The New York Mets, the Jackie Robinson Foundation and naming-rights parter Citi unveiled the imagery and text for the Jackie Robinson Rotunda at Citi Field, the Mets’ new ballpark opening in 2009. The Jackie Robinson Rotunda at Citi Field pays tribute to Jackie Robinson, the American trailblazer who became the first African-American player in Major League Baseball’s modern era when he broke the sport’s color barrier 61 years ago today.The New York Mets, the Jackie Robinson Foundation and naming-rights parter Citi unveiled the imagery and text for the Jackie Robinson Rotunda at Citi Field, the Mets’ new ballpark opening in 2009. The Jackie Robinson Rotunda at Citi Field pays tribute to Jackie Robinson, the American trailblazer who became the first African-American player in Major League Baseball’s modern era when he broke the sport’s color barrier 61 years ago today.
Evoking the classic design of Ebbets Field, where Robinson played second base for the Brooklyn Dodgers, the main entry at Citi Field recognizes and perpetuates the enduring legacy of one of our country’s civil rights pioneers.
Engraved into the Rotunda’s 160-foot diameter floor and etched into its 70-foot archways are words and larger-than-life images that defined Jackie’s "nine values," as articulated by Sharon Robinson, Jackie’s daughter and Foundation Vice Chair: Courage, Excellence, Persistence, Justice, Teamwork, Commitment, Citizenship, Determination, and Integrity. The Rotunda also will feature an eight foot sculpture of Jackie’s number 42, which in 1997 was retired in perpetuity throughout Major League Baseball.
"The Jackie Robinson Rotunda at Citi Field will serve as a powerful tribute to the remarkable journey and legacy of Jackie Robinson, a great American," said Fred Wilpon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, New York Mets. "Thanks to our partnership with Citi and the Jackie Robinson Foundation, the Rotunda will welcome, help to educate, and inspire fans to advance Jackie’s humanitarian ideals for generations to come."
"I am so thrilled to watch the Jackie Robinson Rotunda at Citi Field rise," said Rachel Robinson, Founder, Jackie Robinson Foundation. "I am particularly delighted to know that as millions of fans — both young and old — visit Citi Field through its iconic entry, they will embrace Jack’s values and be inspired to effect social change in their own communities. I cannot imagine a more fitting tribute to Jack, one that will memorialize him and provide a place that will promote civic engagement and prompt all to strive for excellence."