MLB, the Mets and the city of N.Y., as expected, yesterday announced the '13 All-Star Game will be held at Citi Field, with the event slated for Tuesday, July 16. Next year's game will replicate several elements from the successful '08 event at Yankee Stadium, including the MLB FanFest at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. But league officials nonetheless said they will look to put a unique spin on the five-day run of activities compared to '08. MLB Senior VP/Special Events Marla Miller said, "The only real blueprint from before is that we're working with many of the same people (from N.Y. government). It'll have the personality of the Mets, and like always, we'll look to push forward and do new things." Government officials projected next year's game will generate $191.5M in economic impact, more than three times the estimated $60M for this year's game in K.C., and nearly 30% higher than the event record of $148.4M generated in '08. Mets Owner Fred Wilpon said, "This is one of those things you hope and dream for. This is a great feeling, a great day for us." Wilpon said he was informed by MLB several months ago Citi Field would be the site for next year's All-Star Game, but a formal announcement had been held up due to negotiations with the city on various logistics surrounding the event. Miller, however, said the much-shorter-than-usual lead time between the announcement and the game will not be a detriment. Miller: "It could have been a challenge in some other cities, but again, we have a strong working relationship and a lot of familiarity with New York." To that end, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said the delay in the announcement had nothing to do with Wilpon's Bernie Madoff-related financial woes. Selig: "I have great faith in the Wilpons and the family and I was very confident they would work things out, and they have. I had no trepidation at all" (Eric Fisher, SportsBusiness Journal).
MEET THE METS: The WALL STREET JOURNAL's Brian Costa notes despite the "sellout crowds expected for three days of festivities, there will be virtually no direct financial benefit for the Mets." All revenues associated with the All-Star Game, Home Run Derby and Futures Game "will go to MLB." That includes "ticket sales, parking, concessions and merchandise." What the Mets get in exchange for hosting the game "is essentially a marketing tool." Mets Exec VP/Business Operations Dave Howard said that all full-season ticket holders and luxury suite holders "will have a chance to buy at least one strip of tickets per seat for all three days of events." The team is also planning to make "additional tickets available to full- and partial-plan holders who commit early" for '13 (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 5/17). MLB Network’s Chris Rose said, “By the way, what are they going to do for Home Run Derby? The Mets have only hit seven homers in Citi Field this year. They’re going to have to move them in to Williamsport level” (“Intentional Talk,” MLB Network, 5/16).
MOVING FORWARD: In N.Y., Richard Sandomir notes the news conference was the "first public appearance together by Selig and Wilpon since the legal fight" between Wilpon and the trustee for the victims of Bernard Madoff ended. Wilpon "limped slightly into City Hall and carried a cane because of surgery two weeks ago to replace his left hip." Selig insisted that awarding the All-Star Game to the Mets "was not a favor to a longtime friend and ally." Citi Field is the "overwhelming reason for awarding the game to the Mets" (N.Y. TIMES, 5/17). In Newark, Jorge Castillo notes the All-Star Game "will be in New York City for a league-high ninth time." The event will allow Wilpon "to showcase his prized creation, Citi Field," and the announcement "continues the goodwill generated in Queens since the Wilpons settled in court in March." Wilpon said, "Besides the All-Star Game, I think we are heading in the right direction" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 5/17). Wilpon: “If I knew how easy this was, I would have asked the mayor and commissioner if he could have arranged for us to have the World Series this year” (“MLB Tonight,” MLB Network, 5/16). MLB.com's Barry Bloom noted it "has been speculated that the 2014 All-Star Game will be held at the Twins' new ballpark." However, Selig said yesterday that a decision "has not been made." Selig added that he "likely intends to continue the current National League/American League hosting rotation" (MLB.com, 5/16).
