Construction began in October 1961 and the 55,000-seat multi-purpose stadium opened in April 1964 to house the National League's New York Mets, who played there until the end of the 2008 season, when they moved to the adjacent Citi Field.
Construction began in October 1961, but was delayed, and the 55,000-seat multi-purpose stadium wouldn't open until April 1964. The Mets would play at Shea for 44 years (until the end of the 2008 season), when they moved to the adjacent Citi Field.