The New York Mets are reportedly organizing the first ever “Pride Night” this year at Citi Field. By doing so, they will be the first major New York sports team to celebrate the LGBT community, per MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo.
NY Post reports the #Mets will host a "Pride Night" this season, becoming the first NY major sports team to do so for the LGBT community.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) February 19, 2016
Ian Mohr of Page Six also reported on this story. In speaking with LGBT Network CEO David Kilmnick, it’s clear this is a huge deal, not only for the LGBT community but also for the Mets:
“I’m proud to be making this announcement — one, as a lifelong Met fan, and two, we get to beat the Yankees on this,” Kilmnick joked to us.
He added that the team’s “making sure that everyone is welcomed and celebrated at Citi Field.”
Kilmnick expects over 5,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender fans to attend the celebratory event, and some of the ticket sales will be diverted to the LGBT Network’s anti-bullying programs, per Mohr.
Whether or not to celebrate the LGBT community is a hot-button topic in America these days. However, one thing I think we can all agree on is that any chance to stick up for anyone who is being bullied is worthy of being lauded.
The Mets have yet to announce the date, but details of the event will be announced next Tuesday in a press conference.