Best way to get to Citi Field:

This one is totally up to you.

Drive and Park:

If you are within a reasonable driving distance from Flushing and willing to pay the parking fee, which is steep, there is plenty of parking available now that we've Shea-d goodbye.

This option is best for people who are elderly or handicapped, as well as those who will attend the game with an elderly or handicapped person. The walk from the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) is a long one and involves a lot of stairs once you pass the 7 Train.

Ferry Service:

The SeaStreak located in the Highlands in Monmouth County, New Jersey runs to Citi Field. The trip last about 75-minutes long and the return trip departs 30 minutes after the game ends. For prices, call (800) BOATRIDE.

This is a good thing during the dog days of summer in which a person might like the wind in their hair. However, the rain isn't a good condition for a boatride, nor is this good for those who easily get sea sick.

Also, if you must leave early, do you want to be stranded in Flushing without your boat? Or risk missing it if you want to stick around for a little while?

Long Island Railroad:

The LIRR is a great option for people who are coming to the game from New Jersey Take an NJ Transit Train to Penn Station, then change over to the Railroad. The trains usually run every twenty or so minutes and start running about two hours before game time. The fare is cheap at $8.50 round trip off-peak and the seats are comfortable.

However, if you are looking to make it on time for batting practice, DO NOT rely on the LIRR. It will not get you there in time.

The 7 Train:

The 7 train is a great way to get to Citi Field from all areas in Manhattan and Queens, especially if you work in New York City. While it is less expensive than the LIRR, it doesn't offer the most comfortable of riding experiences.

However, if you DO want to get to batting practice on time and want to take mass transit, the 7 Train is the way to go.

Purchasing Tickets:

For seating suggestions, look at the Seating Section of this guide.

There are quite a few outlets to buy tickets. Here are some of the popular ones.

Mets.com

For single game tickets and season plans, Mets.com is a good place for seats.

Suggestion: Check with them the day of the game for field level seats that are just released. Before that, however, I would look at Stubhub for some bargains based on the sections and prices listed in this guide.

Stubhub

Stubhub is a great solution for last minute tickets and sold out games.

While people do like Ebay, Stubhub's window at the ticket office allows for accountability. I've had experiences with people selling tickets that they actually go and use, leaving you with an invalid ticket. The Mets will find you tickets that they have available as replacements.

The Mets have windows 4-9 at Citi Field dedicated to internet pickup and that includes Stubhub.

Suggestion: Check with them a few days before the game you wish to attend if it's sold out for bargains. Prices on Stubhub are set up like auctions and they won't drop for a few days. In fact, you can see how long until the listing ends. In actuality, the listing isn't ending, it's programmed to drop the price at the end of that time period.

Beware, great deals go FAST. Be sure to check back frequently. To eliminate high shipping charges, choose auctions with the option of e-delivery, which will send the tickets to your e-mail account, or will call pick up.

Ticket Brokers

If you've got money to burn for premier seats and are adamant about them, there are ticket brokers out there.

Suggestion: Onlineseats.com is a site I've dealt with and strongly recommend, while I've heard good things about frontrow.com

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Batting Practice:

Batting practice is a great experience that I highly recommend fans attend.

You get to watch your favorite Mets warm up and see them more candid than you do during a normal game. In fact, you might even catch some of them singing along to the songs blaring over the P.A. Sometimes, that alone is worth the price of admission. In addition, this is the time to get autographs.

Be forewarned, batting practice can be very hit or miss. For instance, during one BP session, I snagged Church, Pelfrey, and Sanchez. The next one, three days later, I only got Moises Alou. Certain guys sign a lot, others sign very little or don't sign at all.

BP Etiquette:

Your best bet is to be as polite as possible to the players and call to them for their autographs as they approach the dugout. DO NOT yell at them while they're in the cage or doing fielding drills. They will not come over.

Also, try to stand as close to an end of the dugout as possible if you're looking to get anyone except the pitchers. The pitchers will hang out towards the bullpen. Your best bet for that is to gravitate towards the first baseline.

The player who is signing will go down the line and will look at you/gesture when it is your turn to toss him your item. As a result, my suggestion is to bring a baseball. DO NOT throw your ball out of turn.

Case and point: David Wright has been hit in the head/almost hit in the head by flying baseballs while signing autographs. Besides ruining everyone else's fun, do you really want to be known as the person who gave him a concussion while he was being nice to fans? Didn't think so.

