CitiField, Can I Have a Job?
Hundreds turn out to apply for work
Whether they're Mets fans or not, scores of people lined up outside the new stadium to apply for a job.
Hundreds of people gathered outside CitiField this weekend, but they weren't there for a game.
The new Mets stadium is set to open on April 13, meaning there's work to be done and no shortage of people desperate to do it.
Aramark Corp. hosted a five-hour job fair outside CitiField on Saturday. Hopeful applicants lined up as early as 7 a.m. to compete for 600 customer service jobs, such as concession and ticket taking.
"As the man that I am I have to get a job," said Anthony Martinez of East Harlem. "I have kids and it doesn't matter what it is -- a job is a job."
A former sales representative, Martinez was laid off last year and is now applying to greet fans or work concessions at Mets games.
"If it doesn't work out here I'll just try to gain employment somewhere else for my children."
Citigroup, the stadium's sponsor, is reportedly laying off 50,000 people worldwide, but the company said this week they will not back out of the $400 million deal to secure the stadium's naming rights. The game must go on, and in a time of downsizing, this massive structure represents a glimmer of hope for those who are just trying to sustain a livelihood.
For many applicants this would be a career change. But at least it's a job.
Tim Leddy was laid off in October from his job as an editor for Associated Press. After months of sending out résumés with no reply, Leddy came to CitiField Saturday to apply for a bartender position.
"The confidence is kind of shot but I've got to do it," Leddy said.
Aramark says some applicants will walk out with jobs. The company could not confirm how many people applied for the 600 positions, which do not come with benefits.
