Mets fans at Citi Field now can hear real-time radio broadcasts of games
New York Mets fans arrive for Opening Day at Citi Field on April 4, 2025. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca
JUPITER, Fla. — For Mets fans at Citi Field this season, their listening experience can include more than just the natural sounds of the game.
On Tuesday, the Mets, Audacy and SportsBug announced an agreement to deliver real-time radio play-by-play to fans through the MLB Ballpark app. Digital radio broadcasts typically are on a significant delay (30-to-90-plus seconds) from the live action on the field. SportsBug’s technology decreases the delay to fewer than one second.
In-stadium fans will hear the Mets’ radio broadcast on WHSQ 880 AM, featuring Howie Rose, Keith Raad and Pat McCarthy.
“Partnering with SportsBug to bring real-time radio audio to the ballpark will transform how fans connect with the game,” Mets senior vice president of business operations John Ricco said in a statement. “By syncing the atmosphere and energy of watching a game at Citi Field with the iconic voices of Mets Radio on Audacy, we’re delivering a more immersive and connected experience to our fans.”
The service — which will be in effect beginning with the Mets’ regular-season opener against the Pirates on March 26 — is free and will work on any mobile device with any pair of headphones and any wireless carrier.
“Listening to the radio at the ballpark is as familiar and comfortable as the seventh-inning stretch,” said Chris Oliviero, the chief business officer and New York market president of Audacy. “This partnership with the Mets and SportsBug will bring the home team voices fans love right to their seats each and every game.”
Plenty of fans already have the free MLB Ballpark app, which they can use for digital tickets, stadium maps and more.
“We are thrilled to be working with the Mets and Audacy to bring SportsBug’s fan engagement real time audio to the fans in Citi Field,” said Chuck Bortnick, SportsBug’s chief operating officer. “We look forward to helping the New York Mets with their fan experience goals and Audacy in growing their Mets listening audience.”
Ben Dickson is Newsday Sports' general assignment reporter. He joined Newsday’s high school sports staff in 2023 after graduating from Maryland, where he covered several of the Terrapins' teams.
