Seattle, the Mariners, and T-Mobile Park will host the All-Star Game in 2023. The announcement was made on Thursday, confirming the news after multiple media outlets had reported it earlier in the week. The Seattle Mariners have not hosted an All-Star Game since 2001. That year was a great one for Seattle, as they introduced the world to their brand new ballpark and had a historic winning season. Hopefully, 2023 is just as great when Seattle becomes home to the Midsummer Classic and the game’s greatest stars.
Mariners Will Host
On top of the Space Needle in Seattle, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred shared the exciting news. The last two All-Star Games the Mariners have hosted have come at opportune times for the organization. In 1979, the Mariners held it at the Kingdome after their entrance into the league in 1977. Typically, the league tries to showcase expansion by gifting the All-Star Game to be played in their city. In 2001, the game was held in the state-of-the-art and brand new Safeco Field. Considered to be the most modern ballpark at the time, it was a perfect place to shine the lights on the greatest players of the 2001 season.
This time around, it is not necessarily clear if there is a reason for playing host. With 30 teams in the league and 20 years passed since hosting at the time of the announcement, it seemed that the time was coming for Seattle to host again. Still considered one of the most picturesque ballparks in the league, the now T-Mobile Park will see its second all-star game.
2023 All-Star Game
Fans can expect a great showing of baseball and related festivities in mid-July of 2023. Besides the All-Star Game, the preceding events include the Futures Game. The Futures Game shows the next up-and-comers in baseball. Additionally, the Celebrity Softball Game is always a hit. The day directly before the game will see the long ball hitters of the game gear up to try and hit as many balls out of the park as they can. This should be an interesting derby because Seattle is described as a pitcher’s ballpark. The relatively high porches and deep left field and deep center will be sure to see a different derby than fans have become accustomed to in recent years. This should be an excellent week not only for the city of Seattle but for the league.
Could Being Host Help Seattle?
With the Mariners hosting the All-Star Game in 2023, this could very well help the organization. The Mariners are in the midst of a playoff drought lasting from 2001. Subsequently, this is the last time they hosted the All-Star Game. Massive revenue comes to teams who do get to host. In 2001, the economic impact was $50 million. It has only gone up from there, with All-Star Games in the last five years averaging over $60 million.
In 2019 (the last full season with attendance) the Mariners were in the bottom third of the league in attendance. Not only is there an opportunity for revenue to be brought in as a result of the All-Star Game, but there is a potential hope that Seattle-based individuals will take even more of an interest in their team. Seemingly the All-Star Game has helped, in some way, every team that has had the opportunity.
The Future of the All-Star Game
Now that the Mariners have been given two years to prepare, other cities are also preparing in anticipation of hosting the big game. In 2022 the game will go to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Dodger Stadium. Per the United States’ 250th birthday in 2026, Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies has already been given the 2026 All-Star Game. Looking ahead to Seattle’s future, this is an excellent and well-deserved All-Star Game. This game will have Seattle fans eager and very much looking forward to hosting the game’s greatest stars.
