you.

Getting to Citi Field on Public Transportation

Citi Field is located just steps from Mets – Willets Point Station. This station serves the 7 MTA subway train and the LIRR Port Washington Branch train.

If you’re taking the subway, the  7 train cuts through Midtown Manhattan and western Queens. If you’re not starting near a 7 train stop, you can connect to the 7 from N or W trains at Queensborough Plaza or from E, F, G, R or V trains at 74th Street-Broadway / Roosevelt Avenue.

The Q48 bus also stops at Citi Field. This is ideal for anyone coming straight from LaGuardia Airport. 

For those who live closer to Citi Field, you can also bike to the stadium. There is secure bike parking available in the following locations: first base side of the Rotunda, third base side of the Rotunda, outside the Right Field Gate on Seaver Way. There is also now two Citi Bike stations at Citi Field: one in Mets Plaza near the main entrance and the other on the north side of the stadium at the intersection of Shea Road and Boat Basin Place.

Driving to Citi Field

While public transportation is recommended, you can also drive to Citi Field for a Mets Game. If you choose to drive, plan to arrive early to avoid congestion and delays. You can look up driving instructions in Google Maps or from a variety of starting points on the Mets website. NYPD will direct traffic to available parking lots. You can find the current parking and pricing information here. 

Parking is available at Citi Field and costs $40 per car for regular season Mets games. Drivers can pay for parking when they arrive with credit/debit cards, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You cannot pay for parking at a Mets game with cash.

There are 7 parking lots at Citi Field (A – G), however only C, D, E and F are available to standard ticket holders. (Parking lot A is reserved for Employees, B for season ticket holders with eligible tickets, and G for VIP Guest and Premium Suite Pass Holders.)

Parking lots open 1 hour before the stadium gates open, and parking spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. 

There are also several lots that are off the stadium property, but within walking distance. Some of these lots are open 24/7 and have prices as low as $15. Again, refer to the parking information page for details. 

If you’re using Uber or Lyft, there is a new rideshare pickup area on Shea Road near Seaver Way on the north side of the stadium. The easiest way to get there is to exit Bullpen gate by center field. 

What Can You Bring to a Mets Game

Let’s actually start with what you can’t bring. The Citi Field bag policy states that no backpacks of any kind are allowed inside the stadium. Large bags that exceed 16″ x 16″ x 8″ are also prohibited.

The only exceptions to this policy are completely clear backpacks with no obscured pockets or backpacks required for ADA/medical reasons. 

All other bags that are smaller than 16″ x 16″ x 8″ and are not backpacks are allowed inside Citi Field. This includes tote bags, diaper bags (that aren’t backpack style), messenger bags and (oddly enough) drawstring bags. There are no bag storage facilities at the stadium.

Small soft-side coolers are also allowed inside Citi Field, meaning you can also bring your own food. Guests are permitted to bring personal food items and up to one beverage per person as long as it is factory-sealed, non-alcoholic and not in a glass container. Alcoholic beverages cannot be brought into Citi Field. 

Strollers are allowed at Citi Field. Small, umbrella style strollers can be folded and stored under your seat. Larger strollers are allowed into the stadium, but not at seat levels. Stroller storage is available at any of the Fan Assistance booths.

What to Eat at a Mets Game

People who visit Citi Field have very divisive opinions about the stadium. Regardless of where you stand on the stadium as a whole, nearly everyone can agree on one thing: the food is amazin’. (I’m sorry, I had to.)

There are lots of reasons why many people love the food options at Citi Field. It is high quality (as in it features foods from beloved restaurants, celebrity chefs and James Beard award winners), covers a wide range of cuisine (arancini to sushi to pepperoni chip nachos) and accommodates many specific diets (vegan, kosher, gluten-free).

Here are some of the stand-out items to look for.

New Food at Citi Field in 2024

There are several new foods coming to Citi Field in 2024. Here are some of the highlights. You can also find the full list of new food vendors here. 

