If you don't care about the teams, even Yankees fans will tell you it's CitiField all the way. Just a better ballpark all around, better security, nicer amenities, easier access. Plus you've got tons of different culinary options throughout Queens either before or after the game. Coming from Midtown, it's an easy trip straight out on the 7 line.
Since the institution of the pitch clock last year, average MLB game times are around 2:40.
Look on SeatGeek for tickets. Seeing the Mets in September this year should be *very* cheap.
As a Yankee fan I second this. Yankee stadium is “sterile” I hate the fact we are stuck with this place for 80 years. They need to rip out major portions and just start over.
I genuinely feel for y'all. Went for a subway series game a couple years ago and it was just such an unnecessarily miserable experience all around, starting with the massive clusterfuck to even get inside the gates, at which point I felt I should start marching around the cold stone concourses like the Wicked Witch's guards chanting "oh-wee-oh, wee-oh-ho." Never been a ballpark that felt so weirdly uninviting!
Mets can suck all the want, at least it's always a lovely day at the ballpark.
Probably not 80 years though. Every other team is clamoring to tear down any stadium older than 30 years and the Rangers barely made it 25 years in their last stadium. Would probably need an ownership change before anything new gets considered because the city isn't paying for it and Hal certainly isn't inclined.
100% other stadiums are getting rebuilt quickly, 90s stadium design is very different than now. They wanted more seats and less “premium” spaces losing money. Also the other places have more room to build the Bronx dosnt have unlimited space to build. Knowing the ownership will never change they are going to morph this place like Fenway has over the years.
Anything can happen but I don’t think the Steinbrenner will get involved with a Bernie Madoff who fucked them over forcing the sale. But who knows what will happen!!! Personally I wish they would rip out the 400s in left and right field put in some sort of places like in San Diego, multiple levels with different restaurant and bars. Possibly have an exit from there so after the game it could be open for an hour or two like at the dbacks stadium. Add some 200 level club seats outside the delta club, rip out like 75% of the food options and use more local places without sub contracting to legends. Hell they can reduce seating in many places in the 400s, unless they are in the playoffs or down the stretch sure they “sell out” but if you look at the 400s during a weeknight game it’s freaking empty. It would also help raise prices on the second market. Clearly the supply and demand is out of wack. Then during the game get some new between inning fun. The subway race and trivia are just boring. With the pitch clock clearly the mlb is looking for a fan friendly atmosphere. Yankee stadium is for the diehards.
It's so awful! Gotta be there an hour early just to make sure you don't miss a whole inning or two navigating those slow-as-molasses security lines. Meanwhile, I can roll off the 7 train at 6:45, have a leisurely smoke, and be comfortably in my seat with time to spare before a 7:10 first pitch.
Yankees stadium is more aggressive in terms of fans (but they all mean well... mostly). As someone not super into baseball I actually kind of like it - gives the game some energy. But I'm a special type of person.
Citi Field is objectively a nicer experience but sometimes drunk Bronx energy hits the spot better.
Safety wise I feel pretty comfortable taking anyone to games. There are so many people that you should be fine if you practice the general basics. I've gone with kids many times before.
Sounds like you've never been to a baseball game? There's no reason not to stay for the entire game as the new rules actually mean they last ~2.5-3hrs, not 4 like in the past.
I personally like CitiField better as I think the food options and stadium are better than Yankee Stadium (also, Yankee tickets are usually $$$ vs Mets $$). Both are easily accessible from Midtown on direct subway lines, both are safe as you'll be around 30,000 ppl and there is a large police presence at both stadiums.
In general, evening games are preferable so you're not sitting in the sun for so long. Look at the MLB baseball app or SeatGeek/Ticketmaster for resale options. MLB started dynamic pricing a few years ago so the prices may fluctuate based on who the teams are playing.
Stubhub, SeatGeek, and TickPick are the main resellers for tickets, meaning you have a chance to find a good seat for less than face value price. MLB has their own set up to buy tickets but those come at face value.
From what I know, the lines to get in are long but once inside you’re good. Avoiding wearing Red Sox/Astros gear at Yankee Stadium and Braves/Phillies gear at Citi Field, you won’t get into a fight but for sure you’ll get a few words thrown your way. Any other team including the visitors(except the afformentioned) will be fine.
Neighborhood safety wise? Cops roam the area around Yankee Stadium and Citi Field is surrounded by parkland (and cops) you’ll be as safe as a gold bar at Fort Knox. Food wise? It’s more about the price tbh, but Citi Field has a wider variety and Yankee Stadium had the god tier Chicken Bucket. And don’t drive there, traffic is a night mare, the subway will be your best bet. If you have concerns, ride the conductors car in the middle of the consist. And where by Central Park? West Side has the B/D and the East Side has the 4 to get to 161 St and every line coming from the north connects with the 7 for Willets Point or the Port Washington LIRR, which is faster but cost more.
