Citi Field

Citi Field (home to the New York Mets,) opened in 2009 is a vast improvement from the worn out Shea Stadium. Plans regarding a new stadium in New York started circulating in the '90s, when the introduced a model of a potential ballpark that included a retractable roof, fitting for New York's unpredictability in Early Spring and Fall. The plans fell through, as New York City would not provide the funds to a stadium with a retractable roof, which are very expensive.

In 2009 the Mets opened their inaugural season at Citi Field, to 3,154,270 fans. Since then, Citi Field has allowed the least amount of Home Runs in the MLB, and has been criticized as being to "pitcher-friendly."

Older fans may have a feeling of Nostalgia, as the arches in the front entrance give homage to the old Ebbets Field where the Brooklyn Dodgers played before they left to Los Angeles, and their stadium was demolished. The Stadium Also honors Jackie Robinson, a Dodger, who broke the color barrier, with a Jackie Robinson Rotunda at the front entrance.

Either way, Citi Field is recognizable to all MLB fans for many unique reasons. One instance being, that in right field the "Pepsi Porch" overhangs the playing field, so fans are literally on top of the action. Another being the "Great Wall of Flushing" (Flushing is the neighborhood in the borough of Queens they play in) which is twice the size of a regulation fence in left field. It has taken away countless home runs. Unlike the 37-foot "Green Monster" at Fenway Park, which is only 310 feet from home plate, the Great Wall of Flushing is 358 Feet from home plate. This means putting an uppercut on the baseball isn't necessarily going to mean you'll hit it over. The most iconic figure at Citi Field would have to be the Home Run Apple in center field, that pops up every time the Mets hit a home run.

Citi Field has a fan-friendly atmosphere as all the seats are very close to the playing field, so you won't get a bad view and miss out on any action. All seats are great, as even the upper deck has a steep incline that makes sure you can see the whole playing field.

Unlike Shea Stadium, where you had to go through a tunnel to go to the concession stands (which are great, but don't forget your wallet $$,) Citi Field has an open view all the way throughout the concourse, and TV's broadcasting the game in every corner. This ensures no one will miss the game winning hit.

Some say that Citi Field is just too ordinary, with a brick facade in front, which is very ordinary amongst ballparks today. But unless you see a game there and feel the atmosphere, and hear the roars from the airplanes flying over, you just won't understand what makes it so special. It may not have broken any ground architecturally, but Citi Field is a top destination to see a good ol' fashion ball game.

Next Weeks Edition of Ballpark Guide: Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON