The starting lineups for the Mets and Phillies will be the center of attention this weekend in the London Series presented by Zoom Workplace. Who wouldn't want to see Bryce Harper or Pete Alonso explode over the walls of London Stadium? But that's not the only action we'll see on the field this weekend.
Before you head to the stadium or watch the game on TV, here are some notable happenings happening at the London Stadium.
Be sure to grab your seat early as Grammy Award-winning artist Jess Glynne will be performing just before the start of the show on Sunday at 3pm BST / 10am EST. Known for her hits “Hold my Hand,” “Rather Be” and “Don't be so Hard on Yourself,” Glynne recently released her third studio album, “JESS.”
The Soul Symphony will also return, performing before Saturday's match (6pm BST / 1pm EST).
The opportunity to take to the mound and throw the ceremonial first pitch is one of the highest honors available to a fan or celebrity, and actor Matthew Broderick, known for his iconic roles in “Ferris Bueller's Day Off” and “The Producers,” will be hyping up the game before Saturday's game.
On Sunday, a Phillies fan of Rob McElhenney (Philly Fantastic), co-owner of English Football League club Wrexham AFC and star of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, will throw the first pitch, but will he choose to play catch with current star Bryce Harper or retired Phillies legend Chase Utley?
Not only will The Phanatic and Mr Met be crossing the Atlantic, but some of your favourite giant headed mascots, including Winston Churchill, Henry VIII and Freddie Mercury, will also be taking part in the traditional mascot race. Who knows, maybe we'll even see a fan favourite make a comeback this year…
No major league game begins without the singing of the national anthems; because the game is being played in England, both the U.S. and British national anthems will be sung. The NHS Choir will sing both national anthems on Saturday, and on Sunday, Broadway musical star Marisha Wallace will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and Welsh classical artist Katherine Jenkins will perform “God Save the King.”
If you can't make it to the ballpark this weekend, there's still plenty of baseball fun to be had: Head to iconic Trafalgar Square to catch screenings of both games, plenty of DJs and entertainment between innings, and New York and Philadelphia-style food vendors.
Plus, you can practice your swing in one of 10 batting cages while also getting advice and support from participating baseball coaches.
Don't miss it on Friday night, too: before the series begins, Utley will take on former Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy in the cage for a one-of-a-kind Augmented Reality Home Run Derby, followed by Phil Jupitas hosting a special London Series Pub Quiz.