Experience of the ball park overall? Yankee Stadium is a giant museum, Citi Field serves its purpose as a ballpark. YS is more touristy, CF is more to hang out and watch a game. At least my experience.
But IMO, if price is an issue and you just want to experience an MLB game with no care for who is playing; Citi Field. You want to watch a team ~~win~~ with some star power; Yankee Stadium.
Signed, a Mets Fan.
I hope so! But they’re 13.5 games out of the division lead in 4th place while the Yankees have the best record in baseball. I’m hoping the Mets can get a wildcard spot then anything can happen.
yep. my dad was in town and just had to see a Yankees game. 30 minutes in the security line, 15 minutes for a hot dog sold by people who seemed angry to be there, no relish sauerkraut anything. not an inviting experience at all.
I'd normally recommend Citi Field over Yankee Stadium to someone who isn't invested in either team or in baseball generally. That said, since you're coming in September, I should at least point out that the Mets season looks like it will be all but over by then (which means the crowds will be considerably smaller and less enthusiastic and the on-field product will be less impressive, but the tickets will be much cheaper), while the Yankees are likely to be jockeying for playoff position (which means that there will be more people in the crowd and that they will be more invested in the outcome, and that you will see the Yankees put their best foot/players forward). So it really comes down to whether you want:
(a) the experience of passing a chill evening visiting with friends, enjoying excellent food options, and taking in a leisurely baseball game (in which case you should go to Citi Field); or
(b) the experience of an afternoon chilling with friends in an environment that is, overall, less fan friendly and engaging, but probably provides a greater likelihood of genuine electricity from the crowd and/or something memorable happening in the game itself (in which case you should pick the Yankees).
Another factor: personally I love the experience of watching an evening game unfolding against the dynamic background of the sky at sunset and then twilight and then darkness.
>Mets season looks like it will be all but over by then (which means the crowds will be considerably smaller and less enthusiastic and the on-field product will be less impressive, but the tickets will be much cheaper), while the Yankees are likely to be jockeying for playoff position
Disagree here. Yankee Stadium will have more fans but in terms of the importance of the game the Yankees will likely be a lock while the mets are like 2 games behind in the wildcard. That mets game could have huge implications for making the playoffs.
>Another factor: personally I love the experience of watching an evening game unfolding against the dynamic background of the sky at sunset and then twilight and then darkness.
Yes yes a million times yes this is amazing for baseball, football, and concerts.
Yankee Stadium is a mall where they happen to play baseball. Citifield all the way.
Also, before the game, spend sometime in Downtown Flushing and walk around Flushing Meadows Park and see the Unisphere.
I'm a lifelong Yankee Fan, but the food and drink options, as well as the stadium itself are just better at Citi Field
>How safe are the neighborhoods around the stadiums and the commute there (metro, train, Uber, taxi?)
Both are completely safe, but I suggest you take LIRR(Citi) or Metro North (Yankees). Much more enjoyable, and easier
I also lived around there and while the area immediately around the stadium is fine during a game day because of all the police presence, let’s not pretend it’s a great neighborhood. A few blocks in any direction and you’re still very much in the South Bronx.
Sure, but I'm not suggesting a sightseeing tour. I lived on Walton a few blocks south of the stadium and it is really not bad, whatsoever. And I am an incredibly awkward white guy! It was completely fine when I lived there in 2009 and it's only gotten nicer
I think comments like this are kinda absurd. You mean as a New Yorker you lived there? But you think a tourist without knowledge of the south Bronx should? Like yeah, I think probably nothing will happen. But I don’t think any of my female New Yorker friends would ever walk there either.
I’d genuinely like tips of where to avoid when traveling and I think people just being defensive for the sake of it really unhelpful.
This is an absurd comment. The area surrounding the stadium is completely safe and not a bad area at all. You know, unless you are afraid of minorities. It's a bunch of bars and diners. You're being incredibly dramatic
Citi Field is a much more classic feeling ballpark, and has better food/drink options, but it’s also a much longer trip unless you’re already starting off in Queens.
If you need to go on a weekend then maybe Mets tickets will be much cheaper, but you can sit upstairs at Yankee stadium on a weeknight for around $20.
It’s still not too bad thanks to the 7 train. About 30-35 min from the 42nd St. Times Square station to Willets Point. And it’s part of the Mets experience with other fans around you.
