FLUSHING, N.Y., April 6, 2021 -- The New York Mets will host their first homestand of the 2021 season beginning with their home opener this Thursday, April 8 at 1:10 p.m. vs. the Miami Marlins. New York’s first homestand of the 2021 season continues on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11 vs. Miami at 1:10 p.m. All fans in attendance at each game will receive a Mets mask and a digital 2021 schedule.

On Thursday, the annual Shea family floral presentation, a tradition that dates back to the first Opening Day at Shea Stadium in 1964, will begin virtually on Citi Vision approximately 35 minutes before first pitch.

A ceremonial first pitch relay involving three pairs of New Yorkers who represent groups that were greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will also be shown on Citi Vision.

• Fifth grade teacher Iris Diaz and student Isabella Suarez from P.S. 19Q, P.S. 19Q, located near Elmhurst Hospital, will represent New York’s teachers and students. Diaz spearheaded P.S. 19Q’s initiatives to support families affected by the pandemic and Suarez created weekly activities for her fellow students to help keep her peers positive and motivated by spreading kindness.
• William Rodriguez, a food pantry volunteer from New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE), which works to serve thousands of local families in need with direct food access, will be joined by Luis Arturo Vazquez, who represents the food insecure community.
• COVID survivor Karla Duarte and her life-saving doctor, James Schneider, will finish the relay. Duarte became seriously ill last spring and spent days on a ventilator. With the help of Dr. Schneider and the pediatric critical care team at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, Duarte was able to return home and recover from her illness.

Grammy Award-winning Broadway actress Lauren Patten, who most recently earned rave reviews for her performance in the Alanis Morrissette musical Jagged Little Pill, will perform the national anthem and Broadway actress Jessica Vosk, who most recently starred as Elphaba in Wicked, will sing “God Bless America” in the middle of the seventh inning.

The Mets’ home opener is sold out. Fans can purchase tickets to the remainder of the homestand, as well as all remaining April games impacted by the capacity limit at Citi Field, at Mets.com/Tickets or by calling 718-507-TIXX. All tickets will be delivered via mobile utilizing the MLB Ballpark app. Print-at-home and paper ticket options will no longer be made available.

In order to enter Citi Field, ticketed guests are responsible for obtaining and displaying proof of one of the following: full vaccination (two weeks removed from final dose), a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the day of the game or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within six (6) hours of the game’s scheduled start time. The Mets will be utilizing Health Pass by CLEAR to confirm COVID-19 test results. Health Pass is a free service on the CLEAR mobile app that allows you to link your test results for seamless entry. For more information on testing and proof of vaccination, visit Mets.com/COVIDTestingFAQs.

All guests ages two (2) and older are required to wear a face covering at all times on ballpark property except when actively eating or drinking at their ticketed seats. Face coverings must cover both nose and mouth. Gaiters, bandanas and face coverings with an exhalation valve are not permitted.

The New York Mets are committed to delivering a first-class experience while continuing to prioritize the health and safety of our guests, players and staff. The Mets will closely monitor and follow the guidelines set forth by public health officials and Major League Baseball. Fans are encouraged to visit Mets.com/SafeAtCiti for the latest health and safety regulations in effect at Citi Field.