All-Star Weekend in Seattle: Lots of festivities for local fans

Starting July 7, fans can attend events in and around T-Mobile Park.

For the first time in over 20 years, the Major League Baseball All-Star game is being held in Seattle with events going on from July 7-11.

The festivities begin on Friday, July 7, at T-Mobile Park, following the MLB-USA Baseball High School All-American Game. The inaugural HBCU Swingman Classic presented by T-Mobile and powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation takes place with the first pitch at 7 p.m.

If fans attend the game at 7 p.m., there is a fireworks show immediately following the game. Tickets are $10 and seating is general admission. It is a great opportunity to see over 50 players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities compete in Seattle on a national stage.

On July 8, the Capitol One Play Ball Park will be open for all. Patrons will need a ticket, but will have a lot of access to activities and interactions at Lumen Field and the Lumen Field Event Center. It is described as a “once-in-a-lifetime indoor/outdoor experience, blending baseball, softball, music, food, the latest in VR technology, shopping, fashion and more! Plus, an all-time lineup of former Seattle baseball greats – including Edgar Martinez, Bret Boone and Mike Cameron – will attend to sign autographs, participate in clinics, lead demonstrations and pose for photos.”

July 8 also has two events taking place inside T-Mobile Park. The first is the Sirius XM All-Star Futures Game. Top prospects from all around the MLB will participate in an exhibition game and showcase their talent for fans in attendance. The coaching staffs for both teams are littered with Mariner legends, including Felix Hernandez, Adrian Beltre, Dan Wilson, Jay Buhner and Mike Cameron, just to name a few. The National League is managed by Raul Ibanez and the American League team has Harold Reynolds.

Following the Futures Game, the festivities turn to the red carpet and the Celebrity Softball Game. Fans just need one ticket to watch both the Futures Game, which begins at 4 p.m., and the softball game, which starts following the conclusion of the Futures Game.

July 9, the action on the field takes a break, but teams will continue to take a look at the future. The MLB first-year player draft will take place at Lumen Field beginning at 4 p.m. with the first two rounds, compensatory round(s) and competitive balance rounds.

“The new Draft location allows more fans than ever a chance to see their favorite teams select the next generation of stars,” according to MLB.com.

July 10 is the Gatorade All-Star Workout Day for the all-star team rosters on the field at T-Mobile Park. Following the practice day, the T-Mobile Home Run Derby begins at 5 p.m. The Mariners’ own Julio Rodriguez will represent Seattle on his home turf. Last year, Rodriguez totaled the most home runs in the contest, but he lost in the final matchup to San Diego’s Juan Soto.

The final day of the festivities is the 93rd Annual All-Star Game presented by Mastercard. The M’s will be represented by pitcher Luis Castillo. It is a great opportunity for people in Seattle to see baseball’s biggest stars in our own backyard.

For more information, head to www.mlb.com/mariners/fans/all-star-game for details on all the happenings in and around T-Mobile Park.