In addition, follow all of the directions of the security staff. They will be more inclined to help you get autographs, as well as throw stray batting practice balls in your direction.

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Recommendations:

Bring a baseball and a pen, not a Sharpie. A pen's ink penetrates the cover of the ball, while a Sharpie does not. While you can bring a jersey, hat, or program, a baseball is the easiest thing to transfer back and forth.

You should probably bring a plastic bag or Ziploc to help preserve your ball until you return home. Nothing will frustrate you more than returning home after a game to find that your Johan Santana-signed baseball is now a Han Santa-signed baseball.

Should you be inclined, there are display holders on sale in the Team Store in the Rotunda. That will suffice, as well.

If you are bringing a child with you, make sure to place them in front of you with a ball in their hand. While this might sound a little odd, players are more inclined to sign for kids and throw them baseballs than adults, who could very well turn around and sell the autographs online. This rule doesn't seem to apply to females, however.

BP Schedule:

The Mets take batting practice first, as the home team. Their BP last for fifty minutes. The visiting team practices second and their BP lasts about the same time.

For 1:10pm starts: Mets start at 10:40, Visitors start at 11:30.

For 4:10pm starts: Mets start at 1:40, Visitors start at 2:30.

For 7:10 starts: Mets start at 4:40, Visitors start at 5:30.

Important Notes:

If it rains, there will be no outdoor batting practice. Your chances of an autograph drop drastically. While I have gotten Church and Maine to sign my baseball on rainy days, it was pure luck and coincidence, not to mention my full-out sprint towards the outfield. My recommendation is to stay dry and stay home, then drive in at a more reasonable hour. Save your baseball for another time.

If a day game is being played after a night game, most players, if not all, will skip batting practice. Attending, as I have found out, is a waste of your time.

Where to Sit

Unlike Shea Stadium, there really isn't a bad seat in the house. Wherever you sit depends on what you can afford or are willing to spring for, as well as your preferences. Instead of pointing out the blatantly obvious fact that field-level seats are the closest, I'll point out the pros and cons of each section, as well as noteworthy items.

Please note, there are FIVE different prices per seat, depending on the date/opponent. The ranges given for each are for the Platinum (Opening Day/Yankees Series) to the Value (mid-week Marlins and Nationals).

Sterling Level

Delta Club Seats

Pros:These seats are located directly behind home plate and also offer waiter/waitress service to ticket holders. Padded seats all around.

Cons: These seats are the absolute priciest in the ballpark. They can range from as expensive as $695 to $105. Not to mention, the net sometimes is a pain to have to watch a game through. The overhead net no longer exists, so there is still the threat of fly balls.

Pros: Location, location, location. Once again, directly behind home plate, but this section is elevated and without the pesky net. Great location for foul balls, as well.

Cons: Price, yet again. The price range is $280 to $120. For that kind of money, wouldn't you rather be on the field?

Metropolitan Box

Pros: Close to field, no net, and prime tee-shirt launch position! Also, behind dugouts!

Cons: There are four different classifications within this seating area - Platinum, Gold, Silver, and regular Box. So really, there's such a thing as Platinum Platinum Metropolitan Box, Gold Platinum, etc. It does get confusing when purchasing tickets. Still, they range from $525 (Platinum Platinum) to $90 (Value Box).

Field Box

Pros: Sit on the field for less, good view down the baselines. Prime tee-shirt launch area, yet again, more so than the Metropolitan seats. Decently priced for field seats when purchased for Value category games.

Cons: Price range is broken down into three sections again, $315 (Field Box Gold - Platinum games) to $75 (Field Box - Value games).

Baseline Box

Pros: Only one category of seats and still affordable for field seats, great view of the action. Many foul balls ARE actually hit here.

Cons: While on a budget, the Bronze and Value seats are the only affordable options, with the $75 Silver category running borderline.

LF/RF Reserved

Pros: You can catch a home run ball out in these seats that are the equivalent of the bleachers out at Shea, except nicer. Most seats cost around $70-30, depending on category. Also in close proximity to Shake Shack, Blue Smoke, and the Fan Fest area.

Cons:If you want to sit in the first or second row, be prepared to pay almost $30 more per ticket. The concession area that houses the Shake Shack and Blue Smoke is very crowded with very long lines.