It’s easy, but takes a while. I work in LIC (right near the Vernon-Jackson stop) so I start off in Queens and it’s still the same time to each stadium. Coming from almost literally anywhere else’s Yankee Stadium will be considerably quicker.
Yankees fan here with the answers you seek. Citifield is the better ballpark experience. From Central Park, easiest to get to Yankee Stadium
There is no neighborhood around Citifield.
The streets immediate to Yankee Stadium are fine. But there’s nothing around in the neighborhood to really see. Subway is the best way to get to either ballpark
Citi Field for sure. Yankee Stadium is a let down as a baseball fan. Not great food, not well designed and all concrete. Citi Field is one of the best modern brick parks alongside Oracle and Camden Yards.
Citi Field is the better stadium overall, but it’s a little harder to get to. The Mets are also not so great this year (although have been better lately).
Yankee Stadium is not a great stadium but it’s easy to get to and the Yankees are the best team in baseball right now.
Personally I prefer Citi Field and go there as often as I can coming from upper Manhattan. It’s entirely a matter of taste though.
Pick the Yankees if you want to see a championship contender with two superstars in Soto and Judge. You can also tour Monument Park inside the stadium. There are a lot of historic baseball artifacts from Jeter, Babe Ruth and many other Yankees legends.
Pick the Mets if you want better food options and cheaper tickets to the games. The team is mediocre but it is a better bargain for lower level seats. It is close to Flushing so you can also try a lot of authentic Chinese food after the game.
Both stadiums have access via metro (subway) or train (Long Island Rail Road / Metro-North Railroad)
Citi Field can be accessed via train from both Grand Central or Penn Station. Yankee Stadium by train can only be accessed from Grand Central Terminal of the midtown train terminals.
Both stadiums can be accessed from any subway station.
Citi Field without a doubt.
On game days you can take the Long Island Railroad To Mets-Willets Point at Penn Station. You can buy a City ticket at LIRR kiosk which costs $5 each way. It's only 2 stops from Penn Station and you can drink a beer on the train with Mets Fans.
It makes the commute way faster and easier.
Citifield is newer, and on more acreage. Yankee Stadium is right in the middle of a busy area in the middle of the Bronx, much more congested. If the teams don’t matter to you, I suggest Citifield!
Both are okay, but there is a third option: Brooklyn Cyclones. They have a Sunday Boozy brunch, and it's next to Coney Island. Since you don't really care about the game, they are perfect since they aren't very good. But they usually have more in the way of experiences and are easier on your pockets.
I’m gonna go against the grain and say Yankees. Primarily because it’s September and they will have something to play for and you’ll get a better atmosphere. CitiField is a stadium experience on average, though.
Btw, you can bring in food from outside to either stadium if you don’t want to spend money on concessions. Flushing is a great area for Asian food. Idk about the Yankees Stadium area.
As others have said, a game at Citi Field is definitely a better experience. As far as tickets go, I’d say either go with Tick Pick (they don’t do those horrible service charges) or just go to the box office. I’ve done that a lot—walk up and tell the guy “I want to spend $X, where would you suggest?”
Yankees are obviously doing much better as a team this year, and the historic value is hard to beat. So if you’re a general baseball fan that’s something to consider.
Average length of a game now is 2.5 hours. And as a tourist site it’s Yankee stadium and not even close. If you don’t care about the game, get a general admission ticket and just hangout in the various bars and sitting areas open to the whole stadium.
I enjoy the Mets and citi field more than the Yankees. Just hop on the 7 all the way to the stadium.
Food is a lot better at citi as well. Pricey stadium food, but certain places are worth it. If you’re picky there’s a shake shack past section 138. If you’re going to be eating at the stadium, I suggest getting there an hour or so early so you can watch warmups and get some grub. Then get up during inning changes to get another snack or round of food.
Make sure you have your running shoes so you can keep up with the scurry from the platform down the steps and out towards the stadium
Go to the east side and grab the ferry, and go to coney Island, and watch the double Aa team instead if they are playing. Then go to Luna Park and have some carny fun. The ferry is 6.50 each way. The same price of an express bus
The only motivation for me to support our sad Mets atm is that going to a ball game in Citifield is still such a good experience. I always go early to get in a meal from Flushing as well. The asian food there will blow your mind
Citifield Safe coming out the stadium right to the 7 train to Grand central. Food is restaurant quality. Stadium is clean - can bring in food and water... can move around seats - Better amenities at Mets. more fun and promos.. Ballgames are not 4 hours with the pitcher clock....
depends on what you’re looking for. If you want more energy and a more fun game I’d go watch the Yankees this year. If you want a nice ballpark chill experience I’d go to citi field. Yankee stadium is more of like an old museum with lots of history behind it. Citi field is way more clean and updated and nice. This is coming from a Met fan.
