After over 10 years with a nomadic existence with their Triple-A affiliate, the New York Mets will call Syracuse home for the next 25 years.
In a press conference today, Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Mets announced the deal today, which includes $26.25 million improvements to NBT Stadium.
“Baseball has been engrained in Syracuse’s history for more than 80 years, and this critically important investment will ensure that it remains an ‘amazin’ part of this community’s future for decades to come,” Governor Cuomo said. “By renovating this stadium, we are going to attract new and old fans alike, generate economic activity and increase tourism across the region and help foster the next generation of baseball greats.”
In addition the team will be rebranded going from the Syracuse Chiefs to the Syracuse Mets.
“We look forward to being in Syracuse as an organization and in the community with our top minor league club for many years to come,” said Mets COO Jeff Wilpon. “We must thank Governor Cuomo for his continued support. Additional thanks to Joanie Mahoney, the great folks at the ESD as well as the Onondaga County Legislators for all their efforts.”
Onondaga County will reinvest revenue from stadium naming rights revenue in addition to bond proceeds to the project. The NBT Bank Stadium renovation will have a keen focus on hospitality and the improvement of the fan experience. Improvements will be focused on the in seat and in venue experience, with an emphasis on technology. The retail environment will see an upgrade with additional & renovated team stores, and rebranding and improvement to the food & beverage experience, with a focus on showcasing NYS best food and drink.
In addition, capital will be focused on replacing and extending the useful life on various mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and security systems and the refreshing of public restrooms. Ushering in the Syracuse Mets era will include a re-conceptualization of both interior and exterior stadium color palette, branding, and wayfinding. With the intention of creating a destination for fans of all ages to enjoy, emphasis will be placed on creating a more walk-able neighborhood venue environment that Mets have come to know and love at Citi Field. Plans are currently in development to extend the concourse beyond the 1st and 3rd base lines with amenities such as destination bars and food concepts. Construction will begin in 2019.
This stabilizes the Mets farm system. For the past six years, the club was affiliated in Las Vegas, which made logistics a problem. That was after stints with New Orleans and Buffalo.
Now they will have a home for the Triple-A team for years to come.
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