When did they tear down Shea Stadium? This question often arises among baseball fans and New York City residents who remember the iconic ballpark that once hosted the New York Mets. Built in 1964, Shea Stadium served as the home for the Mets until 2008, when it was replaced by Citi Field. The decision to tear down Shea Stadium was met with mixed emotions, as many fans held the ballpark dear to their hearts.
Shea Stadium, named after William A. Shea, the principal owner of the Mets, was designed by the architectural firm of HOK Sport. The ballpark was built in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, which also hosted the 1964-1965 World’s Fair. The stadium was known for its distinctive red and blue color scheme and its unique seating arrangement, with the outfield seats sloping towards the foul poles.
When did they tear down Shea Stadium? The demolition process began on February 12, 2009, just over a year after the last Mets game was played there. The teardown was a meticulous process, as the Mets wanted to ensure that as much of the ballpark’s history was preserved as possible.
The Mets partnered with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation to develop a plan that would honor the legacy of Shea Stadium. As part of the project, the Mets donated $5 million to the city for the creation of the “Shea Stadium Legacy Plaza,” which would serve as a public park and tribute to the ballpark’s history.
When did they tear down Shea Stadium? The process took approximately four months to complete. Workers carefully dismantled the stadium, removing all the seats, press boxes, and other structures. The materials were then recycled or repurposed, with some being used to build the new Mets’ ballpark, Citi Field.
The demolition of Shea Stadium was a bittersweet moment for many fans. While the new ballpark offered state-of-the-art amenities and a fresh start for the Mets, the loss of Shea Stadium was a reminder of the rich history and memories that were associated with the old ballpark. Today, the Shea Stadium Legacy Plaza stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of baseball in New York City and the legacy of Shea Stadium.