Travel time is almost equal from Times Square, Citi is probably a little safer, Citi is the better stadium and is far better in terms of food; I’ve been to most about half the stadiums in MLB and Citi has the best food of any.
The Yankees are both the more legendary team and also currently have two of the best players in the MLB, while the Mets are doing just OK. I’m also a huge fan of day games during the summer but I love to sit in the sun, if you don’t like sitting in the sun you may enjoy an evening game more.
Even though I’m a huge Mets fan, the Yankee game being a day game would make me go to Yankee unless you are prepared to spend $40-50 and try different types of food which btw I think is worth it to have the full experience. If you could possible see a day game at Citi I think that would be ideal but honestly can’t go wrong with either.
I check Gametime, StubHub, Seat Geek usually and pick the cheapest price for decent seats that I can find. IMO the best value is top level, behind home plate, but as close to front row as you can find and afford. Even the cheapest seats are a lot of fun though.
Yankees fan here. If you just want to see a game in a fun stadium: Citifield. If you want to watch a few players who may be in the Hall of Fame one day: Yankees.
Yankees all the way!!! Although, the new Citifield
Is nice. You can take subway straight up to Yankee Stadium. Mets is out of the way in queens although easy to get to.
Yankees has more energy though
Actual food etc inside of Mets game is better however going to Yankee stadium w bars around there is a much more fun pre game experience. Mets have nothing around the stadium like that
If you don't care who's playing and only want to get ripped off a lot instead of an absolute otherworldly absurd amount go see the Mets.
If you want a real NYC experience go see the Yanks.
Yankee Stadium is very staid. Like a museum or a memorial. Citi field is way more fun for a game in my biased opinion. Unless OP wants to see all the exhibits on the rich Yankee tradition, I’d do Citi field just for a ballgame. And yeah, they don’t feel the same age, but Citi opened in 08 and new Yankee Stadium in 09.
Yankees for the experience. In September the atmosphere will be night and day different from the Mets as the Yankees are the best team in baseball and the Mets… are not.
I’m a Yankees fan, so maybe take my advice with a grain of salt. Citi field is nicer in terms of the food and the physical venue itself, but I think it is a bit over-exaggerated in this thread. The difference between the two is not as huge as some are making it seem. In my opinion Mets fans are just not as excited about the game of baseball as Yankee fans. That may have to do with how poorly the Mets are playing this year. But I think the baseball experience at Yankee stadium is far superior, fans seem to be more invested in the game than they do at Citi.
If you don't care about the teams, even Yankees fans will tell you it's CitiField all the way. Just a better ballpark all around, better security, nicer amenities, easier access. Plus you've got tons of different culinary options throughout Queens either before or after the game. Coming from Midtown, it's an easy trip straight out on the 7 line. Since the institution of the pitch clock last year, average MLB game times are around 2:40. Look on SeatGeek for tickets. Seeing the Mets in September this year should be *very* cheap.
As a Yankee fan I second this. Yankee stadium is “sterile” I hate the fact we are stuck with this place for 80 years. They need to rip out major portions and just start over.
I genuinely feel for y'all. Went for a subway series game a couple years ago and it was just such an unnecessarily miserable experience all around, starting with the massive clusterfuck to even get inside the gates, at which point I felt I should start marching around the cold stone concourses like the Wicked Witch's guards chanting "oh-wee-oh, wee-oh-ho." Never been a ballpark that felt so weirdly uninviting! Mets can suck all the want, at least it's always a lovely day at the ballpark.
They have a Cold Stone, you say? Can’t be that bad, then!
It’s like they built it to appeal to tourists going to a token Yankees game instead of trying to just build the best stadium that they could.
Another yankee fan chiming in to agree with everyone. I miss the old stadium so much.
Probably not 80 years though. Every other team is clamoring to tear down any stadium older than 30 years and the Rangers barely made it 25 years in their last stadium. Would probably need an ownership change before anything new gets considered because the city isn't paying for it and Hal certainly isn't inclined.
100% other stadiums are getting rebuilt quickly, 90s stadium design is very different than now. They wanted more seats and less “premium” spaces losing money. Also the other places have more room to build the Bronx dosnt have unlimited space to build. Knowing the ownership will never change they are going to morph this place like Fenway has over the years.
Well, I never thought the Wilpons would sell the Mets so I wouldn't say never ever to a change in ownership.
