MGM Resorts named title sponsor for 2019 MGM MLB Opening Series

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Major League Baseball, Major League Baseball Players Association and MGM Resorts International today announced that MGM Resorts will be the title sponsor of the 2019 MGM MLB Opening Series in Tokyo, Japan between the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners. The AL West rivals open the 2019 Championship Season with a two-game set 20-21 March at the Tokyo Dome.

As a new league partner, the 2019 MGM MLB Opening Series will be MGM Resorts' first major marketing activation around an MLB event. MGM plans to activate at fan-facing events outside the ballpark, while also having its logo on a jersey patch on the Athletics' right sleeve during the Opening Series.

"We are very excited to partner with MLB and the MLBPA to deliver a one-of-a-kind fan experience that celebrates baseball in Japan," said MGM Resorts Chairman and CEO Jim Murren. "We look forward to giving fans a unique experience to participate in baseball activities in and out of the Tokyo Dome."

"In just a few months as partners, MGM Resorts has really embraced this relationship and expanded their presence in the league," said Noah Garden, MLB Executive Vice President, Commerce. "MGM Resorts will have a great opportunity to engage with and experience the extraordinary passion of baseball fans in Japan. We're excited to have our new partners become such a significant part of our games in Tokyo."

"With this relationship, MGM is reinforcing the depth of its interest in baseball. We're delighted to welcome them as partners for this event, and our players look forward to working together more directly in ways that maximize fan interest," said Timothy Slavin, President, MLB Players, Inc.

The 2019 MGM MLB Opening Series, which will serve as A's home games, will represent the fifth time that MLB has opened its season in Tokyo. The last Opening Series in Tokyo took place in 2012, when the A's and Mariners split the two games. This will mark the eighth season-opener to be played internationally. MLB has previously opened seasons in Monterrey, Mexico (1999); Tokyo (2000, 2004, 2008, 2012); San Juan, Puerto Rico (2001); and Sydney, Australia (2014). Overall, more than one million fans have attended 19 MLB Opening Series games.

As part of the Opening Series, both MLB Clubs will also compete against Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) teams in day/night doubleheaders scheduled for 17-18 March. Following is a schedule of events for the 2019 MGM MLB Opening Series.

2019 MGM MLB Opening Series

Date/Game, Local Time/Venue

Sunday, 17 March/Seattle Mariners vs. Yomiuri Giants, 12:05 p.m./Tokyo Dome

Sunday, 17 March/Oakland Athletics vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, 7:05 p.m./Tokyo Dome

Monday, 18 March/Oakland Athletics vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, 12:05 p.m./Tokyo Dome

Monday, 18 March/Seattle Mariners vs. Yomiuri Giants, 7:05 p.m./Tokyo Dome

Wednesday, 20 March/Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics, 6:35 p.m./Tokyo Dome

Thursday, 21 March/Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics, 6:35 p.m./Tokyo Dome