I've finally come to the realization that I need to start grouping stadiums into eras, because it's just not fair to compare a 2009 stadium to a 1996 stadium, much less a 1960s, or 1900 stadium. They are doing different things now and have different priorities for what they're trying to do.
I classify Citi in the same era as target field, Marlins Park, Nationals Stadium, and thou I havent been there at the time of this post, the new Yankee. This stadium compares quite well to all of those, probably most so to Nationals on account of the fact that it is BIG! I think it's actually a bit nicer. Granted it's a little confusing with all of their seating tiers...
Connected directly with the subway there was a good vibe as soon as we got off the train. I was surprised to see that there was actually plenty of parking too! Only a couple (I only saw 2) gates to get in, but lines weren't too bad. Once inside you immediately had to go upstairs to reach the 100 level, with a museum and some other nonsense at ground level.
Open concourse like you'd expect from a 2009 park with good food options (pastrami melts, New York style pizza, etc.). The beer was like the rest of New York beers, largely boring. We sat 3rd base side in row 26. Good view just at the cusp of the outfield. Great batters eye with the retracting apple for HR's, just like Shae.
Common areas through out, even in the upper decks which was unusual I thought. They had the standard games and activities for kids that most new parks have. They did not, however, have an in park restaurant/bar that many do and lines at concessions did seem long everywhere. That shouldn't be the case for a big 45k stadium.
At the end of the day in at a B+ here. In several ways it's better than Target and National, but I think I'm at a point where I'm ready to retool my entire stadium rankings. So stay tuned...
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