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Shea Stadium

When Shea Stadium is demolished it may not be remembered for anything with the exception of the constant sounds of planes flying overhead. However, that was not an issue when it was constructed. With the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants move to California, the New York metropolitan area had only one baseball team after 1957. That soon changed when New York City Major Robert Wagner appointed William A. Shea, and four other lawyers to acquire an N.L. franchise for the city.

The primary reason the Giants and Dodgers left New York City was because they wanted new stadiums. In order for the city to be awarded an expansion franchise, a new stadium had to be built. On October 28, 1961, ground was broken for a new stadium for the New York Mets. Unfortunately, the Mets had to play in antiquated Polo Grounds for two years while their new stadium was under construction. Originally to be called Flushing Meadows Park, the stadium was renamed in honor of William A. Shea, thus getting its name Shea Stadium.

The New York Mets played their first game at Shea Stadium on April 17, 1964. The five tiered stadium seated 55,601. It was the first stadium of its size to have an extensive escalator system, being able to convert from a football gridiron to a baseball diamond by two motor operated stands and in which every seat was directed at the center of the field. After more than 1.7 million fans filled Shea Stadium in 1964 officials announced plans to add 15,000 seats and add a dome. However studies showed that the stadium pilings could not hold a dome, therefore the idea was dropped.

The New York Yankees played at Shea Stadium from 1974-1975, while Yankee Stadium was renovated. With the exception of seats being replaced over the years, very few changes have taken place at Shea Stadium. Prior to the 1987 season, large blue windscreen panels with neon artwork of baseball players were installed. Also 50 club suites were added to the press level of the stadium.

In April 2006, the Mets unveiled plans for a new ballpark that will be constructed in the parking lot beyond centerfield. The Mets will continue to play at Shea Stadium during the 2007 and 2008 seasons before moving into their new ballpark in 2009.

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