New York: Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday (March 30) announced a new travel and tourism partnership between I LOVE NY, the New York Yankees, and the New York Mets, celebrating the start of the 2023 Major League Baseball season. I LOVE NY branded signage will appear in Yankee Stadium and Citi Field this season, and will also be visible during game broadcasts on television. This signage, coupled with digital and social media efforts, will encourage fans to visit iloveny.com/baseball and plan a New York State baseball-themed trip. New York is an ideal destination for baseball fans, and the campaign will showcase all there is to see and do for fans of all ages.
“Nothing says springtime in New York like Opening Day, and we are thrilled to welcome visitors, fans, and spectators from around the world to be a part of our state’s baseball legacy,” Governor Hochul said. “As the Bronx Bombers and the Amazin’ Mets take the field this season, we are proud to work for hand in glove with New York’s major league teams and help fans take in our state’s baseball history, heritage, and culture. Thanks to this dynamic I LOVE NY partnership, we will ensure that tourism in New York continues to be a home run.”
Baseball has a rich history in New York: it is the official state sport, and home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown. The Hall of Fame’s annual Induction Weekend festivities welcomes tens of thousands of fans each summer. New York is where Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier in April 1947, and the new Jackie Robinson Museum in Lower Manhattan pays tribute to his achievements on and off the diamond.
Baseball is also an economic engine for communities throughout the state. Millions of fans from around the world travel to Queens and the Bronx each season to cheer on the Mets and Yankees. New York has six Minor League Baseball teams from Buffalo to Brooklyn, and eight independent league clubs. Countless youth baseball and softball leagues, teams, and tournaments bring families from across New York and the Northeast during the summer baseball season, planting the seeds for the next generation of major leaguers.
New York Mets Owner, Chairman and CEO Steve Cohen said, “New York isn’t just a baseball town, it’s a baseball state. The passion, loyalty, and pride that New Yorkers show all season long are a big part of what makes New York the greatest place in the world. We are so excited about the start of the season. Baseball and New York State are on a roll.”
New York Yankees President Randy Levine said, “The Yankees take tremendous pride in serving as ambassadors for New York State and welcoming visitors from all 50 states and around the world. As baseball fans know, there is truly nothing like watching a game at Yankee Stadium, which simultaneously honors the past and celebrates the present. So much of our team’s success has been a direct result of the exhilarating atmosphere our fans provide at every single game, and we are dedicated to enhancing this experience for every person who walks through our turnstiles. As we head into the 2023 baseball season, we are especially proud to continue these efforts in partnership with the I LOVE NY initiative because that’s exactly how we feel about our home state.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Baseball means business for New York, as it brings visitors from around the world to the state to celebrate the game they love. This new partnership with the Yankees and Mets will help highlight the special relationship between New York and our national pastime – the legendary locations, epic events, and enduring history – that put the Empire State in a league of its own.”
Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “New York State is every baseball fan’s dream destination, from minor league teams throughout the state, to Yankee Stadium and Citi Field in New York City, to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown – a highlighted stop on every baseball bucket list. I LOVE NY welcomes the start of baseball season and is proud to partner with the state’s major league teams to spread the word about New York State as the ultimate baseball destination. We encourage fans from around the world to plan an Empire State baseball vacation and find what they love this summer.”
Tourism and travel are vital to New York State’s economy. In 2021, the industry generated an economic impact of $85.5 billion. The tourism and hospitality sector is the state’s third largest industry, supporting one in 10 private sector jobs. State and local taxes collected through tourism save every household in the state more than $1,000 annually.