Big Apple

Pros: Very affordable, price range is $49 - $21 and the seats are right next to the Home Run Apple. Close to Shake Shack, Blue Smoke, and Fan Fest Area.

Cons: You can't really see the scoreboard, concession area gets very crowded, and you're as far from home plate as you can get without going to grab a burger.

Bridge Terrace

Pros: Only two rows here, no price difference. Right by Shake Shack, Blue Smoke, and Fan Fest area.

Cons: Pricy seats, considering their distance from home plate and elevation. These tickets can run you anywhere from $63 to $27.

Suggestion: Big Apple is a more populated environment, filled with fun fans, for cheaper. If you're going to spring for $60-something dollar tickets, pick a Bronze date against a division rival for a weekend game and buy Baseline Box seats.

Caesars Level

Caesars Platinum/Gold

Pros: Fantastic view of the field from behind home plate, close proximity to the SNY/CW 11 booth (and Gary, Keith, and Ron), as well as the WFAN booth. You'll have access to the Caesars Club and will be close to the concessions behind your section. This section is entirely under cover, which is great for rainy days, quite a few foul balls have been known to come this way.

Despite the cover, you are still able to see everything in the ballpark, including the scoreboards, a problem in Shea Stadium. In addition, the fact that there are only six rows in the section is nice as a convenience factor.

Cons: These seats will run you around $245/$175 to $105/$90. They're also kind of confusing to get to if you're not familiar with the stadium. You can't walk around the entire section, as it is cut right down the middle by the SNY camera crew. For the kids, tee-shirts rarely come up here, nor does Mr. Met.

Caesars Silver/Bronze

Pros: Nice, baseline view; open setting that mirrors Shea's Upper Deck in the location of the Mezzanine.

Cons: For the Mezzanine equivalent at CitiField, $175/$161 to $75/69 is kind of pricy; no protection from the elements. On a windy day, hold on to your lighter items and beware of flying paper remnants from fans' meals.

Suggestion: For a view that's closer to the action at a similar/lesser price, I'd purchase seats in the baseline boxes. Great positioning for tee shirts there too.

Left Field Landing

Pros: Relatively affordable, good view of Daniel Murphy's throws from left into the diamond, great view of CitiField in reverse. You can sit in the first few rows for as low as $36 a seat.

Cons: If Murphy makes a play against the wall, it will be hard for you to see it. Also, the wind tunnel in left makes it hard for home runs to travel into this section. Section is broken into the Gold (first two rows) and normal sections. Gold runs from $84 - $36, normal runs from $56 to $24. As a result, gold section can be a little on the pricy side.

Suggestion: If you sit out in the outfield for this money with kids, try and take them to BP to get them a great view of the guys at work on the field. While it's not the same as an actual game, you're getting the best value for your money. Plus, if Wright signs their baseball, they'll have the entire landing to brag to, not just every relative who is a Mets fan via your cell phone for the remainder of the game.

Pepsi Porch

Pros: Affordability (Gold runs from $84-$36, normal from $56 to $24), home run balls, foul balls, view of 1st baseline.

Cons:Section isn't cost efficient for Platinum or Gold, first two rows will run you $14 more per ticket; far distance from home plate; depending on row, view of scoreboard might not be the best.

Suggestion: If you think your kids will not be satisfied with view, try and take them to BP. An autograph will quell their problems for the rest of the day.

Promenade Level

Promenade Club

Pros: Equivalent to Mezzanine, great view from seats, excellent for foul balls. Affordable for the average fan if you sit in seats during Bronze/Value.

Cons: If you want to go to the more premier dates, the Promenade Gold (first 2 rows) and normal Promenade will run you a pretty penny. They range from $105/$84 to the more affordable $45/$36.

Suggestion: Pick a Bronze weekend or head on over after work for a Value date. If you're bringing the kids, take them after camp/school. You'll get the most bang for your buck if you do.

Promenade Box

Pros: Box seats without the typical box price tag. Even premium games won't make you pass out when you get the credit card bill at $49 and the value games, for $21, are hard to beat. These seats are comparable to Mezzanine box seats at Shea. And for the kids, tee- shirt launch ahoy without the issue of drunken fans.

Cons: None of these boxes are in the infield and you are still at the mercy of the weather, especially the summer sun.

