Game 3: Padres at Citi Field

Good Place to Watch a Game

From 041609_Padres

The energy of Citi Field was amazing. Even for this cold lackluster game in April. The game sucked. I thought we were finally going to get that blow out, getting three on Peavy early and I figured we’d chase him early and then beat up on the bullpen. It didn’t work out, and the fan down the line that interfered with the ball may have cost them the game.

From 041609_Padres

Delgado hit a blast that went to the bridge beyond the bullpens. This guy’s only hitting balls that go six gazillion feet these days. I worry one day he’s going to clear the Pepsi Porch and actually hit one out of Citi Field. Unfortunately the Mets offense went mostly silent after the first, and the Mets lost. Maine had that bad inning, but the other innings were decent. That gives me more faith than if he’d just flat out not had it. At least you know the talent and possibility is there.

From 041609_Padres

As for the Field, it was just awesome all around. I went as a roamer, trying out the Standing Room Only seats before they actually sell a ticket like that. I did notice the field level has tables and cup holders behind the seats in every section, which is a nice nod to the SROers.

From 041609_Padres

By the end of the game there were at least 20 people standing behind every section. The promenade standing room, which might actually be better because it’s more of a downward view were less crowded, and still amazing. I spent some time up there earlier in the game.

From 041609_Padres

I got there for batting practice, and the Mets wisely put up a live feed of the batter on the scoreboard so that those of us hanging out hoping for a home run can see who hit it. This makes you feel a lot more connected than at Shea, where you just kinda hung out and hoped a ball hooked foul and pretty much just watched.

From 041609_Padres

I got a Citi Field exclusive beer, a Brooklyn Sabroso Ale. It had more of an IPA feel to it, definitely some hop characteristics, and was a little heavier than the average yellow fizz beer. I really enjoyed it.

From 041609_Padres
From 041609_Padres

Then I met Kowalski from Mezz18 at Shea and the Hot Foot Bleachers irc chat. We had beers and discussed the team and if the Mets would get upset if he started a Kowalski K Korner over one of the advertising scoreboards.

From 041609_Padres

Once the game started I was almost continually roaming around. (I can get antsy) I watched parts of the game from virtually anywhere you could stand and see it. I stopped and got food, I used the bathroom, I got more food. I went to one of the clubhouse shops. While I did this I never missed a pitch. I always knew exactly what was going on, whether because I could see it live, could see a tv, or could hear Gary, Keith and Ron, or Howie and Wayne.

From 041609_Padres

My final beer of the night was a Blue Smoke Ale from Blue Smoke with my chipotle wings (not a baseball game food, if completely delicious). BBQ Inc in Rockville Center also has some delicious chipotle wings, as an aside. Blue Smoke Ale wasn’t as good as the Sabroso, but it had some character to it. I thought it went rather well with the wings too.

From 041609_Padres
From 041609_Padres

You remember how occasionally you’d try to meet up with someone else you knew at the game at Shea for an inning or so, and you’d have to hope there were empty seats nearby, or squat awkwardly on the stairs? At Citi, you can easily stand behind most sections, still be able to watch the game, and have a chat. Here’s a video of the food court on the Promenade.

I have no freaking idea how to judge attendance at this place. So many people walking around, not in their seats because they’re watching elsewhere or just eating. The wind kept a lot of people moving, leaving early, or not showing at all last night. I have a feeling even during big games, it’s not going to seem as full. I doesn’t mean all 42 thousand aren’t into it. Some just prefer to stand and roam. Here’s a link to the whole photo album. MetsPadresgame3

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