Citi Field Stats
Whereas Shea was built as a multi-use stadium, Citi Field is designed only for the Mets’ use. Expected to cost $800 million, Citi Field will be smaller than Shea with a capacity of 45,000 seats. According to a recent Mets press release, construction is on time and on budget.

“Approximately 90% of Citi Field’s structural steel frame is complete, including the Jackie Robinson Rotunda,” the release read in part. “The pouring of structural concrete on the Promenade Level is complete, and masonry brick walls for concession stands and restrooms are under construction on the Field and Club Levels. The light towers along the first and third base lines are in place.”

The construction effort has employed 600 workers, representing a cross-section of the City’s population.

“The construction of Citi Field creates a significant opportunity for the competitive strength of Local, Minority- and Woman-Owned Business Enterprises,” a spokesperson for the Mets said. “The Mets have been working with an advisory committee of community leaders chaired by Borough President Helen Marshall and co-chaired by Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) that has ensured the involvement of minority-and women-owned businesses in Queens and the immediate area.”

Shea was built in the early ‘60s just as the Civil Rights Movement was emerging. Citi Field, on the other hand, is being pieced together by a diverse group of Queens-ites for an even more diverse fan base.

A New Logo
On Feb. 25, the Mets and Citi launched a new logo for Citi Field in Port St. Lucie, Florida. It combines design elements of both corporations. The font selected adheres to Citi’s official typeface and resembles lettering used at Ebbets Field.

“With the unveiling of the Citi Field logo, and the construction of our new home, we are one step closer to bringing the dream of a new home for Mets fans to reality,” said Mets Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon. “This marks the start to the official countdown to our April 2009 opening of Citi Field.”

The new logo represents one of many marketing, advertising and promotional programs that will arise as a result of the 20-year partnership between Citi and the Mets.

“Today is a great moment for Citi and the Mets, as we unveil a key piece of our historic landmark partnership,” Cit Vice Chairman Lew Kaden said. “The new logo represents our joint commitment to bringing baseball fans a world-class ballpark in the financial capital of the world. We are thrilled with our partnership with the Mets and excited about Citi Field.”

EPA and Mets Team Up for Environment
Although Shea will be smoke-free in 2008, Citi Field far surpasses Shea in terms of environmental initiatives intended to reduce the stadium’s carbon footprint. With the support of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the Mets signed an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency on March 13.

“The Mets deserve an environmental MVP award for their efforts to reduce the carbon footprint and the waste stream from the construction and operation of their new ballpark,” said Alan J. Steinberg, Regional Administrator, EPA. “This important agreement underscores innovation and a comprehensive commitment toward sustainable development. From its use of recycled materials and energy efficient lighting to its commitment to joining the Energy Star and WasteWise partnership programs, Citi Field is looking greener every day.”

The Mayor also praised the team’s efforts.
“We are so pleased to see corporate citizens like the Mets step up and contribute to the goals of PlaNYC – our bold, far-reaching strategy for making New York a greener, greater city,” Bloomberg said. “It probably would have been easier to build a new ballpark without incorporating ‘green’ technology, but the Mets understand that their responsibility to New Yorkers doesn’t end with the third out in the bottom of the ninth. They’ve taken the initiative to be bold, innovative, and environmentally responsible.”

The environmentally sound design of Citi Field includes the use of use of recycled building materials, energy and water conservation and efficiency, significant landscaping and mass transit initiatives.

To learn more about EPA partnerships and programs, visit www.epa.gov/Region2.

Waste Nothing
New York City will lose not one but two stadiums at the close of this year’s season; Yankee Stadium in the Bronx is also scheduled for demolition.

“There’s a lot of history in there,” said Mike Heffner, President of Leland.com, a Web site dedicated to selling stadium memorabilia. “To me it’s almost as neat because Yankee stadium was refurbished, but Shea still has most of the original seats there.”

Heffner said collectors have been known to pounce on everything from lockers to pieces out of club houses, signage, and turnstiles.

“Collectors will collect anything right down to the dirt from the infield,” Heffner said. “This is all valuable stuff. It’s mind boggling. Millions and millions worth of materials in these places. Bricks cost a couple of pennies but to a fan it’s worth a couple hundred dollars.”

Heffner said it’s still unclear whether the City or the team will get into the business of selling Shea Stadium’s collectables, but regardless, everything is fair game.

“Some people say it’s crazy we’re selling urinals, but at least this stuff is going to be preserved rather than ending up in a landfill where it’s gonna go to waste. A lot of the collectors out there that buy this stuff they’re a little loony but their intentions are good they have to be credited with preserving history,” he said. “It would be a travesty to just knock the place down and take it away in trucks out to the landfill. That would be horrific.”