By Glenn Ferara
Been to Shea Stadium lately? Been there at all?
If you haven’t you don’t know what you’re missing. Yes, the Mets aren’t too Amazin’ this season, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time, and on the cheap too. That’s right, cheap.
For those of you who have never made the trip, getting to Shea is pretty easy. The subway will give you the least problems, and you have enough money left over to buy your kid an ice cream when he starts getting bored around the fourth inning.
The No. 7 train goes directly to the stadium entrance. The Long Island Rail Road also stops at Shea, on the Port Washington line. If you’re addicted to your car, beware. On game-days, all roads surrounding the stadium resemble the streets of Pamplona during a bull run — crowded and angry. But if you insist on motoring (and paying for parking) the Grand Central Parkway will get you there.
Now, where should you sit? For the best bargain try the upper deck. It’s not nearly as bad as you might think. Plus, if you want to have something to eat, and maybe buy a program or a hat without maxing out your credit cards, then the “Upper Reserved” level is the place to be. You can’t beat $12 a seat.
In the nose-bleeds, Sections 1-17 will give you the best view of the action. If you’re looking for a free souvenir, Sections 1-11 will give you a chance, albeit remote, at nabbing a foul ball. If you sit high enough you’ll be treated to an impressive 360-degee view of the entire area. Behind you, the Manhattan skyline; before you, you can practically see out to Montauk. But avoid sitting in Section 37 or higher, because from the far right and left field ends you won’t be able to see the scoreboard or the Jumbo-tron screen very well, if at all.
Food? Shea has all of the baseball standards. Hot dogs, pretzels, beer, peanuts, popcorn, all ridiculously priced. If you have a wider palette, try the mini food-court in the right field corner of the orange Field Box level. Choose from donuts, kosher hot dogs, pizza, and other greasy treats. For those of you looking for anything resembling health food, they have soda — that’s as close as you’re going to get.
Before planning to go to a game, be sure to check the schedule for promotional days. Sure, the stuff they give out is usually pretty lame — who needs a t-shirt that will shrink four sizes after the first wash — but sometimes there are some decent freebies. For instance, fans who can remember the team’s last World Series win in 1986 have a special day coming up. On Sunday , Aug. 12, Gary Carter will be inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame, and fans will ge some kind of commemorative card. But the real reason to go will be to see many of his former teammates, who are slated to be on hand for the ceremony.
Watching a Mets game on TV doesn’t come close to being there under the sun or under the stars, even if you have to sit where the air is thinner.
Take me out to the ballgame — anytime.
Reach Qguide writer Glenn Ferara by e-mail at timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 139.
