Shaded Seats at Citi Field

The New York Mets play their home games at Citi Field in Queens. In 2009 Citi Field replaced Shea Stadium, the team’s home for several previous decades. Mets and Yankee fans know that New York City summers are known for being hot and humid, and the seats at Citi Field are no exception. Fans taking the 7 train to see the Mets can use this guide to help locate the best Citi Field shaded seats.

Where are the shaded seats at Citi Field?

As a general rule, the seats in the shade at Citi Field are located:

• In the 300-level of the ballpark
• Behind home plate or sections along the 3rd baseline
• Farther back in one of those sections or in a row that’s under cover

Games at Citi Field usually start at 1:10 p.m. or 7:10 p.m. plus a small number of 12:10 p.m. games on getaway days. For specific details about sections and different start times, read on.

Citi Field Orientation to the Sun

Citi Field is oriented so that batters face north-northeast. The sun rises over right field and makes its way down the 1st baseline during the morning, ultimately setting behind the 3rd base stands. During the day and early evening, there is plenty of sun splashing the field and large sections of the stands.

The graphic below shows the approximate location of the sun throughout the day on July 1st (halfway through the MLB season).

Click or tap here to open an interactive seating chart at Citi Field.

Seats in the Shade at Mets Afternoon Games

By early afternoon, the sun will shine high in the sky with a position behind home plate. The safest bet for a seat in the shade is anywhere in the 300-level, which is covered almost entirely by the 400-level overhang. Sections 101-103 in right field also benefit from the overhang of the mezzanine section above. 

As the afternoon progresses, the sun’s position will move from home plate along the 3rd baseline toward the left field foul pole. For those who want to sit field-level, Sections 121-127 are the best bet as they are far enough back that they benefit from the shade provided by the sections above and behind. If you don’t mind the nosebleeds, sections 520-528 have a roof cover that will provide shade to those seated in the highest rows. Avoid outfield sections 301-305 and 533-538 if you’re trying to stay out of the sun.

During an afternoon game sections on the 3rd base side of the ballpark will get shade first while sections on the 1st base side will be in the sun. Citi Field Panorama by Cole Kennedy.

Seats in the Shade at Mets Evening Games

On the longest days of the year, sunset in Queens isn’t until 8:30 in the evening. That means fans attending games in June and July will still need to consider the impact of the sun at least through the first few innings. By 7:00 the sun starts setting behind the left field foul pole. Most sections along the 3rd base side of the park, field-level and up, should be shielded from the sun. Sections in the upper-level on the 1st base side and upper level seats in right field will get some sun until twilight sets in.

Ready to buy shaded seats at Citi Field?

Use the individual game links on the side (or bottom of the page on mobile) or click or tap here to see the Mets upcoming game list. Learn about why we recommend buying MLB tickets on Seatgeek.

Enjoy the game!

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