It’s Official: Citi Field to Host 2013 All-Star Game

The Mets and MLB made official Wednesday what has been rumored for years now — the 2013 All-Star Game will be played at Citi Field. It is the first All-Star game in Flushing since 1964, when Shea Stadium held its one and only mid-summer classic in in the same year the stadium opened.

“Thanks to the efforts of Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Selig, it’s a great honor for everyone at the Mets to host the 2013 All-Star Game at Citi Field,” Fred Wilpon said at a news conference. “Mets fans and all people in the New York tri-state area and beyond will have the opportunity to take part in the events that Major League Baseball will bring to New York.”

“Next year’s All-Star Game is going to demonstrate once again that there’s no place like New York for world-class sporting events,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Major League Baseball clearly recognizes this, since they’re bringing the All-Star Game back to New York for the second time in just five years.”

That was the year the game was held at old Yankee Stadium during the final season of the ballpark. I always thought Shea should have been incorporated into that celebration, perhaps holding the Home Run Derby there. Shea was never on the level as Yankee Stadium of course, but still, it was around for 45 years and was home to some classic baseball moments.

In any case, the Mets get their honor now. The game is tentatively scheduled for July 16, 2013.