• Anne Burrell’s Italian Eats (Section 101): One of the celebrity chef partners this year is Anne Burrell, and she’s brought us something we never knew we needed: pepperoni chips. Think nachos, but with friend pepperoni instead of tortilla chips. I’m vegetarian, but color me jealous of carnivores who indulge on those! 
• Adam Richman’s Burger Hall of Fame: Citi Field is not short on indulgent comfort foods, but this Man vs. Food star’s French Onion Soup burger might take the cake. 
• Wok N’ Roll (Taste of the City in the Centerfield Concourse): This is where you’ll find the Instagram famous rainbow cookie egg roll, which combines two of my favorite things in the world!
• Taste of Queens: These food cart will feature three different local queens restaurants throughout the season. This year’s schedule features Poprice (March 28 – May 14), RyRy’s Kitchen (May 24 – July 14) and Benny’s Cuban Café (July 25 – September 22). People seem to be particularly excited about the Cuban sandwich from Benny’s!
• Comfortland (Coca-Cola Corner): As an Astoria resident, I can’t not mention this Astoria restaurant’s debut at Citi Field! They will be around from March 28 to May 14, and will be selling their famous Coca-Cola-glazed brisket.

Most Popular Food Spots at Citi Field

• Shake Shack: This popular chain takes their talents to Citi Field, offering their core menu items like burgers (including the vegetarian ‘Shroom Burger), fries and custard.
• Sweet Chik: American comfort food featuring chicken & waffles, chicken sandwiches & loaded fries.
• Amazin’ Chicken Co: You can’t go wrong with a classic. Here you can get classic tenders and nuggets with a variety of sauces and dips.

Most Interesting Food at Citi Field

• Arancini Bros: These risotto balls come from Sicily, but dip into a variety of flavor profiles like pizza, taco and even Nutella. 
• Hot Pastrami on Rye: Not exactly interesting for New York, but not something you’ll find at many ballparks!
• Pig Beach BBQ: You can get a bbq sandwich at plenty of stadiums I’m sure, but here you can also get a full bbq brisket and and pulled pork platter! Even better, you can get the Disney-famous Dole Whip from their location behind section 135.

Kid Food Faves at Citi Field

• Pizza Cupcake: It’s a family outing and you don’t want to fight over finishing dinner. These pizza cupcakes are super fun for the kids, and incredible delicious for the parents.
• Tacocina: Adventurous eaters might be down to try the pork and pineapple taco, or you can play it safe with the cheese and corn taco with a side of chips and guac.
• Big Mozz: For a snack that you can indulge on with your kid, swing by Big Mozz for their signature mozzarella sticks.
• Prince Street Pizza: When in doubt, a slice a cheese pizza should do the trip with anyone under 4 feet tall. 

Best Desserts at Citi Field

• Glaze Donuts: Another addition in 2024 is this donut stand, popping up at multiple locations around the stadium. Be sure to get the Boston Cream donut!
• Mister Softee: We love a baseball helmet soft-serve and this one blew our minds. It is so fluffy! Get the sprinkles.
• Wowfulls: Sweet bubble waffles filled with ice cream and a variety of delightful toppings.
• Sweet Chick: I’ll let this description speak for itself … Waffle Cookies, Maple Ice Cream Dipped in Dark Chocolate topped with Sprinkles & Pretzels Bits.

Food Options for specific Diets & Allergies at Citi Field

• Vegan City: Everything you could want at a baseball stadium, but made vegan. We’re talking nachos, hot dogs, and sausages. 
• Gluten Free Stand: Here you’ll find your ballpark favorites (hot dogs, chicken tenders, burgers, fries) all made gluten-free.
• Prime Kosher Sports: Kosher prepared ballpark classics, deli sandwiches, knish and other snacks.

NOTE: If you plan to purchase alcohol at Citi Field, you will need to show a valid ID. (Even if you look plenty older than 21!)

