Citi Field is a Major League Baseball stadium in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, New York. Opened for the 2009 season, it serves as the home venue of the New York Mets and was built to replace the aging Shea Stadium. The ballpark is named under a sponsorship agreement with Citigroup (commonly called Citi). Over the past decade it has become a focal point for sporting, cultural and community events in the borough.
Design and notable features
The stadium combines modern amenities with design elements that recall older ballparks. Key features include an enclosed main entrance rotunda honoring baseball history, a sizable scoreboard and display systems, and an outfield configuration that gives each part of the park distinct sightlines. Concession offerings, premium suites and fan areas were planned to improve comfort and the game-day experience compared with the previous facility.
Construction and history
Construction began in the mid-2000s while the Mets continued to play at Shea Stadium. The new park opened in 2009; Shea Stadium was subsequently taken down and its footprint converted to supporting infrastructure and parking. Since opening, Citi Field has hosted regular-season games, postseason play, and one of the sport�s marquee events, the 2013 Major League Baseball All-Star Game (All-Star Game hosts).
Uses and events
Primary use is Major League Baseball home games for the Mets, but the venue has also been used for concerts, community gatherings and occasional other sporting events. The design accommodates both everyday operations and large-scale productions, with facilities for media, team operations and visiting fans. Its role extends beyond baseball as a regional entertainment center.
Access and surroundings
Citi Field is adjacent to Flushing Meadows–Corona Park and the historic site of New York World�s Fairs. It is served by public transit and event-day rail service, which help manage crowds on game days. The stadium sits in a busy sports and cultural corridor of Queens and contributes to local economic activity through visitors and events.
Distinctions and legacy
Replacing a long-standing stadium, Citi Field represents a modern, sponsored sports venue intended to balance tradition and contemporary needs. Visitors will often encounter tributes to Mets history, family-oriented amenities and design touches meant to link the team to its New York roots. For more detailed information about the facility and its location see the stadium overview (location and facts) and related resources (stadium information).