New York Mets to Make Shea Stadium Smoke-Free for Final Season

03/04/2008, FLUSHING -- The New York Mets today announced that Shea Stadium will become smoke-free during the Mets' final season in their longtime home. The 2008 smoking prohibition will encompass all areas within Shea, including the ramps. The Mets will continue to provide fans a smoke-free environment when they move into Citi Field, their new world class home, in 2009.

Shea's seating bowl became smoke-free in 1995 following the City Council's enactment of the Smoke-Free Air Act. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg signed the Smoke-Free Air Act of 2002 amending the 1995 act to ensure that public spaces including bars, nightclubs, and restaurants and all places of employment in New York City are smoke-free. The new policy for Shea and Citi Field will eliminate second-hand smoke for fans and all workers throughout both buildings.

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Second-hand smoke is a known health hazard and irritant for nearby non-smokers. Smoke coming from outdoor areas can drift into enclosed areas and is virtually impossible to eliminate if windows or doorways are open. The United States Environmental Protection has classified second-hand smoke as a Group A carcinogen, a group which also includes hazardous materials such as asbestos.

To accommodate fans who wish to smoke at Mets home games at Shea Stadium, the team has designated an area outside the stadium reserved for smokers. This outdoor area is accessible through the exterior of Gate C and will be the only area in which smoking is permitted.

Source: MLB