Fun Things to Do at Citi Field

If you’re looking for an excuse to get out of your seat, there a few things around Citi Field to check out. But don’t worry, there are video screens throughout the stadium and inside many of these attractions. That means you can take a break from your seat without taking a break from the game.

• Fan Fest: This area is located on Field Level behind the main scoreboard. Fan Fest is where most of the kids activities are, including a mini baseball field where they can run the bases and a meet-and-greet with Mr. and Mrs. Met before and during the game. It’s also a popular spot for adults, as it has a high concentration of bars, restaurants, and standing-room tables.
• Mets Museum: In 2024, the Mets Museum moved from the Jackie Robinson Rotunda to the Fan Fest area. You can learn more about the team, it’s history, and see some cool memorabilia, including their World Series statues. 
• Hall of Fame: You can see the Hall of Fame plaques from some of the team’s greatest players on the second level of the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, just inside the main entrance.
• Home Run Apple: If the Mets hit a home run while you’re there, get to a place with a view of the outfield ASAP to see the Home Run Apple pop up. The original home run apple from Shea Stadium can also be found just outside Rotunda Gate.
• First Game Certificate: Pop by any Fan Assistance Booth or select stores and look for a sign with a QR code. Enter some basic info and they’ll have a custom certificate printed for you. If you visit during the first two innings of the game, you can pick it up later that same day. Otherwise, they will mail it to you. This is 100% free.

Going to a Mets Game with Kids

You can absolutely bring babies, toddlers and kids to a Mets game, and we highly recommend it! We have been bringing our little one to baseball games since they were just a baby going to Wrigley Field. Now that we live in Queens, we’ve been to several Mets games.

Baseball games with kids can be really fun, but it can also be a bit hard on everyone. It’s loud and crowded and it’s always hard to shake up kids’ routines. Parents have to figure out what to feed their children (and pay for it), where to change them, and how the heck they’re going to nap. 

These things can be easier if you are prepared. So in this section, we want to try to help parents feel as comfortable and confident going into a Mets game so they have their best shot at a smooth, pleasant, happy family day at the ballpark. 

When to go to a Mets Game with Kids

The Mets used to have Family Sundays during most Sunday day games. They had entertainment, appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Met, and more. However, this event didn’t return in 2023 and isn’t scheduled for 2024 either. They are hosting two Kids Club Day games in 2024, but those special activities are primarily for Mr. and Mrs. Met’s Kids Club members. (Membership costs $65, and you can learn more here.)

What is definitely coming back is the Mr. and Mrs. Met Post-Game Dash, and that is free for ticket holders. On select Sunday day games, kids 12 and under can run the bases on the field after the game for no extra fee. You can find upcoming dates here — the event is listed as a promotional item.

Other than that, we’d recommend weekday afternoon games in the early summer. We went to a Tuesday afternoon game in May and it was pretty empty. There were lots of empty seats around ours, and we had some space to spread out. Since the concourses were also empty, our little one was able to run around a bit more than if it was crowded. Conversely, we went to Opening Day in 2023 and it was very crowded. 

Lastly, consider nap times. Our little one typically naps from 1- 3 and goes to bed at 7. That makes the standard 1 and 7 PM game times really hard for us. As it turns out, we weren’t alone.

In 2024, the Mets announced that they were changing Saturday game times to better accommodate families and groups. Saturday games from the start of the season through May 25 will start at 1:40 PM, and Saturday games from June 1 through September 21 will start at 4:10 PM. That makes Saturday’s a much better option for young kids. 

Food for Kids at a Mets Game

Citi Field has a ton of fun and delicious food options that appeal to kids and adults. We personally are raising a vegetarian toddler who loves hot dogs, so the vegetarian hot dog at Vegan City was an easy meal win for us. 

The pickiest eaters will be able to enjoy basic staples like mac n cheese, chicken fingers, hot dogs, pizza and burgers from concession stands and restaurants around the park. More adventurous kiddos will love the pizza cupcakes, french fries with fun dipping sauces, and even tacos with a variety of fillings.