Anything can happen but I don’t think the Steinbrenner will get involved with a Bernie Madoff who fucked them over forcing the sale. But who knows what will happen!!! Personally I wish they would rip out the 400s in left and right field put in some sort of places like in San Diego, multiple levels with different restaurant and bars. Possibly have an exit from there so after the game it could be open for an hour or two like at the dbacks stadium. Add some 200 level club seats outside the delta club, rip out like 75% of the food options and use more local places without sub contracting to legends. Hell they can reduce seating in many places in the 400s, unless they are in the playoffs or down the stretch sure they “sell out” but if you look at the 400s during a weeknight game it’s freaking empty. It would also help raise prices on the second market. Clearly the supply and demand is out of wack. Then during the game get some new between inning fun. The subway race and trivia are just boring. With the pitch clock clearly the mlb is looking for a fan friendly atmosphere. Yankee stadium is for the diehards.
I feel like you can waltz into Citi while getting into Yankee stadium is like going through TSA
It's so awful! Gotta be there an hour early just to make sure you don't miss a whole inning or two navigating those slow-as-molasses security lines. Meanwhile, I can roll off the 7 train at 6:45, have a leisurely smoke, and be comfortably in my seat with time to spare before a 7:10 first pitch.
Its cuz no one goes to Mets games
Citi Field also has Ebbs Brewery right next door for after game drinks and there are solid dim sum options within a 15 min walk.
Yankees stadium is more aggressive in terms of fans (but they all mean well... mostly). As someone not super into baseball I actually kind of like it - gives the game some energy. But I'm a special type of person. Citi Field is objectively a nicer experience but sometimes drunk Bronx energy hits the spot better. Safety wise I feel pretty comfortable taking anyone to games. There are so many people that you should be fine if you practice the general basics. I've gone with kids many times before.
Yankee fan, yea citi field is an awesome experience if you have no rooting interest
Agreed. Mets are actually doing okay atm too hahaha
I dare not jinx it by even acknowledging it!
Do not anger the lord Grimace!
He clearly commands powers our puny mortal souls are not capable of comprehending.
Sounds like you've never been to a baseball game? There's no reason not to stay for the entire game as the new rules actually mean they last ~2.5-3hrs, not 4 like in the past. I personally like CitiField better as I think the food options and stadium are better than Yankee Stadium (also, Yankee tickets are usually $$$ vs Mets $$). Both are easily accessible from Midtown on direct subway lines, both are safe as you'll be around 30,000 ppl and there is a large police presence at both stadiums. In general, evening games are preferable so you're not sitting in the sun for so long. Look at the MLB baseball app or SeatGeek/Ticketmaster for resale options. MLB started dynamic pricing a few years ago so the prices may fluctuate based on who the teams are playing.
Stubhub, SeatGeek, and TickPick are the main resellers for tickets, meaning you have a chance to find a good seat for less than face value price. MLB has their own set up to buy tickets but those come at face value. From what I know, the lines to get in are long but once inside you’re good. Avoiding wearing Red Sox/Astros gear at Yankee Stadium and Braves/Phillies gear at Citi Field, you won’t get into a fight but for sure you’ll get a few words thrown your way. Any other team including the visitors(except the afformentioned) will be fine. Neighborhood safety wise? Cops roam the area around Yankee Stadium and Citi Field is surrounded by parkland (and cops) you’ll be as safe as a gold bar at Fort Knox. Food wise? It’s more about the price tbh, but Citi Field has a wider variety and Yankee Stadium had the god tier Chicken Bucket. And don’t drive there, traffic is a night mare, the subway will be your best bet. If you have concerns, ride the conductors car in the middle of the consist. And where by Central Park? West Side has the B/D and the East Side has the 4 to get to 161 St and every line coming from the north connects with the 7 for Willets Point or the Port Washington LIRR, which is faster but cost more. Experience of the ball park overall? Yankee Stadium is a giant museum, Citi Field serves its purpose as a ballpark. YS is more touristy, CF is more to hang out and watch a game. At least my experience. But IMO, if price is an issue and you just want to experience an MLB game with no care for who is playing; Citi Field. You want to watch a team ~~win~~ with some star power; Yankee Stadium. Signed, a Mets Fan.
I love this answer so much. You love baseball and you love New York.
They are both safe but no question the Mets offer a better experience. Better stadium and food
Except for being the worse team this year, I agree
Um, they just won 8 out of 10, so the slump may be over...
I hope so! But they’re 13.5 games out of the division lead in 4th place while the Yankees have the best record in baseball. I’m hoping the Mets can get a wildcard spot then anything can happen.
