Mets Honor McDonald’s Character Grimace with Commemorative Purple Seat at Citi Field
In a nod to their unexpected good luck charm, the New York Mets have immortalized McDonald’s character Grimace with a special tribute at Citi Field. What started as a lighthearted promotional event has now become a symbol of the Mets’ remarkable turnaround this season.
The Mets have announced that they will install a commemorative purple seat in honor of Grimace as part of their upcoming Fan Appreciation Weekend from Sept. 20-22. This quirky gesture solidifies the mascot’s unexpected role in the Mets’ recent success.
How Grimace Became the Mets’ Good Luck Charm
The connection between the Mets and Grimace began on June 12, when the fuzzy purple mascot threw out the ceremonial first pitch before a game against the Miami Marlins. What followed was nothing short of magical—a seven-game winning streak that saw the Mets turn their season around. The Mets won that night’s game 10-4, a victory now known among fans as the “Grimace Game.”
Before Grimace’s memorable appearance, the Mets had been struggling with a 29-37 record, seemingly out of playoff contention. However, after Grimace’s first pitch, the team’s fortunes shifted dramatically. Entering Monday, the Mets boast an impressive 81-68 record and are tied with the Atlanta Braves for the final National League Wild Card spot.
With just a few games left in the season, the Mets are also within striking distance of the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second Wild Card position, trailing them by only two games. Their playoff hopes are very much alive, and many fans are crediting Grimace’s unexpected contribution as a turning point.
The Commemorative Grimace Seat at Citi Field
In celebration of this unusual yet impactful mascot, the Mets have announced that Grimace will now have a permanent presence at Citi Field. The commemorative purple seat will be located in Section 302, Row 6, Seat 12, and will feature Grimace’s name, forever marking the mascot’s contribution to the team’s 2023 season.
The announcement has created a buzz among Mets fans, with many embracing Grimace as a beloved part of the team’s lore. Installing this seat during Fan Appreciation Weekend adds another layer of fan engagement as the team heads into a critical part of the season.
Fan Appreciation Weekend: Sept. 20-22
The Mets will unveil the special Grimace seat during Fan Appreciation Weekend, a three-day event designed to celebrate the loyal fanbase that has supported the team throughout a rollercoaster season. Fans attending the games can visit the new seat in Section 302, which is expected to become a popular photo-op for those looking to celebrate the Mets’ quirky good luck charm.
It’s not every day that a sports team attributes part of its success to a fast-food mascot, but in true Mets fashion, Grimace’s role in the team’s turnaround has added a unique and fun storyline to the 2023 season.
Why Grimace?
Grimace, originally introduced as a McDonald’s character in the 1970s, has a long history of bringing smiles to customers. His bubbly personality and recognizable purple form make him an endearing figure for both kids and adults. While he’s more known for promoting Happy Meals, his surprising connection to the Mets has created a new chapter in his long legacy.
For Mets fans, the Grimace story has been an unexpected yet joyful part of the season. The mascot’s first pitch is now seen as a moment of good fortune, and installing a commemorative seat is the perfect way to cement his place in the team’s history.
Conclusion
The Mets’ decision to honor Grimace with a commemorative purple seat at Citi Field is a lighthearted yet significant recognition of how this unexpected mascot became a part of their season’s success. As the team pushes for a playoff spot, Grimace’s seat in Section 302 will serve as a reminder of how far the Mets have come since that magical game in June. Fans will no doubt look forward to visiting Grimace’s seat during Fan Appreciation Weekend and beyond, knowing that even a fast-food mascot can make a big impact in the world of sports.
FAQs
Q1: Why is Grimace getting a commemorative seat at Citi Field?
Grimace is being honored because he became the Mets’ good luck charm after throwing out the first pitch in June. The team went on a winning streak after his appearance.
Q2: Where is Grimace’s commemorative seat located at Citi Field?
The purple seat will be located in Section 302, Row 6, Seat 12. It will have Grimace’s name engraved on it as a permanent tribute.
Q3: When will the commemorative Grimace seat be unveiled?
The seat will be unveiled during the Mets’ Fan Appreciation Weekend, which takes place from Sept. 20-22.
Q4: What was the Mets’ record before Grimace’s first pitch?
Before Grimace’s ceremonial pitch, the Mets had a 29-37 record. Since then, they’ve dramatically improved and are now in playoff contention.
Q5: How did Grimace become a part of the Mets’ history?
Grimace threw out the first pitch on June 12, sparking a seven-game winning streak for the Mets. Fans and the team have embraced Grimace as a good luck charm ever since.
