Single-game tickets for New York Mets' regular season home games go on sale on Sunday at 10 a.m.
Among the games on offer for 2010 are 30 games against NL East rivals (including nine games against the Philadelphia Phillies), matchups with five of the six division winners from 2009, and three sets of much-anticipated interleague matchups.
For those who went out to see the Mets last year, you'll know that there really isn't a bad seat in the house. The view from the upper decks down either line is still very nice, and you don't feel like you're watching the game from a different borough as you did when you had a ticket for a nosebleed seat at Shea.
The Pepsi Porch is also really nice, offering a unique view above right field, and if you get there early you can get right down to the very front row of seats all the way across the outfield and deep in the corners.
Maybe even better is the fact that you can wander down from your upper deck seats and catch part of the game from the field-level concourses. If you want to get up close and personal for some great photos without paying the big prices, this is a great option. Being able to explore the field is a great part of Citi Field. Add to that the reduction in prices for last season, the addition of a hall of fame-type museum, and new restaurants opening up there this year, there's never been a better time to catch a game live.
Aside from Opening Day against the Florida Marlins on April 5, there's sure to be a number of fantastic games at Citi Field this year. If you're unable to get one of the packs available throughout the season (four-game Premium Pick-a-Pack, six-game, 15-game, or 40-game package), there's still a host of top contests to get excited about.
From the Yankees' lone visit to Flushing in May, to the Dodgers' trip in April, there's something for everyone this season. Here are five different home series to look out for in 2010.
Detroit Tigers, June 22-24
The Mets have not played the Tigers since losing two of three in the Motor City in 2007, and they have not hosted them in New York since sweeping Alan Trammell’s ballclub six years ago.
The Tigers, now under the eye of Jim Leyland, have posted winning records in three of the last four seasons, and they missed out on a playoff spot in 2009 after a late-season collapse cost them the AL Central division to the Twins in a one-game playoff.
The Tigers, baring injuries, will be bringing household names including Miguel Cabrera, Brandon Inge, and Magglio Ordonez to Citi Field, alongside new acquisition Johnny Damon.
Depending on matchups, you could see Justin Verlander or Rick Porcello against Johan Santana. Get down to Citi Field for this exciting interleague matchup…they won’t be back until 2016.
Philadelphia Phillies, May 25-27, Aug 13-15, Sept. 10-12
Although the Mets and Phillies will square off 18 times during the season, there's always enough animosity to go around. The Mets lost a dozen games to the National League champs in 2009, and they'll be anxious to quieten Jimmy Rollins and his All-Star supporting cast of Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino.
While Cliff Lee won't be on the mound for the Phillies, Roy Hallady's visit to Citi Field will be a big draw. He's only ever pitched against the Mets four times in his career, and it will be exciting to see how he adapts in his first year in the National League.
His first appearance in the Big Apple in 2010 will have to wait until at least the Mets' 45th game, but rest assured it will be worth the wait.
Minnesota Twins, June 25-27
Immediately after the visit from the Tigers, the Mets will host their AL Central rival Minnesota Twins.
As with the Tigers, the Mets only play the Twins every three years, so ensure you catch what could be Joe Mauer’s one and only trip to Citi Field.
The last time the Mets played the Twins in the regular season was in 2007 when the Mets lost the three-game set at Shea 2-1. The most notable of their previous trip to face the Amazins was the middle game in the series when a familiar face dominated the Mets.
Johan Santana pitched a complete game shutout against Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, David Wright, and company, allowing just four hits—all singles—in a comfortable 9-0 victory.
Aside from the benefit of the games coming at the weekend (Friday through Sunday), there are also a couple promotions for fans attending the games.
On the Saturday, the first 25,000 fans get a free Mets cap, while on Sunday you can bring your kids to the park for the Mr. Met Dash. There’s nothing better than lunchtime baseball on a gorgeous sunny day in June. It’s sure to be a great family day out.
New York Yankees, May 21-23
The Mets will host the cross-town Yankees in the middle of May in the World Champions’ only regular season trip to Citi Field.
Despite the Mets’ struggles in recent years, they are actually 18-18 against the Yankees in the last six years since getting swept both at home and away in 2003.
Expect tickets to the Yankees’ trip to Citi Field to go quickly…every Mets fan wants to see them take down Derek Jeter, A-Rod, CC Sabathia, and the evil empire. There’s history between the clubs and bragging rights are up for grabs.
Some people say that playing six games against each other diminishes the magic. I'd say it’s one of the few series that generates as much animosity as Mets-Phillies matchups these days.
All three games are scheduled for the evening, with Saturday’s game on Fox and Sunday’s game on ESPN with Jon Miller and Joe Morgan.
Atlanta Braves, July 11
The Braves will likely be in the mix for a Wild Card spot in 2010, and there’s a good atmosphere when the Mets host other NL East rivals.
But the reason why I singled this game out was because it is Jason Bay bobblehead night—the only one scheduled for the entire season. I love bobbleheads and I’m going to make sure I’m at the front of the queue for Sunday summer matinee.
Billy Wagner could feature for the Braves, while Jeff Francoeur could also be staring against his former employees. For me, I’d love to see Ike Davis and Jason Heyward going head to head in this one. It’s late enough in the season where either uber-prospect could be called into action.
It’s the last game before the All-Star game, and the last contest at Citi Field for almost two-and-a-half weeks because the Mets will go on an 11-day road trip to the West Coast after the ASG in Anaheim.
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