For about the price of a ride on the 7 train, Mets fans can head to Citi Field to watch the Mets take on the Washington Nationals on Wednesday afternoon.
The Mets are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their inaugural game on April 11 with 1962 ticket prices. Tickets in Citi Field’s Promenade Reserve cost just $2.50 for the matinee.
On April 11, 1962 the Mets’ Roger Craig faced off against Larry Jackson of the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in the team’s first game with New York losing 11-4.
Though the prices are the same, the outcomes have been very different for the 50th anniversary edition of the team. While the 1962 Mets opened the season with nine losses, this year’s team has sped out of the box with three wins over their rival, the Atlanta Braves.
During the Mets inaugural season reserved tickets at the Polo Grounds, the team’s home during their first two seasons, were $2.50 — which after inflation comes to about $19 in present day dollars.
Wednesday’s tickets may be $2.50, but the pitching match-up is priceless. Mets ace Johan Santana is set to face Nationals phenom Stephen Strasburg. Though each pitcher is coming off a lost 2011 season — Santana missed the whole season, while Strasburg returned in September — they opened the season pitching to their reputation as aces. Strasburg tossed seven innings of one-run ball, while Santana held the Braves scoreless over five.
Fans can purchase tickets online at Mets.com/MetsBirthday or at the Citi Field ticket windows next to the Jackie Robinson Rotunda.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and are going fast, more than three tickets are not available together in the $2.50 section.
