Heading Out to Citi Field, Finally
September 6th, 2009 by slangon
So I’m off to Citi Field today to see the Mets play the Cubs.
It’s a very bittersweet day for me. I don’t think I really need to get into why I’m not so excited, so let’s just concentrate on the positives.
I’m obviously very excited to see the new stadium. I’ve heard a ton of great stuff about it, both from online sources and friends of mine who’ve been there multiple times. What I find interesting is that many of the positive reviews I’ve read and heard about have come from Yankees fans of all people. I’m not trying to dog on Yankees fans here, but it’s been my experience that they’re not the most compassionate of folks, especially when it comes to all things Mets. I guess what I’m trying to say is that hearing a Yankees fan say nice stuff about our new ballpark has weighed a bit heavier with me than hearing it from a fellow Mets fan.
I’m also super excited because this will mark my son’s first Major League baseball game. I think for any new dad, regardless of whether they’re a super huge baseball fan or not, taking their first-born son to the ballpark for the first time is always a special day. I also think it’s awesome that he’ll be able to say he’s been to Citi Field every year since it’s opened.
The last reason I’m really excited is because of the way we’re getting there. I live in New Jersey, so getting out to Queens is always somewhat of an adventure / hassle. Normally, you need to either drive, which is an absolute nightmare, or take the train, which is slightly less nightmarish, but takes about 14 hours. Last year, my wife had found out about this ferry service that runs from the Atlantic Highlands in Jersey, which is about 20 minutes from our house, to the marina that’s right by the stadium.
The ride takes about an hour and change, but they have a lunch counter and, more importantly, a bar on the boat. The ride itself is really awesome. It starts at the Atlantic Highlands, which is right across from Sandy Hook, goes around Sandy Hook, underneath the Vernazano Bridge, up New York Bay, up the East River, and into the marina by the stadium. You end up passing a crap load of interesting things on the way, all the while drinking a beer.
It should be a great day, and I’ll try and get some pictures up as soon as I can.
Sounds like it’s going to be a good trip. It’s nice to find a good transporation alternative
Yeah, the trip was awesome. I’m going to post some photos from the boat ride once I get around to downloading them.