MLB.com has a story today about the (increasingly strong) possibility that Citi Field will be renamed prior to the start of the 2009 season. Those are the breaks when you rely on corporate deals to name stadiums. I remember when Enron collapsed and they changed the name of the new Astros stadium to Minute Maid Park.

We might as well start kicking around new names. My suggestion is that if the Mets ownership must have a corporate deal that the corporate name be placed below the name of the stadium. That way even if the corporate sponsor changes the fans will have consistency and a history that can be passed on indefinitely.

I vote for the name Jackie Robinson Field.

Mets' stadium naming-rights deal safe - Perhaps it would be wise not to become too attached to the name associated with the Mets' new home. What now is Citi Field conceivably could have a different identity even before it opens in April because of the recession. [Major League Baseball]

I know. It's a little early to be fretting about 2009. But word is out on the planned prices at Citi Field. They're high. And remember that Citi has 15,000 fewer seats than Shea.

The New York Post is reporting that lower deck seats will range from $125 to $479 a piece. Overall ticket prices will go up 79%. I guess the days of the $10 upper deck seats to a "bronze" game are over. According to the NY Post story, "Reserved seats in the upper deck at Citi Field, called the Promenade, will average $19."

If you (or your company) has a few bucks to spare, one of the forty-nine luxury boxes is still available for up to $500,000.

NY Post - METS TO RAISE PRICES 79 PERCENT NEXT YEAR

I can't wait to get there this month to take a look with my own eyes.

A quick look at the new Mets stadium rising from the parking lot beyond center field at Shea Stadium. Progress is a wonderful thing.

Click To Play

The Mets' webcam showing the development of Citi Field is up here.