Parents absolutely must know about the kids meal available at Citi Field! It is such a good deal. The kids meal includes a Nathan’s hot dog, popcorn, juice box, and prize for $8.19. Officially, you can purchase kids meals only at the concession stand on Field Level behind section 114, but we have seen it listed on other concession stand menus, too.

Unfortunately veggie hot dogs aren’t available with the kids meal, so we didn’t personally get to try this. 

Nursing at a Mets Game

In the state of New York, women are legally allowed to breastfeed anywhere they are allowed to be. So as a ticket holder, you are allowed to be inside Citi Field, and therefor are permitted to breastfeed anywhere you please inside Citi Field. 

Your seat is the easiest, most obvious place to nurse. I was no longer breastfeeding when we came to Citi Field, so I can’t say exactly how comfortable this would be. I did notice that the seats are actually relatively spacious (compared to Wrigley Field at least), so you could likely do this somewhat comfortably in your seat.

Alternatively, there is a nursing pod available where you can nurse in private. Unfortunately, they do not make this easily accessible. The nursing pod at Citi Field is located on the Empire Suite Level, across from Suite 213. If you do not have a suite level ticket that grants you access to this section, you’ll need to stop by any Fan Assistance Booth to get a pass to use the nursing pod.

Fun Things to do with Kids at a Mets Game

It shouldn’t be hard keeping your kids busy for three hours or so at a Mets game. If your little ones can’t sit still for the whole game, fear not! Here are a few things to make a Mets game extra special for your little one. (We also have a longer list of 10 things to do with kids at a Mets game.)

• First Visit Certificate: If it happens to be your kid’s first visit, this makes a special and free souvenir. Stop by any Fan Assistance Booth, scan the QR code and enter your little one’s info. If you visit during the first two innings, your certificate will be printed and available to pick up after the 8th inning. Otherwise, they will mail it.
• Mets Helmet Ice Cream: I think this was our toddlers favorite part of the entire game. It’s a toy, it’s dessert, it’s everything children love. They also have a larger ice cream option that comes in a Home Run Apple bowl. 
• Fan Fest: If your kid can hold a bat, they’ll love taking a swing at this mini Mets baseball diamond and running the bases. This is mainly for kids who can hit and run on their own, but they do have a tee. At 19 months, our toddler couldn’t really do it, but at 2.5 they LOVED it. You might also get to meet Mr. and Mrs. Met who visit before and during most games. 
• Plane Spotting: Citi Field is located near LaGuardia Airport along a takeoff flight path. Planes are often flying over the field and our toddler got excited EVERY time. This is a bit tougher with the giant new scoreboard, though.
• Kids Club: If you’re planning in advance and okay dropping some dough, you might want to sign your kids up for the Mets Kids Club. Each membership costs $65 and includes a few goodies and special deals throughout the season, including a skip-the-line pass to run the bases.
• Kids Team Store: I bring this up hesitantly because I know some parents aren’t looking for more things to spend money on. If you’re interested though, there is a kids team store located on Field Level near Right Field. You can find youth apparel, toys and more.

Naps during a Mets Game

If you have a child under 2, theres a pretty good chance that a Mets game is going overlap with your regularly scheduled nap time. 

If you have a young baby who can sleep in a baby carrier, you are golden at Citi Field. The upper concourses, outfield ramps and elevator bays are all relatively quiet, open spaces where you can escape some of the noise and distractions and squeeze in a nap. We personally didn’t do a carrier nap at Citi Field, but we’ve done enough at Wrigley Field to know that Citi Field would have been great.

If you have a stroller sleeper, you might also be in luck at Citi Field, too. Since the concourses are wide, you can easily push a small stroller around the same areas. Older toddlers might still be too distracted or excited, though.

