Shea Stadium

Originally known as Flushing Meadows Park, the Mets played the first game at the stadium in April 1964. The New York Jets made their debut at the stadium on September 12, 1964 against the Denver Broncos. The five tiered stadium seated nearly 60,000 fans for football. 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. The Jets and Mets shared Shea Stadium for 19 years. After failing to get money to renovate Shea Stadium, owner of the Jets, Leon Hess decided to move his team to Giants Stadium, home of the New York Giants (NFL). The Jets played their last game at Shea Stadium on December 10, 1983. The New York Mets have continued to play at Shea Stadium. They have remained the only tenant. In 2008, the Mets will play their last season at Shea Stadium before moving into Citi Field in 2009. Shea Stadium will be demolished in fall 2008.