Ballparks, more so than venues in any other sport, have always captured the imagination of those who walk through the turnstiles. That first view of the 
field upon exiting the tunnel, the smell of freshly cut grass, the thrill of catching a foul ball, the sound of a packed house cheering on their favorite team – these are cherished memories that baseball fans of every generation can relate to. This year, the New York Mets have provided fans a chance to create countless more cherished memories with the opening of their beautiful new ballpark, Citi Field, and CHI is lucky enough to be a part of it.
With the help of ARAMARK, the Mets’ food, beverage and retail merchandise partner, participants in CHI’s Work and Travel program have been welcomed into Citi Field with open arms, and are employed throughout the ballpark this summer. Citi Field is currently home to over thirty CHI staffers 
from Jamaica, Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, and Croatia. There is a good chance that the person who sold your Shake Shack burger, or helped your son play wiffle ball in the 2K Sports FanFest, is one of our W&T participants. These young men and women have been given a unique opportunity to participate in the inaugural season of baseball at Citi Field, and enjoy all it has to offer.
Citi Field represents a link to New York’s glorious baseball heritage of the past, while at the same time providing the Mets with a first class home for the future. By opening its doors to our Work and Travel participants, Citi Field continues New York’s heritage of being a melting pot of cultures. The new ballpark won over Ukrainian Work and Travel participant Andrii Suslenko from the start. He gushes, “I have never seen such a state of the art facility like Citi Field!” Andrii loves his co-workers, and gets a kick out of 
being able to work with individuals from all around the world – something he would not have been able to do at home. Fellow participant, Jamaican Kerry-Ann Irving, says one of her favorite parts of the job is that ballpark visitors often notice her home country displayed on her nametag, which becomes a wonderful conversation starter. Kerry-Ann is also thrilled to be learning more about baseball. Before her job at Citi Field, Kerry-Ann had never been to a baseball game, but now she’s becoming a fan.
ARAMARK Senior Human Resources Manager Kathy Fanning, who oversees the participants, has been impressed by the work ethic and professionalism of her young international employees. “This year for our first season at Citi Field we worked with CHI and we have over 30 international students working at Citi Field serving our guests” Kathy says. “They are exceptional and we couldn’t be happier. They are enthusiastic and energetic, and happy to be here and always working with a smile”.
The Mets have been an integral part of the fabric of New York since they first emerged from the ashes of the departed Dodgers and Giants in 1962. From the early years as lovable losers, to the Miracle of ’69 and an Amazin’ ’73, right on through a magical ’86 and a Subway Series in 2000, the Mets have always provided their fans with memories to last a lifetime. In 2009, Citi 
Field has added another signature chapter to their ongoing story, and CHI is proud to be partnering with ARAMARK and the Mets organization to give young people from around the world the chance to experience this chapter first hand through our Work and Travel program. We look forward to continuing this relationship, as well as continuing to cheer on the Mets in their new home, in the years to come.
