Take The Train To The Game

By Matt "The Stat" Himelfarb
Posted Monday, April 14, 2008

Commonly or inexplicably, we Mets fans tend to become nostalgic about certain traditions that never seem to wear off when we head to Shea Stadium; pre-game programs, ice cream in helmet-shaped bowls, or in my case, watching my father enjoy a quick drink before heading into the ballpark. By taking MTA’s New York City Transit train to the game, you can get a retro touch, new features, and, most importantly, skip paying over $4.00 a gallon at the pump, all wrapped up in one slick, beautiful, package.

Unlike just about every other individual or corporation that claims to be working for the greater good in our lives, NYC Transit is clearly making a concerted effort to help you -- yes, you, Mr. Conductor’s passenger -- enjoy a more relaxing and less strenuous ride to the game. Their work and self-provided ameliorations were reflected in the Mets home opener on Tuesday against the Philadelphia Phillies, where, NYC Transit, in collaboration with the New York Mets, had more than a few extravagances accompanying the typical ride to Shea.

Starting from the Times Square/42nd Street Station, a vintage array of “Bluebird” model IRT subway cars made all express stops along the way to the Willets Point/Shea Stadium Station. Invited dignitaries were greeted by a familiar guest, Mets third baseman David Wright, albeit unfortunately in Madame Tussaud wax figure form. Wright managed to keep his sheepish expression on with Dick-Cheney-like consistency, and while NYC Transit also planned on welcoming a Prince Charles figure in addition to the Mets superstar, it was determined that reserving a car for each ear was not in the best interest of morning travelers.

The somewhat cheesy yet amusing promotions did not end there, however. NYC Transit representatives also handed out collector MetroCards with two black and white images on the back of them: one of Shea Stadium, and the other, aerial photos of fans cheering from the Upper Deck, a great feature for the bathroom wall. More than a fair share of fans also met Mr. Met there, received handy z-maps, and a wallet-sized MetroCard holder that unfolds into a subway and bus map for all five boroughs. Hence, when your car breaks down in the middle of a Bronx Alley, you can whip out your MetroCard holder and be on your way back home.

Beyond the home opener programs, NYC Transit has outlined several season-long fan features sure to satisfy fans through the hot summer stretch and fist-clenching games in September. To make traveling more accessible, the Willets Point/Shea Stadium Station features a new layout on game days that will allow fans to use all stairs and ramps to get out of the station, resulting in a “free-flowing environment,” as SVD Department of Subways Steven Feil states. Also, fans that mention “MetroCard” will be in line for discounted tickets ($10 or $5 off) to select games, and can also collect “Great Moments at Shea” MetroCards. Yeah, a few infinitely-produced collectors cars might not seem like much right now, but considering the historical significance of the last season at Shea, they are a token of your experience worth keeping and eventually relinquishing to your grandchildren, at least until your mother travels through your overflowing draws of childhood memories and dumps them in your garbage can, along with your Honus Wagner T-206 card.

As expected, NYC Transit’s “Post Game Express” trains will run after all weeknight home games, stopping at Woodside, Queensboro Plaza, and Grand Central Station. This pattern will be repeated in the first ever weekend express service, during both day and night games, and all express will be “flipped” one hour earlier for weekday matinee home games, starting at about 11:30 a.m. After the game, rush hour service means a train will stop every two-and-one-half minutes.

All of NYC Transit's measures are especially important when taking into account the fact that there will be few available parking spaces while Citi Field continues to be under construction. Indeed, as FU’s editor-in-chief Mike McGann says, “With the parking situation at Shea, you pretty much need to take the 7 train out there these days.”

For detailed directions to the park visit NYC Transit’s trip planner.

You can read more of Matt's work at Mets Geek and contact him here.

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