“I think getting these tickets is one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.”

Backhanded compliment? Maybe. Or maybe the truth is I just haven’t made great decisions in my life.

But that’s what one of my daughters said about the season ticket package I’ve had at Citi Field for the past two seasons.

I can’t disagree.

I’ve been able to take each of my daughters to a game individually, which is nice quality time, and I’ve attended games with a variety of other friends and family…and I’ve flat-out allowed myself more time to do something I greatly enjoy: Just going to a Mets game and spending time at Citi Field.

The way things have worked out, this year has gone better than last year…not the least of it because the baseball has for the most part been less frustrating.

Personal economic conditions being what they are, I am not sure that I’ll be able to do the package again next year unless things change in my favor somehow.

But there’s still a half a season left to enjoy the 2024 Mets at Citi Field. Here’s what I’ve done so far and what I can recommend to you if you’re headed to the ballpark.

I knew this when we looked at the schedule early on - the Mets tickets were very first-half heavy this season.

Even saying first half is inaccurate - the Mets have already played 52 home games, leaving them just 29 the rest of the way.

I’ve already been to 12 games (last year I went to 9 all season!) and I’ll likely just be going to two or three the rest of the way. (For what it’s worth, last year I also went to just one Red Sox game…this year it looks like I’ll be going to three, so ballpark attendance is up across the board for me.)

That’s a combination of more opportunities for me to get down to New York in the first part of the year…and with New York City Marathon training beginning on Monday and going strong through these final two full months of the season, I don’t love sitting in the car for six hours round trip (unless I’m going to a playoff game). So it was also partly by design.

But what it also makes me is an expert on all things 2024 at Citi Field.

What do you want to know? Food?

I have pictures of everything I’ve eaten but I’ll show you the lobster-topped burger because that’s also where you can get the steak sandwich, both of which were excellent. And there’s the burrito bowl to boot.

I’ve had a pastrami burger from Keith’s Grill on the 400 level, a burrito bowl from the World’s Fare Market in the right field corner, a variety of foods from the Caesar’s Sportsbook at Metro Marketplace (I think that’s what it’s called - but it’s like a hidden gem that not everybody knows about in the 300 level along the left field line) - Chopped Cheese and an Italian Sub from Amazon’ Deli and gyros from the gyro place in there, and my daughters have gotten some dippin’ dots from there too - lobster rolls from the lobster place in right field, a lobster-topped burger from Pat LaFreida and also a steak sandwich from there…and I’ve also had your traditional burger and dog. (I had the Whattya Say Burger from New York Panini in the Coca-Cola Corner, but I don’t know how much longer they’re there. It might be worth a trip to Huntington to check out their other paninis.) I’m not going to bother listing out reviews of all of the foods individually - I have yet to have something bad there. It’s all been good.

What about take-home items?

Not pictured: The clothing I’ve purchased. Partly because I’m embarrassed to show you what I’ve spent but also because I’m wearing one shirt as I write this and the other is in the wash. And also it’s embarrassing how much money I’ve spent on Mets clothes the past two seasons.

Well, I am a sucker for a souvenir cup. We’ve already gotten a few of the designs. My favorite is the Mr. Met one I got with an iced coffee early in the season. I’ll use that a lot at home. I’ve already gotten a tote bag, tumbler, Darryl Strawberry bobblehead, and Pride Hat as giveaways this year. If you’re looking for a good giveaway there’s still a pickleball paddle on 7/25, football jersey on 8/18 and hockey jersey on 9/7, and a cool artist series hat on 9/3. Plenty of good stuff still to be given away, that’s only a tasting - plus there are a couple more fireworks nights. That was a good time too.

I’m almost embarrassed to tell you what I’ve spent on souvenirs but suffice it to say I’ve gotten some good City Connect merch and a couple of other items I’ve had my eye on for at least a season if not two. (Keep your ears peeled for the greatest ballpark merch item in the world that I will be inventing and selling soon.)

I did get myself a program last week for the first time in a while and kept score for the first time in years. My daughter took a friend to the game and I bought a separate ticket and sat by myself in row one of the upper level. It was pretty great - no one walks in front of you in row 1.

In-game entertainment is fun. I almost cried last Sunday when the kid won the wiffle ball home run derby which might have been because he looked so proud of himself, but it also might have been because I was sitting in the sun too long. I recommend going on a City Connect day if you can because there are some great subway graphics throughout the game that are cool to see. And when the opponent makes a mid-inning pitching change during a night game, that’s probably the best thing that happens during the game. (So long as the Mets are winning or at least threatening.)

Finally, it helps that the baseball has been good. I’ve seen a couple of the games where the Mets have blown leads. Those were not fun. But there have also been a few walk-off wins - more than my share - and overall I’ve seen the Mets win 8 of the 12 games I’ve been to.

I wish I could make it to all 29 remaining home games - I do enjoy going that much. But I’ll take a few more really good games as the Mets make their playoff push.

Let’s Go Mets.

Notes

*The 2025 schedule was released on Thursday - not a bad idea by baseball to give fans starved for games a little something on a day with no baseball. (I am not a fan of the extra day off at the All Star break, but I guess these guys do deserve another day of rest.) But the Mets really crushed it with their schedule release - often one of the best things some of the social media teams do across all sports. This is definitely the best one the Mets have done so far. You can watch it here.

*I did mention the New York City Marathon. Thursday was Joe Torre’s birthday and I am running to raise money for his Safe at Home Foundation, so I figure that’s all relevant if you’re thinking about making a donation. You can donate here if you are so inclined. I appreciate the support. At the very least, you can follow along with my running journey at the Instagram link below.

*I have opinions about the Home Run Derby and All Star Game but I don’t feel like getting into it all. I think I watch both out of obligation rather than out of a ton of interest. I guess partly this year that sentiment comes from only one Mets all star and a dud of a performance in the derby. Anyway, if the commissioner is really serious about changing all star uniforms to team uniforms again (even if it’s City Connects, which is a cool idea I had heard tossed around), that’s a step in the right direction.

*If you’re reading this before Friday night, the Mets resume action in Miami against the Marlins. It’s their last chance this month to play a team with a worse record than theirs.