Re-Imagining Citi Field for 2010: Three Changes to Improve the Ballpark

Citi Field has come under a lot of criticism, both fair and unfair, for not doing enough to honor the Mets and their history.

In my own trips to Citi Field, I have identified a few changes I would like to make to better make the ballpark feel like home. Using my limited Photoshop abilities, I will attempt to illustrate these ideas for you.

So without further ado, here are three things I would like to see at Citi Field in 2010...

The Left Field Corner becomes...

The Mets opted for an unconventional left field corner. It's interesting enough but lacks personality. Also, the retired numbers look like they were a complete afterthought.

It's almost as if April came around and someone said, "Holy Crap! We forgot the retired numbers! Do we still have the ones from Shea? Have Joe slap them up somewhere we didn't sell advertising."

Kiner's Korner!

An odd corner deserves an odd name, and Kiner's Korner is a part of Mets tradition. I even kept the suits in mind by doubling up the precious advertising space to the right so none is lost.

Kiner's Korner (continued)

A closer look reveals the naming of "Kiner's Korner" and a photo of the Mets' legendary original broadcast team of Ralph Kiner, Lindsey Nelson, and Bob Murphy. The retired numbers are now shown more prominently and have images to match. Even Shea makes an appearance.

The Bridge becomes...

There is nothing really wrong with the bridge; it is just a bit empty. From the first day I looked at it, I saw the perfect place for...

The Bob Murphy Bridge!

...The Bob Murphy Bridge.

Naming the bridge requires nothing more than a sign. Bob Murphy was the voice that connected my generation of fans to our father's generation. His voice spanned the decades. Naming the bridge that spans the bullpen is the least the team could do.

Above it, I would love to see something that proudly announces our previous triumphs. Currently the pennants fly above the Pepsi Porch, but there is rarely enough wind, and they just hang there limply.

The Jackie Robinson Rotunda becomes...

The Jackie Robinson Rotunda is a fantastic gateway into the ballpark. Many have openly criticized the naming of the rotunda for a non-Met, but Robinson's is a legacy and a NY story that must be honored.

That being said, there is no reason that Jackie and the Mets can't coexist...

The New Jackie Robinson Rotunda!

My only criticism is that there is so little Mets history or even signage in the Rotunda. Just because the Rotunda is named for Jackie does not mean it cannot contain Mets history as well. In fact, it is a great chance to link the two...

The New Jackie Robinson Rotunda (continued)

Besides the obvious signage, why not add a timeline along the escalators or stairway that follows the Mets' journey from the day Jackie and the Dodgers left town to opening day at Citi Field? It's almost as if the fan begins in the '50s and ascends to the present-day ballpark.

What Do You Think?

Despite what the designers and decision makers seem to think, the Mets do indeed have plenty of history worth celebrating. These ideas are just a few.

Statues, the Mets Hall of Fame, and more Mets images are other things I would like to see. What do you guys think? Maybe if enough of us keep sharing these ideas, someone will listen.

P.S. If you work for the Mets and want to hire me, please feel free to message me :-)