Shea Goodbye!
BY JOHN TOSCANO

Lined up to break ground for the new Citi Field that will be the new home for the New York Mets in 2009 (l. to r.) are: Steve Freiberg, Dan Doctoroff, Borough President Helen Marshall, Jose Reyes, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, David Wright, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Jeff Wilpon, Lewis Kaden, Fred Wilpon, Rachel Robinson, widow of Jackie Robinson, Saul Katz, Governor George Pataki, Mets Manager Willie Randolph, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Charles Gargano, John Maine and Ajay Banga.

In ceremonies marking the groundbreaking for the New York Mets' new $500 million ballpark, the project was hailed for its state-ofthe art architectural features, its contribution to redeveloping the surrounding areas and the other economic benefits it will bring to Flushing.

In keeping with the theme of major changes, the new stadium will be called Citi Field as part of a naming rights agreement between the Mets and Citigroup, a leading global and financial services company.

The present ballpark was called Shea Stadium when it opened on Apr. 17, 1964, in honor of William Shea, an attorney who led a task force to bring a new National League team to New York City after the New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers left in 1957.

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall stands in front of rendering of new Mets Citi Field stadium with Rachel Robinson, widow of baseball great Jackie Robinson.

In his remarks at Monday's ceremonies, Mayor Michael Bloomberg noted that the new stadium will "merge the intimate feel of the old classic ballparks like Brooklyn's Ebbets Field with the amenities of today's modern sports facilities".

Under the naming rights agreement, Citigroup will pay the Mets $20 million a year over a 20-year period. The agreement also will include a multifaceted strategic marketing and business partnership beginning with the opening of the new field in 2009.

The open-air Mets stadium connects the team's National League heritage to the future and to the city through a number of unique design features. Located between the existing Shea Stadium and 126th Street, according to Mets officials, the new plant will offer fans unprecedented sight lines for a better view of what's unfolding on the field, and many other amenities and comfort features in the 45,000-seat capacity building.

The playing field will be covered by natural grass. Contoured seating configuration will bring spectators from all levels closer to action on the field.

Leading the dignitaries at the ceremonies, Governor George Pataki said the new ballpark "marks a new era in Mets baseball-one that will dramatically enhance the experience of fans, provide the team with even better facilities, and stimulate the regional economy".

The project will also create thousands of jobs, millions of dollars in new tax revenues and spur further investment and opportunity in Queens.

Bloomberg said the project would "further enhance our efforts to redevelop neighboring Willets Point and Flushing".

He said the city's agreement with the Mets "helped to create the foundation for a beautiful new home for the team, while at the same time relieving the city of its obligation to maintain [the stadium], thereby sav- ing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars".

Also, said Bloomberg, the project will create more than 6,000 construction jobs and preserve the 1,000 full-time jobs currently at Shea while also generating tens of millions of dollars in incremental fiscal revenue for the city and state.

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall hailed the new ballpark as "a spectacular showcase for the Borough of Queens that creates new jobs for Queens residents and opportunities for minority-and women-owned businesses in our community".

Marshall stated, "The Mets have been a Queens treasure since the club moved to Flushing in 1964 and the new ballpark continues our efforts in making Flushing Meadows-Corona Park a premier venue for spectator and participatory sports."

The Mets have partnered with an advisory committee chaired by Marshall to develop "a comprehensive diversity plan that will ensure the involvement of minority and women-owned businesses in Queens and the immediate area [around Shea]".

Mets CEO Fred Wilpon, who originated the idea for the new stadium and successfully negotiated the deal with Pataki and Bloomberg, stated that the new ballpark was "the realization of a dream-to create a world-class environment and enduring experience for everyone, especially for the best fans in all sports".

Wilpon added, "This new ballpark will become the home our fans have long deserved, one created for shared celebrations among future generations of Mets fans."

Other speakers at the event included Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and Saul B. Katz, Mets president.

Also present were Willie Randolph, the team's manager who brought the Mets almost to the National League Championship and the World Series this year, and star players Jose Reyes, David Wright and pitcher John Maine.

Among the fan-friendly features of the new stadium are:

+More seats angled toward the infield and set down closer to the field, with 42 percent of the seats located in the concourse, or lowest level.

+Wide, unobstructed concourses. The ballpark will be fully compliant with Americans With Disabilities Act requirements.

+360-degree walk-around circulation around the ballpark on the concourse level. The Promenade level will feature a split-deck design providing uninterrupted views of the field.

+More elevators, more concession areas, more restrooms to reduce waiting times, multiple sit-down, climate-controlled restaurants, bars, clubs and lounges, most offering field views. One restaurant in the left field corner will seat 500 people. +54 luxury suites.

+8,800-space parking capacity.

+A "pitcher-friendly" stadium-335 feet to the left field wall, 379 feet to the left center stands, center field 408 feet away, right center field at 383 feet and right field at 330 feet.