Mets–Willets Point: Gateway to Sporting Events and Parks in Queens

The Mets–Willets Point station is a seasonal transportation complex located in the borough of Queens, New York City. It primarily serves as an access point to Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, host of the US Open tennis tournament. Its operation is strongly linked to events at these facilities and the adjacent Flushing Meadows–Corona Park.

Connections and Services

The Mets–Willets Point station includes subway and railroad services, operating specifically according to events:

Subway Station (Flushing Line)

• This part of the complex is an express and local station on the IRT Flushing Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the service:
  • 7 (purple – local and express during peak hours/events)
• Main address: Roosevelt Avenue, near Willets Point Boulevard, Queens, NY 11368. Adjacent to Citi Field.

LIRR Station (Port Washington Branch)

• This part of the complex is a station on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).
• It is served by trains from the branch:
  • Port Washington Branch (only during Mets games, the US Open, and other special events)
• The LIRR station provides a direct connection for event attendees from Long Island and Manhattan (Penn Station/Grand Central).

The proximity of the subway and LIRR platforms facilitates transfers for event attendees using both systems.

Importance and Location

• The station is located in Willets Point, Queens, flanked by Citi Field to the north and Flushing Meadows–Corona Park to the south.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important sports and recreational destinations:

  • Citi Field

    • Home stadium of the MLB’s New York Mets.
    • The station operates at maximum capacity on game days.
    • Direct access from the platforms to the stadium gates.

  • USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

    • Host of the US Open tennis tournament.
    • The station experiences a high volume of passengers during the tournament weeks.
    • A pedestrian walkway connects the station to the tennis center.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Flushing Meadows–Corona Park: The largest park in Queens, home to the Unisphere, the Queens Museum, the New York Hall of Science, and the Queens Zoo.
    • Site of the 1939-40 and 1964-65 World’s Fairs.

History and Evolution

• The original subway station, named Willets Point Boulevard, was inaugurated on May 7, 1927.
• It played a crucial role during the 1939-40 and 1964-65 World’s Fairs, serving as the main gateway.
• It was renamed Willets Point–Shea Stadium with the opening of Shea Stadium in 1964.
• After the demolition of Shea Stadium and the construction of Citi Field, it was renamed Mets–Willets Point in 2009.
• It has undergone several renovations to improve access and capacity, especially in relation to the new stadiums and accessibility (ADA).

Interesting Facts

• The station’s passenger volume fluctuates dramatically, being very high during events and relatively low at other times.
• It is one of the few stations in the system that directly serves major professional sports complexes.
• The subway station is elevated, offering views of the park, the stadiums, and the Manhattan skyline in the distance.
• The operation of the 7 train’s express service is often adjusted to coincide with the start and end of events at Citi Field and the US Open.