Major League Baseball (MLB) and Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) has unveiled a new partnership with MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) to become the title sponsor of the 2019 MGM MLB Opening Series in Tokyo, between the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners.
The curtain raiser for the upcoming MLB season, sees the AL West rivals clash in a two-game set March 20-21 at the Tokyo Dome.
As a new league partner, the 2019 MGM MLB Opening Series marks the inaugural major marketing activation for MGM around an MLB event.
MGM plans to activate at fan-facing events outside the ballpark, while also having its logo on a jersey patch on the Athletics’ right sleeve during the Opening Series.
MGM Resorts Chairman and CEO Jim Murren stated: “We are very excited to partner with MLB and the MLBPA to deliver a one-of-a-kind fan experience that celebrates baseball in Japan. We look forward to giving fans a unique experience to participate in baseball activities in and out of the Tokyo Dome.”
Noah Garden, MLB Executive Vice President, Commerce added: “In just a few months as partners, MGM Resorts has really embraced this relationship and expanded their presence in the league,” said. “MGM Resorts will have a great opportunity to engage with and experience the extraordinary passion of baseball fans in Japan. We’re excited to have our new partners become such a significant part of our games in Tokyo.”
Timothy Slavin, President, MLB Players, Inc. also spoke of the strong relationship between the two: “With this relationship, MGM is reinforcing the depth of its interest in baseball. We’re delighted to welcome them as partners for this event, and our players look forward to working together more directly in ways that maximise fan interest.”
The 2019 MGM MLB Opening Series, which will serve as A’s home games, will represent the fifth time that MLB has opened its season in Tokyo. The last Opening Series in Tokyo took place in 2012, when the A’s and Mariners split the two games.
This will mark the eighth season-opener to be played internationally. MLB has previously opened seasons in Monterrey, Mexico (1999); Tokyo (2000, 2004, 2008, 2012); San Juan, Puerto Rico (2001); and Sydney, Australia (2014). Overall, more than one million fans have attended 19 MLB Opening Series games.
As part of the Opening Series, both MLB Clubs will also compete against Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) teams in day/night doubleheaders scheduled for March 17-18. Following is a schedule of events for the 2019 MGM MLB Opening Series.
