It’s Too Damn Cold At Citi Field

So there I was yesterday afternoon at Citi Field, thinking I was OVERDRESSED in two fleece jackets, only having to leave after three innings because I was shivering uncontrollably.

Fast forward to late last night, and there I was with a fever, chills and pounding headache – all because I got sick taking in an AFTERNOON Mets game.

Imagine if I was there at night!

All in all, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s FREEZING at Mets games. I’m no expert in stadium design, but I’m guessing the relentless wind at Citi comes from the open design of the stadium facing Flushing Bay.

Whatever breeze comes off the water is funneled directly into the stadium. If the weather report says there are 5 MPH winds where you live, you can probably assume they’ll be 15-20 at Citi.

This also creates the ridiculous issue of garbage swirling around the Stadium, but that’s a rant for another day.

My horrible experience yesterday has forced me to enact the “Citi Field Rule.” If it’s less than 65 degrees and NOT a sunny day game, I will not go to a game at Citi.

If it’s chilly and there’s no sunshine to warm you up, you are asking for an unpleasant experience. That was the case yesterday. It was cloudy and about 55.

I spoke to Mr. G when I came in for work (I also left the game early to be on time for my PIX shift) and he told me the wind chills there were in the 30’s!!. He also told me I looked like death.

I’m thankful that as a member of the media I can dive into the heated press box if I have to work a cold game at Citi Field. I feel for everyone else who doesn’t have some place to warm up.

When I was back in the office, I turned on the game and heard Keith Hernandez describe Citi Field as just below infamous Candlestick Park as far as windy ballparks go.

That’s some legendary windiness.

Can the Mets do anything about it? I doubt it, short of closing in the back of the stadium in left field.

Maybe they can add some heated overhead thingy’s that outdoor restaurants have to warm up fans looking for relief.

At the rate the Mets are going, the team might have to take action because all of a sudden October baseball might be a reality.

As much as Met fans pray for a playoff game at Citi Field, they might not know what they’re getting themselves into.

Matt Estreich for The Huddle