Mets Plan Special Night as Baseball Returns to NYC

A very special night is planned for the citizens of New York when the Mets return to Shea Stadium to host the Atlanta Braves.  Last week the games planned for Shea were moved to Pittsburgh.

Here are some of the news and notes regarding this special evening, which is a tribute to the rescue workers and victims.

Lines to get through security are extremely long as the building security is extremely tight.

Out of respect for the tragic events of last Tuesday at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in Washington, DC, the Mets have moved the games originally scheduled with the Pirates at Shea from September 17th-September 19th to PNC Ballpark in Pittsburgh.

The games which were originally to be played in Pittsburgh, September 11th-September 13th, will now be played at Shea, Monday, October 1st-Wednesday, October 3rd.

In addition the games originally scheduled with the Montreal Expos, Friday, September 14th to Sunday, September 16th, have been rescheduled for Shea, Friday, October 5th-Sunday, October 7th.

Also:

• There will be a moment of silence before the start of the game.
• Planes will be diverted from the Stadium area during the game as a security precaution.  
• Coolers and bags will searched and security is tight around the game.
• Players will donate their salary for the day to assist victims' families, totaling about $450,000.
• A giant US flag will be unfurled while Recording artist Diana Ross sings "God Bless America"
• The National Anthem will be sung by recording artist Marc Anthony
• The seventh inning stretch will add artist Liza Minelli singing "New York, New York" from the top of the visiting dugout.
• A 21-gun salute is planned.
• The scoreboard has been altered, including a gigantic US flag that covers what was formerly a beer ad and a red, white and blue ribbon that now covers the WTC buildings on the skyline of the city.
• New graphic packages have been added to the video display boards.
• Met players will wear NYPD and NYFD hats, as well as hats from several other rescue assistance groups.
• A police bag pip band will play
• A US flag has been added to all player uniforms
• Both teams will line the foul lines and the ceremony will begin with a joint color guard from the NYPD, NYFD, EMS, Port Authority Police, and NYS Court Officers Association, accompanied by the NYPD Pipers & Drummers.
• Fans have been encouraged to use public transportation due to heighten security and more limited parking.
• Much of the pre-game will be carried live on MSNBC.

Thanks to NYMets.com for many of these notes.