SEATTLE -- The Mariners and MLB on Monday unveiled their most detailed outline of All-Star Week fan engagement yet, headlined by the Capital One All-Star Village, which will all be nestled in the SoDo neighborhood home to T-Mobile Park.
The Village encompasses the ballpark as well as Lumen Field and the event center -- home to the NFL’s Seahawks and MLS’ Sounders -- which will host Capital One PLAY BALL PARK and the MLB Draft. It will also feature over 50 baseball-themed attractions in and around that area.
Additionally, more than 20 former Seattle baseball greats were announced to participate, including Hall of Famer Edgar Martinez.
“This is the only organization that I played for, and it became more than just a team that you play for,” Martinez said. “I have a big interest for the organization to move up.”
Other icons scheduled to be on hand, with the list subject to change, include Bret Boone, Mike Cameron, Tino Martinez, Norm Charlton, Mark McLemore, Alvin Davis, Jamie Moyer, Freddy Garcia, Jeff Nelson, Franklin Gutierrez, John Olerud, Shigetoshi Hasegawa, Harold Reynolds, Willie Horton, Arthur Rhodes, Raul Ibañez, Kazuhiro Sasaki, Ruppert Jones, Dave Valle, Mark Langston, Dan Wilson and Randy Winn.
That group will take part in activities at PLAY BALL PARK such as signing autographs, participating in clinics, leading demonstrations and posing for photos with fans. The area will be open that Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. PT and Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Regular admission costs $35, but for a limited time, fans can purchase $10 tickets at AllStarGame.com with the code PBPO. Access to all activities outside Lumen Field are free.
“There is an activity for all ages. ... It is like a theme park,” Martinez said. “So it's going to be fun for all the fans.”
For the third year in a row, the Draft will be held in conjunction with the Midsummer Classic, beginning Sunday, July 9, at 4 p.m. PT in Lumen Field. Holding the event during All-Star Week has allowed for more fans to see their favorite teams select the next generation of stars.
“It is always great to showcase the city,” Martinez said. “The game is going to be televised all over the country and many other places, and a lot of people are going to come here to this city that they haven't been here probably and they're going to see how beautiful this city is and how great the people are here.”
Games and attractions at Capital One PLAY BALL PARK include:
- Batting cages
- Live Panel discussion with former players
- Home Run Derby VR
- MLB The Show 23 gaming stations
- Diamond Clinics with softball legends and coaches from USA Baseball & USA Softball
- Curated exhibit from the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum
- Interactive display from the Negro Leagues Museum
- Live cleat customization painting
- Mascot Home Run Derbies
- Home Plate Bounce & Home Run Robber
- Major League trophy displays
- Pitching tunnels
To further enhance the experience for fans attending Capital One PLAY BALL PARK, Major League Baseball has refreshed the MLB All-Star Experience Pass App presented by Capital One. With the MLB All-Star Experience Pass app, which is is mandatory for entry and participation, fans can:
- Plan their PLAY BALL PARK experience with interactive maps and personalized schedules
- Make reservations for autograph sessions with their favorite legends
- Secure spots for In the Game VR
- Explore and participate with a variety of All-Star Week activities to collect badges for a chance to win prizes
- Stay up to date with real-time alerts and exclusive opportunities
Starting in June, fans can download the all-new MLB All-Star Experience Pass app and login to prepare for their All-Star Week experience.
In addition to the All-Star Game, MLB All-Star Week features the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, All-Star Celebrity Softball, All-Star Red Carpet Show, MLB USA Baseball High School All American Game, High School Home Run Derby, Jr. Home Run Derby finals, legacy projects designed to leave a lasting impact throughout the local community hosting the event, and the new HBCU Swingman Classic, which is powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation and Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr.