Shea Stadium in Brief: Located in the Flushing, Queens, Shea Stadium is home to the New York Mets. The first game at Shea Stadium was played on April 17, 1964 against the Pittsburg Pirates. Shea Stadium is also well known for hosting a variety of other sports, entertainment and cultural events, most notably when the Beatles performed the first major outdoor stadium concert on August 15, 1965 to 60,000 screaming fans.
Shea Stadium Address:
123-01 Roosevelt Avenue
Flushing, NY 11368
Shea Stadium Subway Directions: The Willets Point/Shea Stadium Subway stop on the 7 train is located just outside Shea Stadium. and River Ave. The trip from midtown Manhattan takes about 35 minutes, but allow extra time for crowding near game times and rush hours. If you're taking MetroNorth to get to New York City, you can change to the 7 train from Grand Central Station.
Shea Stadium Long Island Railroad Directions: Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) trains stop at Shea Stadium from Penn Station and Woodside. On game days, service to Shea Stadium is also available via the Port Washington branch.
Ferry to Shea Stadium: New York Water Taxi runs the Mets Express from Brooklyn Army Terminal, South Street Seaport, East 34th Street and East 90th Street directly to Shea Stadium. Fares are $18 per adult, round-trip ($12 for children under 12), consult their web site for
complete ferry information. You can enjoy your ride and avoid the crowds, but reservations are recommended.
About Shea Stadium: You can
read more about Shea Stadium history on the Mets' web site.
Entry gates open 1 1/2 hours before the scheduled game time. Gate C opens 2 1/2 hours before game time so fans can watch batting practice. Arrive early to avoid delays passing through Shea Stadium security.
Smoking is prohibited in the stadium.
Coolers, glass and plastic bottles, and cans, as well as bags larger than a purse or child's backpack are not permitted. If you want to bring your own food and drink, keep these policies in mind -- juice boxes offer a good drink solution (they're even available with iced tea, etc) and packing a few small snacks in your child's backpack could be an option. If you bring anything that is forbidden you'll have to return it to your car before entering the stadium.
All the food you bring into the stadium must be in a clear plastic bag. Sealed plastic bottles are also permitted.
In addition to typical hot dogs, beers, and Cracker Jacks being sold in the stands and at the concession stands, there are two Leo's Latticini stands (aka Mama's) selling good Italian-style sandwiches, which are good for stadium food if you're not into hot dogs.
Tailgating rules prohibit alcohol and open fires (including barbeques), as well as impeding pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
