All eyes will be on Citi Field in the coming weeks when, for the first time since 1964, the New York Mets serve as host for Major League Baseball’s annual Midsummer Classic. The 84th installment of the MLB All-Star Game is set for Tuesday, July 16, though the week’s annual festivities will launch a few days earlier, as usual. Helping to make this year’s edition all the more notable is not only the fact that it’s the first such event put on by the Mets in nearly five decades, but also because it will be the first All-Star Game held at Citi Field in Flushing, N.Y., which replaced the franchise’s previous home, Shea Stadium, in 2009.
Including this year, New York in general leads all MLB teams with nine All-Star Games, with Chicago in second with seven, and Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis tied for third with five apiece.
2013 MLB All-Star Week Schedule of Events
For those planning on attending the 2013 MLB All-Star Game, as well as the activities leading up to it, be sure to check out a breakdown of event information below.
- Friday, July 12 - Tuesday, July 16 - All-Star FanFest | Tickets
- Sunday, July 14 – Futures Game/Legends and Celebrity Softball Game | Tickets
- Monday, July 15 – Home Run Derby | Tickets
- Tuesday, July 16 – MLB All-Star Game | Tickets
*2013 MLB All-Star Game Packages On Sale Now*
2013 Home Run Derby and All-Star Game Participants
Since 2011, designated team captains from the American League and National League have selected their fellow participants for the year’s Home Run Derby competition. The captains for 2013 will be David Wright of the New York Mets and Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees. The Detroit Tigers’ Prince Fielder is the defending champ, while Cano claimed the crown in 2011.
The MLB All-Star Game rosters were announced on July 6, and as usual, contained a mix of veterans, up-and-comers, and surprises. Fans picked the starters for each league, which for the AL will be comprised of Joe Mauer (C, Twins), Chris Davis (1B, Orioles), Robinson Cano (2B, Yankees), Miguel Cabrera (3B, Tigers), J.J. Hardy (SS, Orioles), Adam Jones (OF, Orioles), Mike Trout (OF, Angels), Jose Bautista (OF, Blue Jays), and David Ortiz (DH, Red Sox). Meanwhile, the NL starters will be Yadier Molina (C, Cardinals), Joey Votto (1B, Reds), Brandon Phillips (2B, Reds), David Wright (3B, Mets), Troy Tulowitzki (SS, Rockies), Carlos Beltran (OF, Cardinals), Carlos Gonzalez (OF, Rockies), and Bryce Harper (OF, Nationals).
Historical Notes
- Beginning with the 2003 season, the winner of the MLB All-Star Game has been given home-field advantage for the subsequent World Series. Since then, the AL has won seven of 10 All-Star Games, though the NL has claimed the last three. Awarding home-field advantage had seemed to have little impact on the World Series winner, as three NL teams had won without it, but the AL has yet to do the same in the last three seasons.
- The 2012 event at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City featured the first shutout since 1996, with the NL prevailing in both instances.
- The All-Star Game has taken place on a Tuesday every year since 1963, except in 1969, 1981, and 1983. Since 1972, All-Star Games have been held at night.
- It took just six home runs for Dave Parker of the Cincinnati Reds to win the first-ever Home Run Derby contest in 1985 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The winning total in 2012 was 28.
Citi Field Information
Opened in 2009, the luxurious Citi Field comes equipped with A-list amenities throughout the sprawling venue. With a capacity of just under 42,000, permanent features include a family entertainment area, climate-controlled sit-down restaurants, historical elements, memorabilia shops, and incredible views from the concourse and promenade. Expect plenty of All-Star Game-centric additions throughout Citi Field as well.
Getting to the MLB All-Star Game
While numerous parking lots are available onsite for a fee, attendees are encouraged to use public transportation to avoid the congestion expected in and around the venue. Trains departing from Penn Station and Woodside each take less than 20 minutes to arrive at Citi Field, while those at Grand Central Station can take the 7 train to Mets/Willets Point Station. Other subway trains connecting to the 7 train include the E, F, G, R, and V, or N or W. The Q48 bus is also an option, as are other connecting bus lines with the 7 train.
Notable Menu Options
Citi Field has been preparing an especially noteworthy menu for the All-Star Game. In late June, as part of a “Culinary All-Stars” event at the stadium, the Mets and Aramark revealed what had made the cut including unique items from Two Boots Pizza, Mama’s Corona, El Verano Taqueria, Cantina, Blue Smoke, Catch of the Day, and the Acela Club, just to name a few. Click HERE to see the full list.
All-Star FanFest – July 12-16, Javits Center
Located at 655 W. 34th Street, this large convention center will serve as the site for the daily events comprising the 2013 All-Star FanFest. On Friday, July 12, families can take part in Kids Day, which will include activities geared toward children including Home Run Derby, an MLB mascot autograph session, and various other attractions. July 13 has been designated as Heritage Day, and will boast a celebration of New York’s diverse culture. The day also will feature Q&As with family members of late Hall of Famers including the wife of Roberto Clemente and daughter of Jackie Robinson. Family Day will take place on July 14, featuring interactive elements, baseball fundamental clinics, and more. Military Appreciation Day will follow on July 15, focused on honoring veterans and those still active. Lastly, on July 16, fans can take part in Tribute Tuesday, which will recognize local heroes such as service men and women, teachers, and community leaders leading up to the game.
All-Star FanFest tickets will be required for access to each day’s events. The operating hours will be 9 a.m.-8 p.m. local time from July 12-15, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on the 16th. Concession stands will be on hand selling burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, and drinks. Cameras are welcome and encouraged. Personal items, except for bats, may be brought inside for autograph sessions.
Future MLB All-Star Game Sites
2014: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minn.
2015: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio