Mets to Host Season Opener March 26 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Festivities Will Continue Throughout the Weekend as Mets Host Their First Family Sunday on March 29.
FLUSHING, N.Y., March 26, 2026 – The New York Mets will host their season opener at Citi Field on Thursday, March 26, at 1:15 p.m. vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates, broadcast nationally on NBC. Citi Field parking lots will open at 10:15 a.m., and gates open at 11:15 a.m. Due to capacity crowds, fans are encouraged to take mass transit to the game to avoid delays.
The annual Shea Floral Presentation, a tradition that dates back to the first Opening Day at Shea Stadium in 1964, will begin approximately 30 minutes before first pitch. Bill Shea was instrumental in bringing National League baseball to New York. Members of the Shea family will be on hand to present Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza with a good luck floral arrangement.
All season long, the Mets will wear a tribute uniform patch on their sleeve to honor Mets Manager Davey Johnson, who passed away on September 6, 2025, at the age of 82. Johnson’s family will be involved in the ceremonial first pitch as Johnson’s widow, Susan, will escort Jeremiah Allen, Johnson’s stepson, and Kai Casebolt, Johnson’s grandson, to the mound. Catching the first pitch will be Mets Hall of Famers Darryl Strawberry and Mookie Wilson.
Tony Award-nominated actor Christopher Jackson, who originated the role of George Washington in the award-winning musical, Hamilton, will perform the National Anthem, and the Fire Department of the City of New York ceremonial unit will present the colors. In the middle of the seventh inning, Detective Brianna Fernandez of the New York Police Department will sing “God Bless America.” The Veteran of the Game, Arthur Grabiner, is a 100-year-old U.S. Navy Veteran who served in the Pacific during World War II.
In celebration of Opening Day, the Empire State Building was lit blue and orange last night.
Additional Details for Opening Day
- Getting Here: The New York Mets recently announced a comprehensive suite of new and expanded transportation options and incentives designed to give fans more convenient, flexible, and reliable ways to travel to Citi Field on game days. New for this season, the Mets are offering $5 off tickets for the LIRR, as well as new ferry and shuttle services. Check out all the options on the Mets’ new transportation hub at Mets.com/Transportation.
- Pre-Game: Don’t miss the first pre-game Block Party of the season, presented by Ford, which starts at 10:15 a.m. outside Citi Field from the Jackie Robinson Rotunda to the Left Field Gate. The Block party will feature a DJ, appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Met and other games and entertainment.
- New Foods: As announced earlier this week, the New York Mets have once again been recognized by USA Today, earning Best Baseball Stadium Food for the fourth consecutive year. This season at Citi Field, fans can indulge in 37 exciting new menu items as well as returning favorites found throughout the ballpark.
- In-Game Excitement: Alongside the action on the field, fans can expect nonstop in-game entertainment all day long, from the fan-favorite 5 Borough Race to the high-energy return of the Queens Crew, plus plenty of appearances from Mr. and Mrs. Met leading the charge and keeping the crowd buzzing from first pitch to final out.
As part of excitement around opening the season, the Mets recently unveiled a mural at Queens Center Mall, on display now through April 23. Fans who visit can scan the QR code on-site for chances to win tickets to regular season games at Citi Field.
Fans can purchase tickets to the first half of 2026 Mets home games by visiting Mets.com/Tickets or calling 718-507-TIXX.