Suggestion: If you're concerned with profanity or unruly fans, but can't afford the more expensive seats, these are perfect for you. They're also good for those who are elderly as there is handicapped seating in some of the sections.

Promenade Reserved Infield

Pros: All of these seats are priced the same, whether you sit in row one or row seventeen. The last few rows offer cover from the rain and shade from the strong summer sun, but you don't sacrifice much view to sit there. This is like sitting in the far back of the Mezzanine, without the inability to see the scoreboard. These seats are by far the best seats with the best value. Platinum dates run $35, while Value dates run $15. Great seats for families and groups and the stairs are not as steep as at Shea.

Cons: Because of their affordability, these seats might have groups of drunken fans during night games. While this might not be an issue during a game against the Cubs or Padres, games against division rivals such as the Nationals, Marlins, and Braves might be a problem. Games against the Phillies or Yankees will pose the biggest problems. Also, aside from a view rows, seats are at the mercy of the sun, wind, and rain. Beware of flying debris.

Suggestion: If you're taking the kids to a game, this is the place to sit with the best value. If you're worried about course language and drunken fans, take them to an after-school, after-camp game during the week. You'll save money and eliminate most of the problem. Go for section 405 or 424 if you can, as they're the section closest to the last Promenade Club section.

Promenade Reserved

Pros: Highly affordable in the $35-$25 price range, pretty good view of field. The last few rows offer cover from the rain and shade from the strong summer sun, but you don't sacrifice much view to sit there. This is like sitting in the far back of the Mezzanine, without the inability to see the scoreboard.

Cons: Depending on which section you get, you could either be on the brink of the expensive seats and the accompanying view, or out in the depths of the park. You might have trouble seeing the scoreboard if your seats are out in Sections 534 to 538. Once again, there is the possibility of unruly/drunken fans and sunburn/soaking from excess sun or rain.

Suggestion: If you're worried about course language and drunken fans, take them to an after-school, after-camp game during the week. You'll save money and eliminate most of the problem. If you're very concerned about bringing the kids, spring for a Promenade box during the week for an after-school/after camp game, which will put you at a price under $30.

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How to Enter (Entrances)

Yes, there are plenty of options on how to enter the stadium and they depend on your amount of time and patience. Your ticket will tell you which is the best gate to enter through for convenience purposes. All gates are very clearly marked.

Jackie Robinson Rotunda:

If you're dying to check out the Rotunda, you're not alone and on gameday, it shows. The line to get in the Rotunda and up the escalator, as in singular escalator, is absurd. It actually goes into the parking lot sometimes.

Suggestion: If you really want to see the Rotunda, do so on the way out of the stadium. It'll be a lot less crowded and you won't have to worry about losing your place on line.

VIP Entrances:

If your ticket says Gate VIP, this is the gate you should enter through. You will be able to enter through the Third Base VIP or First Base VIP entrances. The line to get in is very short and security is efficient.

Suggestion: Beware of the wait for the elevator, as it can get very long. The elevator is nothing but a generic elevator, so if you can take the stairs, do so!

Right/Left Field:

If you plan on attending batting practice, the LEFT FIELD GATE is the gate that will be open early. The Right Field Gate opens at the normal time.

Suggestion: Get to the lF Gate at least a half an hour early. It's usually a race to the field, complete with sprinting, so wear sneakers.

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Food Options

From the typical ballpark staples to the interesting culinary delights created just for CitiField, the stadium offers plenty of options. However, your best option depends on your budget, dedication to miss as little of the game as possible, and Mets' lead/deficit.

Please note the following drinks are available at almost all of the restaurants.

Drinks: Regular Soda - $3.50, Large Soda - $4.75, Souvenir Soda - $5.25, Bottled Water - $7.75, Bottled Gatorade - $4.75, Regular Beer - $5, Large Beer - $6.25, Premium Beer - $7.50, Coffee - $3, Hot Chocolate - $3

Please note that there are TV's around all areas of the ballpark, including a giant one on the back of the scord board, and the SNY/CW 11 audio is pumping through the corridors at all times, so no concession will leave you without a view of the game of any kind.

Below are the available choices and the food they offer, as well as suggestions as to when/where you should visit them.

Acela Club

Location: Excelsior Level in Left Field

Menu: The menu is prix fixe at $48 dollars and features upscale food.

Spring 2009 Menu: Click here.

