This Saturday, March 25, marks the first “Amazin’ Day,” the Mets’ new citywide holiday celebrating all things orange and blue — and giving the Flushing faithful something to cheer about ahead of Opening Day next week.
In many ways, it’s a chance for the Mets to give back to their fans as the team embarks on the 2023 campaign, set to begin on March 30 against the Miami Marlins. Coming off a 101-win season in 2022, the Amazins’ are looking to avenge postseason disappointment and bring home their first world championship in 37 years.
Throughout Saturday, fans who wear a Mets hat or any Mets gear will get access to several events at iconic institutions across New York City, community-focused events and giveaways throughout the day. Fans will be able to sign up for the chance to win exclusive ticketed events.
Additionally, fans can also enter the Amazin’ Day Sweepstakes to win the ultimate grand prize.
“The Mets are entering a new era with great baseball and so much more,” said Mets EVP and Chief Marketing Officer Andy Goldberg. “Amazin’ Day is a demonstration of that philosophy, giving people across the city a chance to experience different aspects of New York and be ‘amazed’ on behalf of the Mets. We look forward to bringing the Mets’ infectious energy to the streets of New York City and surprising and delighting fans with pop-ups and giveaways, free access to some of the city’s most iconic venues and opportunities to give back.”
Amazin’ Day is supported by both the Mets and the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, founded by team owners Steve and Alex Cohen after they purchased the franchise in 2020. The foundation has provided more than $5 million in grants to local nonprofits that provide needed services and opportunities to children, families, and underserved groups in the communities near Citi Field.
In addition to a line-up of planned events and multiple activation points across the city, fans wearing their Mets gear will be in for fun surprises. Official Mets Reps will be giving out swag, participating Coca-Cola restaurants will give away free Coke products and the Dunkin’ Jeep will drive around sharing gift cards. Additionally, there will be Amazin’ Day Merch Pop-Ups throughout Manhattan and Queens, with reps handing out free Amazin’ Day Mets hats and gear throughout the day.
Here’s what the starting lineup for Amazin’ Day in New York City looks like:
Get a Mets library card!
You can get your hands on an official, limited-edition Mets library card at all Queens Library branches this Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Met, the team’s official mascot, will be on hand to assist with the distribution from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Central Library, located at 89-11 Merrick Blvd. in Jamaica. Cards at all branches are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Adopt a furry friend
Add an adorable creature to your family at an adoption event that the Mets are co-hosting with the North Shore Animal League America at Wollman Rink on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you decide to adopt a pet at the event, you’ll not only receive a voucher for two free Field Level tickets to an upcoming Mets home game, but you’ll also get a free Mets-themed toy for your new critter!
Meet the Mets at Flushing Meadows
Some of the Mets’ legendary players will appear at Flushing Meadows Corona Park for a “Diamond Takeover” this Saturday afternoon. They’ll be on hand at Field 10 to cheer on the “Sandlot Stars,” young ballplayers from two little league clubs chasing their own big league dreams. The Amazin’ Mets Foundation will also be on hand to donate gear and announce a grant to renovate the field. You can come see the Amazin’ legends and little leaguers from 1 to 3 p.m.
Bases full of music, art and fun
Amazin’ Day presents a whirlwind of opportunity for Mets fans to enjoy great cultural events all around New York City — from taking in classical art, to rock concerts, to even great dining.
The Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Pkwy., is offering free admission to the first 500 guests who show up in Mets gear; the museum opens at 11 a.m. (Note: The free admission offer does not include access to the Thierry Mugler collection.)
Meanwhile, anyone who comes to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., in Mets gear will also get free admission and spend the day enjoying more than 5,000 collective years of art from around the world. The Met is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Met Cloisters at Fort Tryon Park, which showcases medieval art and architecture, will also provide free admission to fans in Mets gear all day Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hungry Mets fans can head over to The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards and enjoy an array of discounts all day Saturday. Head over to the concierge desk on Level 1 at 20 Hudson Yards and show off your Mets gear to get a VIP shopping and dining pass to dozens of shops and eateries at Hudson Yards.
Amazin’ fans can also get prime, free access to a number of musical events on Saturday night at the following venues:
- Brooklyn Steel, 319 Frost St., Brooklyn — The first 25 fans wearing Mets hats who join the line to get in will receive complimentary admission and a free VIP ticket upgrade. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show.
- Racket NYC, 431 West 16th St., Chelsea — The first 25 fans wearing Mets hats who join the line to get in will receive complimentary admission and a free VIP ticket upgrade. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show.
- Terminal 5, 610 West 56th St., Midtown — The first 25 fans wearing Mets hats who join the line to get in will receive complimentary admission and a free VIP ticket upgrade. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show.
- Webster Hall, 125 East 11th St., East Village — At two shows at 7 and 11 p.m., the first 25 fans online for each performance will get free admission and a VIP ticket upgrade.
Ticketed events
Over the past week, the Mets also gave away tickets to the Gotham Comedy Club and the Metropolitan Opera for performances this Saturday night. The winners will get to enjoy shows at the Gotham Comedy Club, 208 West 23rd St., Chelsea, at 6:30 or 9:30 p.m., or a performance at the Metropolitan Opera, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, at 7 p.m.
Freebies
All day Saturday, the Mets will give out plenty of gear and swag across the entire city.
A number of Citibank branches will hand out Pete Alonso bobblehead dolls and rally towels from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., while supplies last. If you want them, show up early and wear your Mets gear!
The giveaways will be held at the Citibank locations at Jamaica-Hillside (168-48 Hillside Ave., Queens); Union Square (52 East 14th St.) and Manhattan Valley (2553 Broadway, at West 96th Street).
Feeling thirsty this Saturday? Participating Coca-Cola restaurants in New York City will be giving away complimentary drinks. They include Kabooz’s Bar and Grill, Don Pepi Pizza, Utopia Bagles and Chiddy’s. For a full list of locations, visit mets.com/amazinday.
Also, the Mets will provide Merch Pop-Ups at surprise locations in Manhattan and Queens, handing out free Mets hats. Learn where those locations are at the Amazin’ Day website and on social media @mets.
Amazin’ Day Sweepstakes
The Mets are also hosting an Amazin’ Day Sweepstakes now through March 26 where Mets fans can get the chance to win some sweet prizes.
The contest’s grand prize is a dream day at Citi Field featuring four premium tickets to an upcoming Mets regular home game; attending batting practice before the game; sitting in on the pregame press conference; and throwing out the honorary first pitch.
No purchase necessary to enter; visit mlb.com/mets/fans/amazin-day-sweepstakes to enter.
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