Ahead of the first game of the Mets-Royals series at Citi Field, Citi today announced ways for fans to help propel New York's hometown team to its first championship since 1986. Today and tomorrow, Citi will unveil the Citi Field at Times Square Mets Fan Experience outside of the 7 train station, which will feature Mets-wrapped Citi Bikes that fans will be invited to ride to generate kinetic energy that will be collected and stored in batteries. The energy will be transferred to the New York City power grid to offset energy used to light the "crown" of Citi's tower in Long Island City – the tallest building in Queens visible from Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan and workplace for more than 5,700 of Citi's workforce – in Mets' orange and blue.
"New Yorkers never quit, and no team embodies that fighting spirit more than the Mets," said Ed Skyler, Citi's Head of Global Public Affairs. "Mets fans have waited a long time for this, and we're going to help them get things started early with a rally at Times Square before we light up Queens in orange and blue."
Citi's Mets activities will include:
Citi Field at Times Square Mets Fan Experience
In addition to the Mets-wrapped Citi Bikes, the Times Square Fan Zone will feature Citi Bike pass giveaways, as well as a number of Mets-themed photo opportunities. Former Met and fan favorite John Franco will also make an appearance on Friday at 2 p.m. The Citi Field Fan Zone will be located on 7th Avenue between 41st and 42nd Streets outside of the 7 train station that will take fans to Citi Field. The Fan Zone will be open to fans today, Friday, October 30 from 2-9 p.m. and tomorrow, October 31 from noon-9 p.m.
Lighting the "Crown" of Queens' Tallest Building with Orange and Blue
With the help of Citi Bike pedal power, Citi will light the top four floors of One Court Square – the green glass tower it has long-occupied in Long Island City – with massive orange and blue LED projection lights and programmable, high-intensity spotlights starting on Friday at 6:20PM. During the games at Citi Field, the lights will "react" to on field action, with bursts of light upon a Mets home run, pulsating lights to coincide with "Let's Go Mets" chants, red/white/blue during the national anthem and more. One Court Square is the tallest building in Queens.
"Let's Go Mets" Social Media Campaign
This week, Citi also launched a "Let's Go Mets" digital video series featuring Met, aimed at generating excitement and support amongst fans using the #LGM hashtag. Follow or join the conversation on social media at #LGM, @Citi, and @Citibank.
Citi is also encouraging all of its New York-based employees to wear orange and blue to work on Friday to support the Mets.