Do the Yankees and the Mets Share a Stadium?

By Oliver Wiener December 23, 2023 05:41

The New York Yankees and the New York Mets are two iconic baseball teams that call the city of New York their home. Both teams have a rich history and a dedicated fan base. However, despite sharing the same city, the Yankees and the Mets do not share a stadium. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this and delve into the history of the two teams and their stadiums.

The New York Yankees

The New York Yankees, often referred to as the "Bronx Bombers," are one of the most successful teams in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. They were established in 1901 and have won an impressive 27 World Series championships. The Yankees have always played their home games in the Bronx.

Yankee Stadium

Yankee Stadium, the home of the New York Yankees, has been an iconic landmark in the Bronx since it first opened its doors in 1923. The original stadium, often called "The House That Ruth Built," was named after the legendary Yankees player Babe Ruth. It was renowned for its distinctive facade and was considered one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country.

In 2009, the Yankees moved to a new Yankee Stadium, located just across the street from the original one. The new stadium retains many of the design elements from the old stadium, such as the frieze and the iconic facade. Yankee Stadium is known for its electric atmosphere and has a seating capacity of over 47,000 spectators.

The New York Mets

The New York Mets, affectionately known as the "Amazin' Mets," were established in 1962. The team was created to replace the departed New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers, who moved to the West Coast. The Mets have won two World Series championships, in 1969 and 1986.

Citi Field

Citi Field is the home stadium of the New York Mets and is situated in the borough of Queens. The stadium opened its doors in 2009 and replaced the old Shea Stadium, which had been the Mets' home since their inception. Citi Field was designed to provide modern amenities and a comfortable viewing experience for fans. It has a seating capacity of around 41,000 spectators.

Why Don't They Share a Stadium?

One might wonder why the Yankees and the Mets, being two teams from the same city, do not share a stadium. There are several reasons for this:

Rivalry: The Yankees and the Mets have a fierce rivalry that dates back to the creation of the Mets in 1962. They have competed against each other in the annual "Subway Series," which adds to the excitement and intensity of the games. Having separate stadiums allows each team to maintain its unique identity and fan base.
Ownership: The Yankees and the Mets are owned by different entities. The Yankees are owned by the Steinbrenner family, while the Mets are owned by a group led by Fred Wilpon. Each team has its own financial interests and priorities, which may not align with sharing a stadium.
Fan Base: The Yankees and the Mets have distinct fan bases with different preferences and loyalties. Sharing a stadium would mean that fans of one team would have to compromise on their game experience and traditions, which could lead to conflicts and dissatisfaction.
Revenue Streams: Both the Yankees and the Mets have lucrative television deals and sponsorships that contribute significantly to their revenue. Sharing a stadium could potentially impact these revenue streams, as it would require renegotiating contracts and sharing profits.

While the New York Yankees and the New York Mets share the same city, they do not share a stadium. The Yankees play their home games at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, while the Mets play at Citi Field in Queens. The rivalry between the two teams, ownership differences, fan base preferences, and financial considerations all contribute to their decision to have separate stadiums. Despite not sharing a stadium, both teams continue to