PRESS RELEASE: - METS ANNOUNCE 50TH ANNIVERSARY PLANS FOR 2012

METS ANNOUNCE 50TH ANNIVERSARY PLANS FOR 2012

New Logo, Redesigned Uniforms to Celebrate Mets History

Banner Day to Highlight Mets 50th Anniversary Themed Promotions

Fans Can Share Photos at Mets50.com and Enter to Win a Pair of 2012 Season Tickets

FLUSHING, N.Y., November 16, 2011 – The New York Mets today announced plans to celebrate their 50th Anniversary next season unveiling a commemorative logo, introducing redesigned uniforms, revealing a series of promotional giveaways, and launching an interactive online campaign focused on Mets fans and their memories.

The Mets played their first game on April 11, 1962 and six Season Ticket Holders from the club’s inaugural season joined the Mets in making today’s announcement in the Caesars Club at Citi Field.  Mets third baseman David Wright, first baseman Ike Davis and outfielder Lucas Duda were also present and each modeled the uniforms during the event, which was emceed by Howie Rose, the radio voice of the Mets.

Logo

The Mets 50th Anniversary logo incorporates the basic elements of the original blue and orange skyline logo, which was introduced 50 years ago today, with gold accents in celebration of the franchise’s golden anniversary.  The logo will be affixed to player jerseys on the left sleeve, replacing the primary logo for the anniversary season, and on the back of blue game caps. 

Uniforms

The Mets this coming season will wear new home pinstripe, white and road grey uniforms reflecting the look of the original uniforms from their inaugural season.  The black dropshadow will be removed from the Mets script logo, letters and numbers.  The pinstripe uniform will be the primary home uniform with the white and black alternate jerseys worn on select dates.  The blue cap will be worn with the home pinstripes and white uniforms, and the road grey uniforms.  The team will also wear a new blue and orange batting practice jersey. 

The redesigned uniforms and a wide selection of Mets 50th Anniversary merchandise including t-shirts and patches are on sale starting today exclusively at the Mets Team Store at Citi Field, Mets.com and at Mets Clubhouse Shops.  Fans purchasing a new jersey today at the Mets Team Store at Citi Field will receive 50% off any Authentic Collection jacket. 

Promotional Schedule

The return of Banner Day headlines a series of promotions recognizing Mets history.  Banner Day, which began in 1963, will feature a Mets 50th Anniversary theme with fans parading around the warning track with signs expressing their favorite Mets memory.  The Mets will announce the date of Banner Day in the weeks ahead.

The Mets will celebrate each decade of Mets history with a series of alumni bobblehead giveaways.  Mets legend and Hall of Famer Tom Seaver will kick off the series in April.

The Mets full promotional schedule for the 2012 season will include commemorative items featuring the 50th Anniversary logo on caps, t-shirts and collectibles. Mets fans will get the chance to choose a commemorative promotional item through an online vote, which will launch during Spring Training.

Mets50.com Web Site

The Mets today launched Mets50.com which will serve as the hub for all Mets 50th Anniversary news and content.  Fans will be encouraged to visit the site and share photos of their favorite Mets memories to enter the “FANtastic at 50” sweepstakes to win a pair of 2012 Mets Season Tickets.  Other features during the season will include an interactive timeline detailing significant moments through Mets history, “This Date in Mets History,” and archival footage from important Mets moments from the past 50 years.

Mets 50th Anniversary Ticket Packs

A limited number of Mets 50th Anniversary Ticket Packs will go on sale Monday, November 28 exclusively online at Mets.com.  The five-game plans start at $50.

Mets Alumni Association Presented by Citi

The Mets Alumni Association Presented by Citi will make multiple appearances throughout the season in concert with the 50th Anniversary season long celebration.

No. 50 Jersey Giveaway and In-Park Elements

A lucky fan at each home game will receive an authentic No. 50 jersey embroidered with the name “FANTASTIC.”  The Season Ticket Holders from 1962 present for today’s announcement received these jerseys as a thank you for their loyalty.

In-park entertainment during Mets games next season will feature highlights from the past 50 years, trivia and other programming on Citi Vision.

Mets Hall of Fame & Museum

New exhibits featuring artifacts focusing on the Mets 50th Anniversary will be installed in the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum in time for Opening Day, Thursday, April 5, 2012.