SEATTLE — Thursday was Opening Day, and the Mariners were back in action for the 2023 Major League Baseball season, beating the Cleveland Guardians 3-0.
The game was sold out, but there are still tickets for the first homestand of the season.
The Ms are coming off a historic season where they made the playoffs in a dramatic fashion, and the excitement for last season’s playoff run appears to be spilling over into this season.
There has been a 25% increase in season ticket members, with more than 15,000, according to Mariners Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Kevin Martinez, who said the numbers haven’t been that high since the mid-2000s.
When asked what he wanted to tell fans about the upcoming season, Martinez had a lot to say.
“Oh my gosh, where to start. I mean really, what a season it was last year. In the off-season, we’ve added several new players where we had some holes to fill. The team has come together in a way we haven’t seen in a while,” said Martinez. “They’re such a cohesive group. Not only is there excitement around the team, but this summer, Major League Baseball brings the All-Star Game to our city, and we’ll be the focus internationally, which is incredible.”
When asked if fans should be optimistic about the team’s improvement, Martinez had a definitive answer.
“These guys are so good already, and yeah, they will improve. Kirby and Gilbert are at the top of young pitchers in Major League Baseball and Julio Rodriguez is a superstar, so we couldn’t be more excited about that young core,” said Martinez.
There is also excitement about new ballpark improvements, such as a rebuilt Diamond Club, and a new Press Club.
Fans will also find new food offerings to keep them sustained in case of extra innings.
There are also more affordable ticket options this season. Mariners fans will be able to get center-field bleacher seats for every regular-season home game for just $10.