Issues: Limited to premium ticket holders who can only dine there with a reservation. For reservations, call 718-565-4333. Opens 2 hours, 45 minutes before game time.

Ballpark Eats

Location: All Levels

Menu: Hot Dog - $5.75, Hamburger - $5.75, Cheeseburger - $5.75, Blazin' Burger - $5.75, Drive-in burger - $5.75, Chicken Tenders - $7.50, Corn Dog - $4, French Fries - $4.75, Onion Rings - $4.75, Cracker Jacks - $4.75, Peanuts $4.75

Cool Feature: The new hot dog cart directly next to the concession holds trays with sauerkraut, relish, and other toppings, as well as dipping sauces and mustard/ketchup packets. No more packet-grabbing for fans! Also, these stations are manned by staff in order to keep them fresh and clean.

Issues: The normal, expensive ballpark food.

Recommendation:These are probably your best bet if you want to get back to the game quickly. The staff is much more efficient than in years past and there are locations all over the ballpark. While the coffee and hot chocolate are $3, they come in a large, Styrofoam cup, not the paper shot glasses from Shea. Also, the condiment cart is rather amusing.

Big Apple Brews

Location: Center field ("Taste of the City") Concourse

Menu: (All $7.50) Bass, Beck's, Beck's Premier Light, Beck's Dark, Budweiser, Budweiser American Ale, Bud Light, Bud Light Lime, Czechvar, Goose Island Honker's Ale, Goose Island India Pale Ale, Harbin Larger, Hoegaarden, Kirin Ichiban, Kirin Light, Kona Longboard Island Lager, Leffe Blonde, Michelob Ultra, O'Doul's, Redhook, Rolling Rock, Staropramen Pilsner, Stella Artois, Tiger Beer, Widmer Brothers

Issues: It's still $7.50 or more for a beer.

Recommendation: Not a fan of Budweiser, that's cool. Check this out instead. It's worth a look if you're going to get a beer and are willing to drop down the money on it.

Blue Smoke

Location: Center field ("Taste of the City") Concourse

Menu: Pulled Pork Sandwich - $9, Kansas City Spare Ribs - $10, Chipotle Chicken Wings - $8, French Fries - $4.75

Issues: The line here is VERY long and if far away from your seats, may take you away from the game for an hour or more. No TV's in the concourse means that you can't even watch while you're on the line.

Recommendation: Unless you are sitting out in center, the Mets are down by 10, or are not going to get another chance to sample the food, wait until late summer when the hype has died down.

Box Frites

Location: Center field ("Taste of the City") Concourse

Menu: Small frites - $6.50, Large frites - $7.50, five dipping sauces - $1 each

Issues: More money than the average French fries box, charge of $1 for each sauce. No TV's in the concourse means that you can't even watch while you're on the line.

Recommendation: For adventure's sake, check it out if you have the chance. It's certainly a small price to pay for variety, unlike the $17 lobster roll.

Cascarino's Pizza

Location: Center field ("Taste of the City") Concourse, Delta Sky360 Club, and Caesar's Club

Menu: Cheese Slice - $5.75, Pepperoni Slice - $6, Sicilian Slice - $6.25, Grandma Slice - $5.50, Whole Wheat Slice - $5.50, Chicken Roll - $6.50, Stromboli - $6.50, Eggplant Parmigiana Hero - $9.50, Meatball Parmigiana Hero - $9.50, Penne Alla Vodka - $9, Lasagna - $5.00

Issues: Pizza slices are pricy, especially when you figure in how many slices the average adult male can put away.

Recommendation: Your best value is the Penne Alla Vodka or Lasagna, which is a price around or below what most Italian Restaurants will charge you for the dinner portion.

Catch of the Day

Location: Center field ("Taste of the City") Concourse

Menu: Fried Fish Sandwich - $8.50, Grilled Shrimp Po' Boy Sandwitch - $12.75, Lobster Roll - $17.00, Shrimp Cocktail Salad - $14.75, Fried Calamari - $9.50, Crab Fries & Cheese - $5.75, Long Island Clam & Corn Chowder - $4.75, Hot Dog - $5.75, Garlic Fries - $4.75

Specialty Drinks: Cabernet Sauvignon - $9.75, Chardonnay - $9.75

Issues: The most expensive menu throughout the stadium.

Recommendation: If you want to try something priced like many items around the park, the garlic fries, crab fries & cheese, and chowder are your best bets. The line here isn't going to be too long because of the price points.

