Mets to Host First LGBT Pride Night

On Saturday, Aug 13, the New York Mets will host its first-ever LGBT-themed Pride Night, donating a portion of ticket sales to anti-bullying programs in local schools.

On Aug 13, the New York Mets will celebrate their first-ever LGBT-themed Pride Night at Citi Field, marking the first hosting of a Pride night by any professional New York sports franchise. The Mets anticipate that more than 5,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender fans will attend the Saturday evening baseball game, decked out in all the colors of Pride (and, of course, orange and blue) as they cheer for the Mets to defeat the San Diego Padres.

 

“New York is the most diverse and inclusive city in the world, and the Mets welcome all fans throughout the season. We are particularly proud to welcome the LGBT community on Pride Night at Citi Field,” said Mets Executive Vice President Lou DePaoli.

 

The Mets will donate a portion of Pride Night ticket sales through mets.com/pride to support the work of the LGBT Network, an advocacy group that organizes Safe Schools anti-bullying initiatives in Long Island and Queens. 

 

“Bullying is still a major-league problem for LGBT youth,” LGBT Network CEO David Kilmnick said in a news release. “Over 82 percent report being verbally and physically harassed in the past year. It’s not only the school hallways where our young people report feeling unsafe, but also on the ballfield. We are grateful and thankful to Major League Baseball for taking the lead in professional sports, including the LGBT community in its diversity priorities and initiatives. As a lifelong Mets fan, I am proud that the New York Mets are not only the defending National League champions but the champion of the New York sports world in making sure that everyone is welcomed and celebrated at Citi Field.”

 

Pride Night at Citi Field will feature team officials, local politicians, the LGBT Network’s David Kilmnick, and Mr. and Mrs. Met. According to the New York Daily News, “The game will be preceded by a Pride in the Plaza gathering outside the Queens ballpark, and commemorative ‘Pride Night’ T-shirts will be available for purchase.” Three discounted seating areas offer tickets starting at just $35, and a “Postgame Concert” will top off the evening’s festivities. 

 

For tickets and more info, visit m.mlb.com/mets/tickets/info/lgbt-night.


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