Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) — The Syracuse Mets, formerly known as the Chiefs, will keep baseball alive in Central New York for at least 25 more years after the New York Mets signed a contract with the team lasting until 2043. However, the name is not the only thing the team will be changing. Renovations to NBT Bank Stadium are in the plans to improve the fan experience.
The $25 million The Mets received from the county and state will be used towards the stadium’s renovations. Some of the renovations will be in place for the 2019 season.
“I know the New York Mets and of course our organization here in Syracuse are excited to have the process move forward and to see the official announcement of exactly what is going to come out,” said Michael Tricarico, Syracuse Mets’ spokesperson. “We’re excited and we hope and we think that will really improve the fan experience.”
Not only do the Mets plan to improve its fan experience, but the team hopes that its fan base will expand as well. Baseball has been a part of Syracuse for over 80 years. According to Tricarico, the Mets franchise hopes to keep the sport as an integral part of the community for years to come.
“Our hope is that the fan base expands,” Tricarico said. “We think we have a very excited fan base for baseball in Syracuse, which has been here for many decades. We think that those fans are excited, we hope at least, about the future of baseball here in Syracuse.”
“[With] the New York Mets having their players here in Syracuse, I think you certainly extend the New York Mets fan base,” Tricarico added. If you have fans of the Mets that are around New York State, that can bring them here to Syracuse.”