A final option is to plan naps around game time and avoid napping at the stadium, even if it means arriving late or leaving early. When we were on a two-nap schedule, 1 PM games worked great because we’d nap right before and right after the game. Now that we usually just take a single nap at 1 and go to bed at 7, things are tougher. Afternoon games at 3 (now 4:10) work great, and we’ll just nap at home and sometimes show up a little late.

We were also surprised at how well our child did at a night game when they were just shy of 3 years old. We haven’t done it at Citi Field yet, but we went to a night game at Fenway when the Red Sox played the Mets. With a long, late nap, it actually worked out okay. They were a little delirious by the end, but we had a great time and would do it again. 

Diaper Changes at Citi Field

Diaper changing tables are available in all concourse restrooms on all levels of Citi Field. You should never be too far from one should a diaper emergency arise. 

There are also also 15 family bathrooms located around Citi Field. Some of those are located on suite levels. Here are the main family bathroom locations that are accessible to all ticket holders.

• Field Level – Sections 111, 114, 121, 124 & 130
• Excelsior Level – Sections 312, 326 & 339
• Promenade Level – Sections 409,420 & 430

I personally recommend using the changing tables in the restrooms instead of the family bathroom if that’s an option for your family. The lines for the family bathrooms are always long and tend to move very slowly. 

Sound Protection & Overstimulation Services for Kids

Baseball games can be really loud and overwhelming for kids, especially those with sensory sensitivities. Citi Field has several services that help children (and adults) find relief and comfort during the game. 

Light sensitivity sunglasses, noise reducing headphones, sensory bags and weighted lap pads are available for any guests (not just kids) to use during the game. You can rent any of these items for free by going to the Lost and Found booth located in the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. Simply leave a credit card or valid ID as a deposit and retrieve them when you return the item.

Citi Field also has a Sensory Nook which serves as a quiet area for fans who need a break from stimulation. Similar to the nursing pod, they don’t make this convenient for all guests to access. The nook is located on the Empire Suite Level across from Suite 229. If you do not have a suite level ticket that grants you access to this section, you’ll need to stop by the Fan Assistance Booth (located on Field Level behind home plate) to get a pass to use the Sensory Nook.

5 Tips for your First Mets Game

1. Take the train. It is so easy and inexpensive to take the train to Citi Field. If you’re someone who already rolls their eyes at Queens and thinks it’s too far, I promise you will hate it even more if you have to deal with traffic to get there. The train is so convenient, and it usually runs express from Manhattan on game days, which makes it even faster.
2. Get your first visit certificate first. In order to be able to pick up your printed first visit certificate at the game, you must sign up before the 3rd inning. We suggest doing this right when you arrive as the Fan Assistance Booth on Field Level behind Section 142. You can then pick up your certificate after the 8th inning. If you miss the cutoff or forget to pick it up, your certificate will be mailed to you.
3. Watch an inning from Field Level. There are standing room tables in Right Field and also a lovely view from Shea Bridge. This is a fun way to get a drink or a snack and watch the game from a new spot.
4. Don’t bring cash. Citi Field is a cashless venue. You can only pay by credit/debit card at all vendors and stores at the stadium. If you did happen to only bring cash and no cards, there are reverse ATMs at Citi Field where you can convert cash to a Mastercard gift card, which can be used anywhere.
5. Try the cheap seats. Field Level has the best amenities and the best views. However, all ticket holders have access to the Field Level concourse, which also has a great view of the game. If you’re not committed to sitting in your seat the whole time, we recommend buying cheaper tickets in the Promenade Level and just spending most of your time standing in the Field Level standing areas.

Play ball!

Now you’re ready for some baseball! Grab your friends, grab your family, and head to Citi Field! You now know everything you could possibly need to know to have a perfect visit to Citi Field for a Mets game.

If there’s anything we missed, let us know in the comments. We’d also love to hear about your experience, whether it’s your kid’s favorite part, your favorite beer or a special memory you made. Let us know!

Whether this is your first time at a Mets game, the first time for your little one, or just the first time in a while, we hope you have an amazin’ time.

Go Mets!