Shea Stadium
Long after the Fair is gone, New York City’s new Shea Stadium will remain as the ultimate in modern sports arenas. A five-minute walk from the Fair’s main gate, it is the home of the New York Mets (baseball) and Jets (football). Between baseball games, it is used by the Fair for large special events. The stadium seats 55,000 for baseball and 60,000 for football, and no columns obstruct the view from any seat. There are some 40 acres of parking space, available to fairgoers between sports events, plenty of snack stands and 57 restrooms.
Although Shea Stadium was not built by the World's Fair Corporation, there was a tight tie-in with the facility, and it was listed in the Official Guidebook. The city's new stadium is seen here under construction, with no outfield seats anywhere in sight.yet. (CD #25 Set 139 #8)
Shea Stadium was quite a contrast from the dilapidated Polo Grounds, the original home of the Mets. In early years attendance was fairly low, as seen here, but things changed just a few years later when the Amazing Mets won the World Series in 1969. (CD #25 Set 139 #8)
Shea Stadium shared the same subway stop as the Fair's main entrance, with colorful flags lining the wooden walkway connecting the two facilities. For many years the blue and orange rectangles on the stadium helped recall memories of the Fair days, but they were removed in later years. Sadly, Shea Stadium was retired at the end of the 2008 season and demolished. Queens will never be the same. (CD #35 Set 179 #1)
Want more information on Shea Stadium?
4-23-61 - Queens Stadium is Approved
10-28-61 - Flushing Meadow Park Municipal Stadium Groundbreaking
4-16-64 - Shea Stadium Dedication booklet
