Citi Field Boasts More Than Just Baseball

 

Citi Field. Photo by Jason Schott.

Citi Field is known as the home of the New York Mets, but in recent years, it is a destination for a wide variety of events. 2022 will be a jam-packed year of concerts, races and a little soccer.

"We have a couple of races and runs we're thrilled to host for the first time ever," Amanda Cieri, the Senior Director of Event Operations at Citi Field, said at Thursday's "New in 2022 at Citi Field" event. "The Night Nation Run, that will take place in our parking lots on May 21st is the perfect combination of the ultimate music festival and 5K, great for families to come out and enjoy the night under the lights, so that is our first to kick off our athletic-style races. Then, to return this year, we have some fan favorites. We have the Color Run; for those of you who aren't familiar, it's the Happiest 5K on the Planet that promotes healthiness, happiness, and individuality, so we're super excited to have them back, and then we will also have a fan favorite returning, our Spartans, and that will take place with us in the fall with us, on November 19th. They take over every inch of the ballpark for athletic-style obstacles, so we're thrilled to be hosting these kinds of events at the ballpark this year."

Citi Field's non-gameday event team, Mets Events (formerly known as Metropolitcan HOspitality), has compiled an impressive 2022 Public Events Calendar, featuring the following:

New York City Football Club (NYCFC) Matches - The defending MLS Cup Champions will be playing at Citi Field on Sunday, April 24th at 5:00 p.m. vs. Toronto FC; Saturday, May 7th at 7:00 p.m. against Sporting Kansas City; Sunday, May 22nd at 5:00 p.m. vs. Chicago Fire; Wednesday, September 7th at 8:00 p.m. vs. FC Cincinnati.

Night Nation Run - On May 21st, Citi Field will host what is known as the World's First Running Music Festival, and a perfect blend of a Music Festival and a Fun Run while helping raise funds for Stand Up To Cancer! Starting and finishing at Citi Field, participants will experience a music-filled course with Live DJ's, Light Shows, Neon, and Black Lights.

Governors Ball - Set to take place from June 10th through June 12th, The Governors Ball Music Festival returns to Citi Field. This kick-off to summer will feature an exhilarating lineup of 60+ performing artists, including headliners J. Cole, Halsey, and Kid Cudi.

Motley Crue & Def Leppard - The Stadium Tour, headlined by these two iconic bands, as well as Poison and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, will take place at Citi Field on June 24, 2022.

Color Run - On July 30th, Citi Field will host what is also known as the Happiest 5K on the Planet, a unique event celebrating healthiness, happiness, and individuality. The longest running series in the world, The Color Run has had eight million runners worldwide in more than 50 countries, with 2022 marking its 10th anniversary.

Zac Brown Band - The "Out in the Middle Tour" comes to Citi Field on August 10th, and it will showcase the band's old-school country roots and southern-rock style, which is an ode to their country pride and life's simple pleasures. The Zac Brown Band will be joined by Caroline Jones, who performed as a special guest during "The Comeback Tour." The Robert Randolph Band will be the opening act.

Spartan Race - This is modern twist on an ancient Greek tradition, which gives competitors the chance to experience Citi Field like never before, will take place at Citi Field on November 19th. This Spartan Trifecta eligible course is a physical and mental challenge that covers 3+ miles and 15 obstacles spread throughout every inch of the ballpark. Participants will hear the music pumping as they run, traverse walls, and shoot for some new personal records.

Amaze Light Festival  - This exciting event will take place in the winter of 2022, and will bring millions of lights to Citi Field. Attendees can take a ride down Zing's Thrill Hill, watch the Dynamic Light Show, and explore Sparky's Sweet Spot all in one new immersive Storybook Holiday Experience.