A Wax David Wright Takes Subway to Opening Day

NEW YORK, April 8, 2008 – Mets fans waxing nostalgic about the final season of play at Shea Stadium will get a chance to ride to the game just as fans did on that first opening day 44 years ago, when MTA New York City Transit places into service a 7 nostalgia train, this morning.

Departing from Times Square/42 St., the vintage array of IRT subway cars, featuring a “Bluebird” model, will make all express stops along the way to the Shea Stadium/Willet’s Point station. As part of the event, 300 lucky fans will also receive a free MetroCard® valued at $2.

In collaboration with the New York Mets, NYC Transit Senior Vice President of Subways Steven Feil will host invited dignitaries in the lead car, a 1964 “Bluebird” that entered service at about the time Shea opened. Also taking the ride but understandably denying all requests for interviews will be a wax figure of Mets third baseman David Wright, compliments of Madame Tussauds New York.

“Taking the Train to the Game is a great example of what NYC Transit services offer—an efficient, convenient and inexpensive way to get to the game while creating memories that will last a lifetime,” said MTA Executive Director & CEO Elliot Sander. “Last season alone, more than 700,000 Mets fans took advantage of beefed-up 7 service (an increase of 17% from 2006), using the Flushing Line to make it out to the ballgame and travel back home again.”

To add to the ambience of the day, the N.Y. Mets Pepsi Party Patrol will roam both stations to assist fans heading to the game. Mr. Met will be available to greet fans and pose for photographs. Fans will also be able to take pictures with the Wright wax figure.

NYC Transit has stepped up its own game when it comes to traveling to and from Mets games. “Post Game Express” trains will run after all weeknight home games, stopping at Woodside, Queensboro Plaza and Grand Central. The first ever weekend express service (day or evening game) from Shea, will follow ‘Post Game Express’ service plan. Also, 7 express service will be “flipped” one hour earlier for weekday matinee home games (first Main St.-bound Express departs Times Square at 11:34 a.m.).

The initiative is part of NYC Transit’s “Take the Train to the Game” campaign, a multi-year effort aimed at encouraging riders to use mass transit as an alternative to driving, especially since there are fewer available parking spaces at Shea during construction of Citi Field.

To make traveling easier, the Willets Point-Shea Stadium station features an efficient, new layout on game days. Fans will be able to use all the stairs and ramps to get out of the station. “Our riders will notice the biggest change once the games are over,” said Steven Feil, SVP Department of Subways. “We have reconfigured the mezzanine to allow for a more free-flowing environment for fans heading to the subway or the Long Island Rail Road.”

Discounts are available, too. When fans mention “MetroCard,” they will be in line for discounted tickets ($10 or $5 off) to select games. And don’t forget, fans can also collect “Great Moments at Shea” MetroCards – set of two – featuring Shea Stadium and other great Mets images. The first in the series goes on sale this month at select stations along 7 Line.

NYC Transit not only helps fans get in cheaper, we get you there and home faster. Remember, prior to Tuesday’s game, 7 express service from Manhattan to Shea Stadium will start one hour earlier, at about 11:30 a.m. Following the game, regular evening rush hour service means a train every 2½ minutes. For detailed directions to the park, visit our Trip Planner at http://tripplanner.mta.info/.