By Julia Cavanagh
Updated lighting, new food, a dance team – oh my! The buzz in the air could’ve been opening-day excitement, or maybe people were talking about the rainbow cookie eggroll.
The Mets hosted their annual “New In” event on March 21, about a week ahead of the of Mets’ season opener at Citi Field in Queens. “New In 24” featured famous chefs showing off their new ballpark cuisine, team representatives sharing facility upgrades and a tour of Citi Field’s latest additions.
Mets President of Business Operations M. Scott Havens spoke at a news conference about how vital the ballpark atmosphere is for Mets games. “It’s important that we focus deeply and consistently on providing an amazing experience here to our fans,” Havens said.
Some of the new features inside Citi Field include:
- A redesigned and expanded team store near the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, the entryway to the ballpark.
- The new and sleek Delta Sky360 Club lounge.
- The Mets Hall of Fame Museum relocated to the Fan Fest area, near centerfield.
- The Mets Hall of Fame plaques relocated to the Rotunda.
For the second straight year, the Mets announced that Citi Field has been named USA Today reader’s choice winner for best stadium food in the country. So whether you’re feeling like a Shake Shack burger, some Prince Street Pizza, Gyro Jimmy’s or anything else ballpark cuisine – Citi Field has you covered.
“New in 24” featured multiple celebrity chefs who are bringing their own spin to New York classics for the 2024 season. Chefs included Adam Richman, best known for his show “Man v. Food” on the Travel Channel, and Food Network hosts Anne Burrell and Judy Joo.
“Now I get to bring my food to the place I grew up coming to,” Richman said. “What’s better than that?”
Earlier in the day, Mets officials hosted a Citi Bike ribbon-cutting ceremony at which they unveiled 66 new Mets-themed Citi bikes. Two Citi Bike locations at Citi Field have been installed: one near the rotunda and the other by the 34th Street bike lanes.
Also new to Citi Field this year is the “Queens Crew” dance team, and for the first time, fans will experience an emcee during games.
The Amazin’ Mets Foundation inaugural 50/50 Raffle Program is another addition to the season. At each home game, one fan will win half of the raffle proceeds of the game. The other half will benefit the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, which supports local programs and nonprofits.
“Each home game will be a unique opportunity for fans to take home prizes and have a direct impact on our community,” said Mets Owner and Amazin’ Mets Foundation President Alex Cohen.
As the season is now underway, baseball fans everywhere can experience all Citi Field has to offer for the 2024 season.