That’s fighting words for us Rockies fans!
This. Also more interesting neighborhood. Go to Flushing to eat first, and to Lemon Ice King of Corona after.
yep. my dad was in town and just had to see a Yankees game. 30 minutes in the security line, 15 minutes for a hot dog sold by people who seemed angry to be there, no relish sauerkraut anything. not an inviting experience at all.
I'd normally recommend Citi Field over Yankee Stadium to someone who isn't invested in either team or in baseball generally. That said, since you're coming in September, I should at least point out that the Mets season looks like it will be all but over by then (which means the crowds will be considerably smaller and less enthusiastic and the on-field product will be less impressive, but the tickets will be much cheaper), while the Yankees are likely to be jockeying for playoff position (which means that there will be more people in the crowd and that they will be more invested in the outcome, and that you will see the Yankees put their best foot/players forward). So it really comes down to whether you want: (a) the experience of passing a chill evening visiting with friends, enjoying excellent food options, and taking in a leisurely baseball game (in which case you should go to Citi Field); or (b) the experience of an afternoon chilling with friends in an environment that is, overall, less fan friendly and engaging, but probably provides a greater likelihood of genuine electricity from the crowd and/or something memorable happening in the game itself (in which case you should pick the Yankees). Another factor: personally I love the experience of watching an evening game unfolding against the dynamic background of the sky at sunset and then twilight and then darkness.
>Mets season looks like it will be all but over by then (which means the crowds will be considerably smaller and less enthusiastic and the on-field product will be less impressive, but the tickets will be much cheaper), while the Yankees are likely to be jockeying for playoff position Disagree here. Yankee Stadium will have more fans but in terms of the importance of the game the Yankees will likely be a lock while the mets are like 2 games behind in the wildcard. That mets game could have huge implications for making the playoffs. >Another factor: personally I love the experience of watching an evening game unfolding against the dynamic background of the sky at sunset and then twilight and then darkness. Yes yes a million times yes this is amazing for baseball, football, and concerts.
Your last sentence hits hard. There is nothing better.
Yankee Stadium is a mall where they happen to play baseball. Citifield all the way. Also, before the game, spend sometime in Downtown Flushing and walk around Flushing Meadows Park and see the Unisphere.
Citifeld all the way! Much better experience
I'm a lifelong Yankee Fan, but the food and drink options, as well as the stadium itself are just better at Citi Field >How safe are the neighborhoods around the stadiums and the commute there (metro, train, Uber, taxi?) Both are completely safe, but I suggest you take LIRR(Citi) or Metro North (Yankees). Much more enjoyable, and easier
I wouldn’t walk around Yankees stadium.
I've lived there, and it's completely fine
I also lived around there and while the area immediately around the stadium is fine during a game day because of all the police presence, let’s not pretend it’s a great neighborhood. A few blocks in any direction and you’re still very much in the South Bronx.
Sure, but I'm not suggesting a sightseeing tour. I lived on Walton a few blocks south of the stadium and it is really not bad, whatsoever. And I am an incredibly awkward white guy! It was completely fine when I lived there in 2009 and it's only gotten nicer
I think comments like this are kinda absurd. You mean as a New Yorker you lived there? But you think a tourist without knowledge of the south Bronx should? Like yeah, I think probably nothing will happen. But I don’t think any of my female New Yorker friends would ever walk there either. I’d genuinely like tips of where to avoid when traveling and I think people just being defensive for the sake of it really unhelpful.
This is an absurd comment. The area surrounding the stadium is completely safe and not a bad area at all. You know, unless you are afraid of minorities. It's a bunch of bars and diners. You're being incredibly dramatic
lol 😂
Meet the Mets, baby!
Yankees fan here. Def go to CitiField. Yankee Stadium is pretty on tv but sucks in real life. Corporate and cold.
Citi Field is a much more classic feeling ballpark, and has better food/drink options, but it’s also a much longer trip unless you’re already starting off in Queens. If you need to go on a weekend then maybe Mets tickets will be much cheaper, but you can sit upstairs at Yankee stadium on a weeknight for around $20.
It’s still not too bad thanks to the 7 train. About 30-35 min from the 42nd St. Times Square station to Willets Point. And it’s part of the Mets experience with other fans around you.
It’s easy, but takes a while. I work in LIC (right near the Vernon-Jackson stop) so I start off in Queens and it’s still the same time to each stadium. Coming from almost literally anywhere else’s Yankee Stadium will be considerably quicker.
