City public attorney Jumaane Williams is pushing to rename the New York Mets’ home stadium to Citi Field amid climate change concerns.
The parent company of Citi BankCitigroup, is more than halfway through a 20-year naming rights deal with the Mets, but Williams believes the company has a troubling relationship with the fossil fuel industry.
“The public advocate and fans will cite the bank’s role in financing polluters and profiting from climate chaos,” Williams’ office said in a statement.
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Citi Field during a wild card series game between the San Diego Padres and the New York Mets on October 7, 2022 in New York. (Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Williams held a press conference earlier this week to alert Mets owner Steve Cohen to the issues.
“New Yorkers know I’m bleeding blue and orange — the Mets represent an incredible spirit, history and institution and are of tremendous value to New Yorkers,” Williams said. “However, Citibank’s practices do not represent the values of the Mets or our city, and we must make better demands. If Citi refuses to end their toxic relationship with the fossil fuel industry, the Mets should end their partnership with Citi.”
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According to Bloomberg, Citi has contributed about $31 billion in combined loans and acquisitions for oil, gas and coal companies since 2021.
Lucas Sanchez, co-executive director of New York Communities for Change, said he’s been a “die-hard Mets fan” his entire life, but not a fan of Citi, which owns the naming rights.
“I can’t teach my kids to love the Mets if I’m also teaching them about climate change,” said Sanchez, whose children are 7, 9, and 13 years old. “The Mets are helping to pollute the planet through their partnership with Citi. “
Citi Field during a game between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets on July 26, 2022 in New York City. (Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
The push for the name change comes shortly after nationwide protests in front of big banks, with protesters demanding financial institutions divest themselves of fossil fuel companies.
Mets officials did not respond to Fox News Digital’s inquiries Wednesday.
The statue of Tom Seaver in front of Citi Field before a game between the San Francisco Giants and the New York Mets on April 19, 2022 in New York, NY (Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Katie Doshi, a spokeswoman for Citi, said the bank “recognizes the importance of transitioning to a low-carbon economy,” citing its pledge to invest $1 trillion in green energy and other climate solutions by 2030.
“Our approach reflects the need for transition while continuing to meet global energy needs,” he added. “We look forward to continuing the strong relationship we have with the Mets and Citi Field.”
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Citigroup’s deal with the Mets is valued at an estimated $400 million, or $20 million a year.
Williams did not provide an alternative name for the stadium.
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