Delta Sky360 Club

Location: Sterling Level

Menu: Bar, cafe-style sandwiches, and coffee.

Cool Features: There is a glass window that allows you to look in on the Mets underground batting cage. You will be able to watch them

Issues: The prices will undoubtedly be high.

Recommendation: If you enjoy upscale dining and have the ability to go there, grab the opportunity... if for no other reason than to see the cages.

El Verano Taqueria

Location: Center field ("Taste of the City") Concourse

Menu: Chicken Mole Pipian - $7.25, Carnitas - $7.25, Chile-Marinated Skirt Steak - $7.25, Combo Taco Platter - $9.75, "Elote" Corn on the Cob - $3.50

Specialty Drinks: Brooklyn Sabroso Ale - $7.50

Issues: The prices are a little high, even for two tacos, and the beer is the same price of one you'd purchase at your seat, yet you walked over to get it. In addition, long lines once again. No TV's in the concourse means that you can't even watch while you're on the line.

Recommendation: If you know you'll be back at CitiField, avoid this place until mid to late-summer, when the hype has died down. Your best value is combo platter, which gives you one of each taco and three salsas. It'd be a good idea to buy this with a friend if you don't think you can finish two tacos on your own and really want to sample. Also, the buy two and trade one with a friend concept is a great trick too.

Grilled Sausage

Location: Throughout ballpark

Menu: Hot or Sweet grilled sausage - $7.25

Issues: High priced, not the best tasting items.

Recommendation: Skip it.

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Shake Shack

Location: Center field ("Taste of the City") Concourse

Menu: Single Shackburger - $5.75, Double Shackburger - $8.75, Shack-Cago Dog - $5.75, New York Dog - $5, Bird Dog - $6, Fries - $4.75, Cheese Fries - $5.75, Shakes - $6.50, Frozen Custard - $5.25

Specialty Drinks: Shackmeister Ale - $7.50

Issues: The prices are a little high, even though it's a dollar more than what they charge at the restaurant, and the beer is the same price of one you'd purchase at your seat, yet you walked over to get it. This will have the longest line in the concourse.

Recommendation: If you know you'll be back at CitiField, avoid this place until mid to late-summer, when the hype has died down. The burgers may seem expensive, but they're only $1 more than at the actual flagship restaurant. Whenever you make it to Shake Shack, the food will be worth it!

World's Fare Market

Location: Right Field, Field Level

Menu: Sushi - $9 to $14.50, Texas Chili - $4.75, Chicken Pot Pie - $4.75, Chicken Quesadilla - $8.50, Mama's Special Hero - $9.75, Cannolis - $3, Cupcakes - $5, Raspberry Cheesecake - $5, Apple Tart - $5, Lemon Crumb Cake - $3.75, and more to come.

Issues: Sushi might be on the expensive side, portions have yet to be seen, and the food from Mama's of Corona is mighty pricy.

Recommendation: For variation, there are affordable options worth taking a look at. Give it a shot if you're looking for something more than your average hot dog and fries.

Wheelhouse Market: Beer and Wine Bar

Location: Left Field

Menu: Cured meats, cheeses, wine, and beer

Issues: Will definitely be high priced

Recommendation: Unless you're looking for upscale dining, skip it.

Zachys

Location: Inside Delta Sky360

Menu: Variety of wines

Issues: High prices

Recommendation: If you want wine, it'll run you AT LEAST $9 a glass or more. So if you're willing to pay it, you can get it here. If you're not into wine, skip it.

Shopping

There are a variety of stores around the ballpark that feature a wide array of items. Below are the stores and their locations.

'47

Location: Excelsior Level, Right Field

Info: Retro Mets merch

Pros: Vintage feel, carries great brands like Banner Supply Co.

Cons: Normal, pricy nature of items.

Suggestion: I'd take a gander if I were you.

Heroes and Heritage Collection Shop

Location: Promenade Level, Left Field

Info: Memorabilia store

Pros:Lots of cool finds such as baseball cards and game-used items.

Cons:High prices.

Suggestion: While you may not be able to afford most of these items, they're still cool to browse through.

Mets Team Store (Small)

Location: Promenade Level, Home Plate and Field Level, Home Plate

Info: Mets merch, emphasis on hats

Pros: Decent selection, lots of hats

Cons:Normal, pricy nature of items; limited selection

Suggestion: I'd skip it and head for the one in the Rotunda.