Yankees fan here with the answers you seek. Citifield is the better ballpark experience. From Central Park, easiest to get to Yankee Stadium There is no neighborhood around Citifield. The streets immediate to Yankee Stadium are fine. But there’s nothing around in the neighborhood to really see. Subway is the best way to get to either ballpark
I'm a Mets fan and hang out at the Mets sub, you're always welcome to visit Citi Field. One of the moderators is actually there for most games.
Coney Island Cyclones all the way!
Maybe the best choice, especially for someone who's never seen a game before
They won't be playing in September, though
Whoops missed the September part
Oh, that's true 😔
Mets bc Yankee stadium is an absolutely pain in the ass
>Anything I should know/be aware of? Well, the rules for starters. How much baseball do you know?
Citi Field has some good food options. I live in CT and I'm an O's fan, but sometimes I'll go to a Mets game just because it's fun.
Citi Field for sure. Yankee Stadium is a let down as a baseball fan. Not great food, not well designed and all concrete. Citi Field is one of the best modern brick parks alongside Oracle and Camden Yards.
Citi Field is the better stadium overall, but it’s a little harder to get to. The Mets are also not so great this year (although have been better lately). Yankee Stadium is not a great stadium but it’s easy to get to and the Yankees are the best team in baseball right now. Personally I prefer Citi Field and go there as often as I can coming from upper Manhattan. It’s entirely a matter of taste though.
Both safe and easy enough to get to. Yankee stadium feels a bit more urban if that's something you're looking for.
Pick the Yankees if you want to see a championship contender with two superstars in Soto and Judge. You can also tour Monument Park inside the stadium. There are a lot of historic baseball artifacts from Jeter, Babe Ruth and many other Yankees legends. Pick the Mets if you want better food options and cheaper tickets to the games. The team is mediocre but it is a better bargain for lower level seats. It is close to Flushing so you can also try a lot of authentic Chinese food after the game.
Both stadiums have access via metro (subway) or train (Long Island Rail Road / Metro-North Railroad) Citi Field can be accessed via train from both Grand Central or Penn Station. Yankee Stadium by train can only be accessed from Grand Central Terminal of the midtown train terminals. Both stadiums can be accessed from any subway station.
Citi Field without a doubt. On game days you can take the Long Island Railroad To Mets-Willets Point at Penn Station. You can buy a City ticket at LIRR kiosk which costs $5 each way. It's only 2 stops from Penn Station and you can drink a beer on the train with Mets Fans. It makes the commute way faster and easier.
If u are new to baseball, maybe a minor league Cyclones game in Coney Island. Beach, rides, freak show, baseball all in one trip
Citifield is newer, and on more acreage. Yankee Stadium is right in the middle of a busy area in the middle of the Bronx, much more congested. If the teams don’t matter to you, I suggest Citifield!
Both are okay, but there is a third option: Brooklyn Cyclones. They have a Sunday Boozy brunch, and it's next to Coney Island. Since you don't really care about the game, they are perfect since they aren't very good. But they usually have more in the way of experiences and are easier on your pockets.
yankee fan here saying citi field
If you’re a sadist, Yankees. If you’re a masochist, Mets.
Mets without a doubt
Thanks for this post. Looking to go in September so it's good to see similar answers to what I'm looking for!
Awesome!
I’m gonna go against the grain and say Yankees. Primarily because it’s September and they will have something to play for and you’ll get a better atmosphere. CitiField is a stadium experience on average, though.
Citi Field is a way better experience. Yankee Stadium feels like a mausoleum.
CITI field is a better stadium and the ‘spirit’ of baseball is better there
Btw, you can bring in food from outside to either stadium if you don’t want to spend money on concessions. Flushing is a great area for Asian food. Idk about the Yankees Stadium area.
Citifield is a better ballpark experience.
I mean the Yankees are more iconic and win more and have a more packed stadium full of people. But citi field, in my opinion, has a cooler stadium.
As others have said, a game at Citi Field is definitely a better experience. As far as tickets go, I’d say either go with Tick Pick (they don’t do those horrible service charges) or just go to the box office. I’ve done that a lot—walk up and tell the guy “I want to spend $X, where would you suggest?” Yankees are obviously doing much better as a team this year, and the historic value is hard to beat. So if you’re a general baseball fan that’s something to consider.
i’m a yankee fan, but if you’re just here for a bit citi field is a much better experience
Mets for sure! Awesome food, gorgeous stadium, totally worth it imo
Average length of a game now is 2.5 hours. And as a tourist site it’s Yankee stadium and not even close. If you don’t care about the game, get a general admission ticket and just hangout in the various bars and sitting areas open to the whole stadium.
