Home Game Guide, Promotional Schedule And Stadium Details For 2023 New York Mets
Last season, the New York Mets made the postseason for the first time since 2016 and were promptly eliminated in the Wild Card round. As this year’s team tries making a deeper playoff run, we’ve got everything you’ll need to know about catching a game at Citi Field.
That includes information on getting to the game, how to wager on the action via NY sports betting apps and the best ballpark bites.
Since the Wilpon family sold the Mets to current owner Steve Cohen back in 2020, things have changed. Cohen isn’t afraid to spend money to give his club the best chance at winning, and fans love it.
The Mets far and away have the highest 26-man payroll going into the 2023 season. That number sits at nearly $305 million. Trailing in second place by nearly $37 million is the New York Yankees. Who’d have thought we’d ever see the day where the Mets are outspending the Yankees?
The headlining offseason acquisition was reigning AL Cy Young winner Justin Verlander. The 40-year-old is a two-time World Series champion and promises to bring a veteran presence to the team.
Citi Field is going to be a madhouse this summer with the Mets trying reclaiming NL East supremacy. Below is our home game guide to make your experience as smooth as possible.
How to bet on the New York Mets
The NY sports betting market is loaded with nine options to choose from, all of which offer the best New York Mets betting odds:
It’s important to browse around and review all your options before choosing a sportsbook to join. Each one offers a unique welcome bonus for new users, so it’s best to see all your options and pick the one you like best.
Each sportsbook also has different interfaces and layouts. By checking out each site before signing up, you can choose one you feel most comfortable with.
How to get to Citi Field
Citi Field is east of Manhattan in Queens. Those who don’t live nearby get turned off by the idea of traveling to games, but there are options for everyone to get there.
Citi Field is very close to the Mets-Willets Point Station. To get there, you can take the 7 MTA subway train or the LIRR Port Washington train. If you’re a tourist flying in for a game, the Q48 bus comes straight from LaGuardia Airport.
Parking near the park is an option, too. Lots open 2½ hours before first pitch. Spots are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. So if you’re hoping for a short walk to the stadium, be sure to arrive early.
2023 New York Mets promotional schedule
Throughout the season, the Mets will have various dates with a little extra specialness to them. From bobbleheads to jerseys to hats, New York will offer plenty of promotions during the 2023 campaign.
Take a look below at the full Mets 2023 promotional schedule and find a game that suits you best.
| Date | Promotion | Available To |
|---|---|---|
| April 8, 4:10 p.m. | Citi Field replica | First 25,000 fans |
| April 29, 4:05 p.m. | Robots knit series Mr. Met | First 15,000 fans |
| May 6, 4:10 p.m. | Robots knit series Mr. Met | First 15,000 fans |
| May 20, 4:10 p.m. | Francisco Lindor grass growin bobblehead | First 15,000 fans |
| May 31, 7:10 p.m. | Howie Rose sound bobblehead | First 15,000 fans |
| June 4, 1:40 p.m. | Pete Alonso-inspired neon sunglasses | First 15,000 fans |
| June 16, 7:10 p.m. | Pride hand fan | All fans |
| June 18, 1:40 p.m. | Bucket hat | First 15,000 fans |
| June 26, 7:10 p.m. | Starling Marte Black Panther bobblehead | First 15,000 fans |
| June 27, 7:10 p.m. | Mr. Met Indiana Jones bobblehead | First 15,000 fans |
| July 18, 7:10 p.m. | Mets basketball jersey | First 15,000 fans |
| July 19, 7:10 p.m. | Topps baseball cards | First 10,000 fans |
| July 27, 7:10 p.m. | Mets soccer jersey | First 15,000 fans |
| August 10, 7:10 p.m. | Mets football jersey | First 15,000 fans |
| August 15, 7:10 p.m. | Edwin Diaz trumpet bobblehead | First 15,000 fans |
| August 16, 1:10 p.m. | Max Scherzer-inspired two-toned sunglasses | First 15,000 fans |
| August 25, 7:10 p.m. | Kodai Senga glow-in-the-dark ghost fork ball | First 15,000 fans |
| August 30, 6:40 p.m. | MLB Network hat | First 15,000 fans |
| September 2, 7:10 p.m. | Corduroy hat | First 15,000 fans |
| September 12, 7:10 p.m. | Mets hockey jersey | First 15,000 fans |
| September 28, 7:10 p.m. | Buck Showalter-inspired windbreaker | First 15,000 fans |
| September 29, 7:10 p.m. | Mets crossbody bag | First 15,000 fans |
| September 30, 7:10 p.m. | Tie-dye headband | All fans |
Best food at Mets games
Jason Eksterowicz, senior executive chef at Citi Field, has said that in 2023, “our offerings are immense” in the food world.
From Takumi Taco and its Japanese-Mexican-inspired tacos to Empanada Mama, featuring empanadas with a cheeseburger filling, Citi Field has bolstered its food offerings with new arrivals.
The most viral options, however, belong to Jacob’s Pickles and Sundae Donuts. Pickles, which arrived to Citi Field in 2022, serves up fried chicken sandwiches with glazed donuts for buns and slathered in honey barbecue sauce. And over at Sundae Donuts, a milkshake topped with a glazed donut, sprinkles and popcorn. Or instead of popcorn, opt for Oreo crumbles.
Other dining options include your standard burgers and hot dogs. But it also includes risotto balls, cheesesteaks, sushi, lobster, barbeque and more. Seriously, they’ve got it all.
Those with a sweet tooth are covered, too. Citi Field has multiple ice cream stands, cookie dough and fresh baked cookies, to give a few examples.
Come for the baseball, and stay for the food.
What’s new at Citi Field in 2023
Besides some additions to the roster, fans will notice a glaring change in the viewing experience in Citi Field.
Cohen did an interview with Mets radio announcer Howie Rose and talked about having to squint to read the scoreboard at Citi Field while sitting in his suite. He promised that fans won’t deal with that in 2023, as a massive new video board is being built at the ballpark.
The MEGA SCOREBOARD construction is close to being finished. 🔥 #LGM pic.twitter.com/QyTvMFDNZ3
— GENY Mets Report (@genymets) March 1, 2023
It’s safe to say squinting will no longer be required.
Plus, within the next few years, the area around Citi Field may have another one-of-a-kind feature.
Downstate NY casino in Queens?
Cohen has also hosted multiple “visioning sessions” with Flushing locals. The purpose of the meetings is to get community insight on what to do with a 50-acre lot near the stadium that can be repurposed to upgrade the fan experience.
One thing Cohen wants to do is build a NY casino on the land, though that wasn’t received well by Flushing residents. Locals even held a protest to demonstrate their disdain of the idea that a casino could be coming to town.
From the visioning sessions, Cohen learned that community members want to see something built on the lot that will revitalize the local economy and make for year-round entertainment. While it remains unclear what will be built on the large area of land, something should be coming within the next few years.
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