Mets Team Store (Large)

Location: Jackie Robinson Rotunda

Info: Triple the size of the store in Shea, this offers a variety of merchandise. From game-worn items to crystal engravings to the typical attire, there is something for everyone.

Pros: Quirky items like a pair of pants worn by David Wright, Brooklyn Dodgers apparel, apparel for all ages, fashionable shirts, and the tote bag-like shopping bags post-purchase.

Cons: Like most official merchandise, it's expensive. A crystal engraved keychain will cost you $18 and a vintage tee, $42. And those David Wright pants? $350.

Suggestion: Visit on the way out, way too crowded on the way in. Line moves relatively fast. Some of the shirts are the prices of your average Abercrombie/Aeropostale/Department/Trendy Store. That's how I rationalized my $42 shirt, anyway.

Location: Kiddie Field - Field Level, Center Field

Info: Apparel for youths, toddlers, infants, and newborns, as well as candy.

Info: Prices less than adult apparel, kids-only items.

Cons: In order to get your kids out of the store, you might need to bribe them with candy.

Suggestion: If you're at the fanfest, take a looksie, but don't go out of your way for it.

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Nike Dugout Shop

Location: Promenade Level, Home Plate

Info: Nike-branded Mets apparel

Pros: Interesting designs, apparel

Cons: More expensive because of double-branding.

Suggestion: Better stuff is in the Rotunda store, head there instead.

The Players Clubhouse: A Players Choice Store

Location: Excelsior Level - Left Field

Info: Locker room-style shop, dedicated to player merchandise

Pros: Cool atmosphere, unique finds

Cons: Expensive

Suggestion: Even if you don't want to spend the money, it's fun to browse through.

Touch by Alyssa Milano

Location: Excelsior Level, Right Field

Info: A boutique for female Mets fans.

Pros: Unique and stylish clothing.

Cons: Expensive! A stylish zip-up hoodie will run you over $100.

Suggestion: Worth a visit, if out of curiosity more than anything else; never really much of a line.

Must See Areas

The Bullpens

Oddly enough, the home and visiting bullpens are side by side out in center field. The coolest aspect of the ballpark is probably the chain link fence that separates the visiting bullpen from the fans, and the fact that it's all there is.

Right next to the bullpen is the Old Home Run Apple, which fans can take pictures with. That happens to be the longest of lines in the entire stadium. Fun for kids and adults alike.

Suggestion: Don't let the season go by without a visit.

Center Field Concourse ("Taste of the City")

Aside from the excellent food, you can pay tribute to the old Shea skyline and it's a great place to take pictures. The bridge, a great place to catch some innings, is also over here. Be forewarned, however, there are no TV's in this area.

Suggestion: Save this visit for a blowout game.

Fanfest

The 2K Sports FanFest is located on the Concourse Level in center field, and is fun for the whole family. Centered around Mr. Met's Kiddie Field, a scale version of Citi Field, the FanFest features a batting cage, base running challenge, dunk tank, video game kiosks, a live DJ, and a lot more cool stuff. Mr. Met has also been known to make a daily appearance.

Weather permitting, the 2K Sports FanFest will be open 2 & 1/2 hours prior to ever every Mets home game, and will remain open until the 7th inning.

Suggestion: Bring the kiddies for some fun of their own, and try to dunk a Phillies fan. That makes the trip that much sweeter.

Jackie Robinson Rotunda

Truth be told, the Rotunda is stunning. From the floors to the arches, it is as beautiful as it is hyped to be and features the team store.

Suggestion: Opt for a different entry gate and save the Rotunda for the post-game. It will be less crowded and you'll have more time to gaze.

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Miscellaneous

Fan Assistance: For seating assistance, seek out the people wearing maroon polos around the seats. For assistance on getting to certain areas of the park, seek out the people wearing forest green polos inside.

Security: You can bring in food from outside sources, just like you could at Shea. You are also allowed unopened bottles of water, one liter or less. To expedite your venture through security, have your bag already open once you get to the table and be prepared to be non-invasively wanded.

Unanswered questions/Missing information: If there are any issues that have not been addressed here, or there is valuable information that you feel should be added, please feel free to email me at TWSDanielle@gmail.com or contact the New York Mets at (507) 718-TIXX.