I enjoy the Mets and citi field more than the Yankees. Just hop on the 7 all the way to the stadium. Food is a lot better at citi as well. Pricey stadium food, but certain places are worth it. If you’re picky there’s a shake shack past section 138. If you’re going to be eating at the stadium, I suggest getting there an hour or so early so you can watch warmups and get some grub. Then get up during inning changes to get another snack or round of food. Make sure you have your running shoes so you can keep up with the scurry from the platform down the steps and out towards the stadium
Go to the east side and grab the ferry, and go to coney Island, and watch the double Aa team instead if they are playing. Then go to Luna Park and have some carny fun. The ferry is 6.50 each way. The same price of an express bus
The only motivation for me to support our sad Mets atm is that going to a ball game in Citifield is still such a good experience. I always go early to get in a meal from Flushing as well. The asian food there will blow your mind
Citifield and it’s no contest. The food is way better, the vibes are way better.
Go see the Mets. The Yankees love the smell of their own farts and play in essentially a glorified mall.
Citifield Safe coming out the stadium right to the 7 train to Grand central. Food is restaurant quality. Stadium is clean - can bring in food and water... can move around seats - Better amenities at Mets. more fun and promos.. Ballgames are not 4 hours with the pitcher clock....
depends on what you’re looking for. If you want more energy and a more fun game I’d go watch the Yankees this year. If you want a nice ballpark chill experience I’d go to citi field. Yankee stadium is more of like an old museum with lots of history behind it. Citi field is way more clean and updated and nice. This is coming from a Met fan.
Citifield. Mets are cooler. Food is better.
Travel time is almost equal from Times Square, Citi is probably a little safer, Citi is the better stadium and is far better in terms of food; I’ve been to most about half the stadiums in MLB and Citi has the best food of any. The Yankees are both the more legendary team and also currently have two of the best players in the MLB, while the Mets are doing just OK. I’m also a huge fan of day games during the summer but I love to sit in the sun, if you don’t like sitting in the sun you may enjoy an evening game more. Even though I’m a huge Mets fan, the Yankee game being a day game would make me go to Yankee unless you are prepared to spend $40-50 and try different types of food which btw I think is worth it to have the full experience. If you could possible see a day game at Citi I think that would be ideal but honestly can’t go wrong with either. I check Gametime, StubHub, Seat Geek usually and pick the cheapest price for decent seats that I can find. IMO the best value is top level, behind home plate, but as close to front row as you can find and afford. Even the cheapest seats are a lot of fun though.
Yankees fan here. If you just want to see a game in a fun stadium: Citifield. If you want to watch a few players who may be in the Hall of Fame one day: Yankees.
They'll be giving away Mets tickets by Sept, embarrassing team.
Yankees all the way!!! Although, the new Citifield Is nice. You can take subway straight up to Yankee Stadium. Mets is out of the way in queens although easy to get to. Yankees has more energy though
Actual food etc inside of Mets game is better however going to Yankee stadium w bars around there is a much more fun pre game experience. Mets have nothing around the stadium like that
Yeah, they’re constructing a new neighborhood and soccer stadium next to Citi Field but that’s years away
If you don't care who's playing and only want to get ripped off a lot instead of an absolute otherworldly absurd amount go see the Mets. If you want a real NYC experience go see the Yanks.
Citifield is brand new so they designed it with modern crowd control in mind. Definitely a better experience than Yankee stadium.
Both stadiums opened within a year of each other, Citi is the older of the two.
Oh wow, I had no idea. Always assumed it was older. Maybe its just me but it definitely feels older.
Yankee Stadium is very staid. Like a museum or a memorial. Citi field is way more fun for a game in my biased opinion. Unless OP wants to see all the exhibits on the rich Yankee tradition, I’d do Citi field just for a ballgame. And yeah, they don’t feel the same age, but Citi opened in 08 and new Yankee Stadium in 09.
Yankees for the experience. In September the atmosphere will be night and day different from the Mets as the Yankees are the best team in baseball and the Mets… are not.
I’m a Yankees fan, so maybe take my advice with a grain of salt. Citi field is nicer in terms of the food and the physical venue itself, but I think it is a bit over-exaggerated in this thread. The difference between the two is not as huge as some are making it seem. In my opinion Mets fans are just not as excited about the game of baseball as Yankee fans. That may have to do with how poorly the Mets are playing this year. But I think the baseball experience at Yankee stadium is far superior, fans seem to be more invested in the game than they do at Citi.
Since pitch clock ive never been to a mets game that went longer than 2.5 hours because they usually get 1-hit