The Mets Can't even get their names right.

New York Post (November 22, 2008)

The Mets better not get too attached to the name Citi Field.

Team officials are said to be increasingly nervous as struggling Citigroup's stock continues to plummet - and potentially endangers their $20 million-a-year naming-rights deal for the new $850 million stadium.

Mets rep Jay Horwitz yesterday insisted, "There is no change in regard to Citi's commitment to the new ballpark."

But David Howard, the team's vice president of business affairs and main spokesman on the deal, for the first time deflected all questions back to Citigroup.

And the future doesn't look good for the financial giant.

Citigroup's stock woes are making it ripe for a takeover, and Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, HSBC and State Street Bank are already being talked about as potential buyers or merger partners.

The onetime banking titan closed at $3.77 yesterday, down 89 percent in the past year.
Despite its failing stock, Citigroup insists it will honor its record-shattering agreement to pay $20 million a year for 20 years for the honor of calling the ballpark Citi Field, where signs have already been made touting the name.

"We remain committed to the relationship to the Mets. They are an important part of our marketing priorities," said Citigroup spokesman Steve Silverman.

But if Citigroup is bought out, at least the stadium name would presumably change. Still, mega-bucks would in all likelihood be shelled out by the new company for the naming rights because of the prestige and recognition that such a high-profile stadium will bring, experts said.
Think "Goldman Sachs Diamond," "Morgan Stanley Stadium" or "HSBC Field."


Wow, if Citibank is in trouble we know it is a big deal. But you have to know that if you get invovled with the Mets you are tainted with their loserdom. What a mess.