New food, giveaways at Citi Field in 2019

March 21st, 2019

NEW YORK -- The Mets are not only poised to be exciting on the field this season, but off the field as well. On Thursday, the team offered an exclusive look into its new promotional items and dining menu during a media event at Citi Field. The Mets’ home opener is April 4 against the Nationals at 1:10 p.m. ET.

The Mets have a lot to offer fans this season, from special seats courtesy of Verizon to the First Data Club behind home plate. The Mets are also bringing back Free Shirt Fridays for the third year in a row, starting April 26 against the Brewers.

There are also Super Saturdays, involving various promotional items. On April 6, for example, The Mets will give away a Todd Frazier WWE Day Bobblehead. On April 27, some lucky fans will receive a Game of Thrones-themed Noah Syndergaard bobblehead.

Topping the list this season is the honoring of the 1969 championship team. It’s been 50 years since the Mets won their first World Series title and in the honor of that championship, the Mets Hall of Fame and Museum will feature artifacts including Ron Swoboda’s game-used glove and Gil Hodges’ managerial contract.

The Mets are also hosting a weekend-long celebration honoring the ’69 team from June 28 to June 30. On the first night, fans will receive a 1969 replica jersey. The following day, the first 15,000 fans will take home a 1969 championship pennant. On the final day, the first 15,000 fans will take home a 1969 replica ring.

During the event, the Mets also announced that they are working with the New York City mayor’s office to change Citi Field’s address to honor Tom Seaver, a significant member of the ’69 team. Not only was he their best player in ’69, Seaver is the franchise’s all-time leader in wins, ERA and many other statistical categories. As a member of the Mets, Seaver won three Cy Young Awards and made 10 All-Star Game appearances.

“This is something we have been working [on] for years,” said Lou DePaoli, Mets executive vice president and chief revenue officer. “[Chief operating officer] Jeff Wilpon started this process years ago, meeting with Tom and [Seaver’s wife] Nancy at their home, and then working with the city on trying to get the street name changed. It’s been a long process. We want to do it right. Tom is the greatest player in Mets history and he deserves to have more than just a casual remembrance. So we wanted to go above and beyond with a permanent street name change. We want to make sure we do it right.”

In addition to honoring Seaver, the Mets also have a lot of enticing food on offer. There is the pizza cupcake, which includes Mozzarella, tomatoes and pepperoni in “cupcake” form. One can’t go wrong with the Bash Burger, which includes onions, bacon jam, shaved pickles, American cheese and a secret sauce. Your mouth will water thinking about the Buffalo Chicken sandwich. It’s built out of iceberg lettuce, tomato, white onion and a blue cheese dressing.

Aramark senior executive chef Patrick Schaeffer suggested their Destination Dumplings -- like The Classic (Pork & Chive), which comes with scallions and House Soy.

“We are going to bring something that people don’t try a lot at the ballpark,” said Schaeffer. “We do some really great stuff.”