Full Breakdown
Vintage Subway Trains to Ferry Mets Fans to Home Opener
3/25/2026, 5:41:22 AM
Nostalgia Rides Revive a Tradition
As the New York Mets prepare for their home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 26, 2026, a vintage subway train will transport fans to Citi Field, continuing a cherished tradition. The New York Transit Museum's Nostalgia Rides will feature an eight-car Redbird train, originally introduced by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in 1959 and retired in 2003. The train will depart from the 34th Street-Hudson Yards station at 11 a.m., making several stops along the 7 line before arriving at Mets-Willets Point. Chelsea Newburg, the museum's marketing manager, emphasized the significance of this journey, stating, “The subway has carried fans to the ballpark for decades, and that journey is part of the Opening Day excitement.”
Details of the Journey
Riders will experience a trip back in time, seated on vintage rattan seats and surrounded by retro advertisements. The fare for this nostalgic ride is the standard subway price of $3. The train will stop at key locations, including Times Square-42nd Street and Grand Central-42nd Street, before reaching its final destination. The entire journey takes approximately 35 minutes, allowing fans ample time to arrive before the game begins at 1:15 p.m.
Additional Promotions for Fans
In conjunction with the Nostalgia Rides, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is offering a $5 discount on train tickets for fans traveling to Citi Field this season. This promotion aims to encourage public transit use, especially as construction projects around Citi Field reduce available parking spaces. LIRR President Rob Free described the initiative as a “new money-saving deal,” which will help fans save on travel costs while enhancing their game-day experience. Keechant Sewell, Mets Senior Vice President of Security and Guest Experience, noted that the effort is about “creating options, removing obstacles, and making it as easy as possible to come out, support the team, and take in everything Citi Field has to offer.”
Upcoming Nostalgia Rides
Following the Mets' home opener, the New York Transit Museum will also run vintage trains for the Yankees' home opener on April 3, featuring a four-car 1917 Lo-V train and a six-car Redbird train. These trains will depart from Grand Central-42nd Street at 11 a.m. and travel non-stop to 161st Street-Yankee Stadium, taking about 25 minutes.
Conclusion
The Nostalgia Rides not only celebrate the history of New York's subway system but also reinforce the connection between public transit and the city's beloved baseball culture. Fans can look forward to a unique experience that honors the past while facilitating their journey to the game. For those unable to ride on game days, the vintage trains are on display at the Transit Museum in Downtown Brooklyn, showcasing over 20 subway cars in an authentic 1936 underground station.
