Mets will shift home game times forward for the 2024 season on Saturdays
The New York Mets have announced an exciting lineup of giveaways and special events for the 2024 season at Citi Field.
In a strategic move to boost attendance and engagement, the Mets have decided to change the start times of their Saturday home games to a later hour, specifically moving first pitches to around 7:10 p.m. This adjustment aligns with efforts to enhance the fan experience, allowing more people to arrive after daytime commitments and providing opportunities for themed entertainment, such as The Beatles Night celebrations with themed pregame shows and postgame fireworks.
The decision was likely influenced by a fan survey that saw nearly 90% favouring earlier start times on Saturdays to attract families and large groups. However, from June 1-Sept. 21, Saturday games will start at 4:10 p.m. ET, and from Opening Day, March 28, through May 25, all Saturday games in Queens will start at 1:40 p.m. ET. The Mets have five Saturday games at Citi Field this season starting at 1:40 p.m., including the opening series against the Milwaukee Brewers and a game against the Atlanta Braves.
Throughout the season, fans can look forward to a variety of giveaways, including a Brandon Nimmo bobblehead on Friday, July 12, a Francisco Lindor streetwear bobblehead on Monday, July 29, and a Mike Piazza Mercury Mets replica jersey on Saturday, July 27. Other exciting giveaways include a Hello Kitty light-up bow bobblehead on Sunday, May 26, and a Mets pickleball paddle on Thursday, July 25.
Special events planned for the 2024 season include Darryl Strawberry's No. 18 jersey retirement on June 1 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, a Pride hat and fireworks night on Friday, June 28, and another fireworks night on Friday, July 26. Fans can also look forward to themed events such as Hogwarts House scarves on Saturday, April 27, and The Beatles Night celebrations, complete with themed pregame shows and postgame fireworks.
In addition to these giveaways and events, the Mets have 19 giveaways planned for fans at Citi Field this season, including an Artist Series: Rashid Johnson bucket hat on Saturday, July 13, and an Artist Series: Joel Mesler beach tote on Saturday, May 25. Other giveaways include a Hawaiian shirt on Saturday, June 15, a football jersey on Sunday, August 18, a basketball jersey on Sunday, June 30, and a rugby shirt on Monday, April 1.
Fans can also look forward to a Mets tumbler on Sunday, May 12, Topps baseball cards on Wednesday, July 31, a soccer jersey on Tuesday, July 9, and a fireworks night on Friday, August 16. The Mets have also announced a meeting with the Atlanta Braves on July 27, where the team will be giving out Mike Piazza replica Mercury Mets jerseys to the first 15,000 fans.
Finally, the Mets have decided to move up the start times of all Saturday home games at Citi Field for the 2024 season. A Mr. Met London telephone booth bobblehead will be given on Saturday, May 11, and a fan appreciation beanie will be given to all fans on Saturday, September 21.
With such an exciting lineup of giveaways and special events, the 2024 season promises to be an unforgettable one for Mets fans. Be sure to mark your calendars and get ready for a season filled with fun, excitement, and great baseball.
The Mets will be offering a Mike Piazza Mercury Mets replica jersey on Saturday, July 27, as part of the 2024 season's special events lineup at Citi Field. Additionally, fans can anticipate a baseball-themed event featuring MLB stars, such as a baseball game or exhibition, during the 2024 season.