“The World Series is coming back to the World’s Borough”, Katz said in a statement, with the Mets scheduled to play Friday, Saturday and Sunday, if needed.
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Borough President Melinda Katz was joined by several Queens lawmakers, former New York Mets players and jubilant fans as she hosted a rally Monday to wish the Mets luck on their way to Kansas City to play the first two games of the 2015 World Series.
“Mets fans are the most loyal in the city”, she said.
The Mets have around $650 million in outstanding debt that was issued through the New York City Industrial Development Agency to construct the Mets’ new stadium.
“The value of hosting big events goes far beyond immediate economic impact”, said Fred Dixon, CEO of the city’s tourism agency, NYC & Company. “This hometown rally will be all about New York pride to fuel the Amazin’s momentum into the World Series”. “When the Yankees are in the World Series it’s more of a direct credit positive”.
The bonds are now stable but below investment grade, with a Ba1 rating. Revenue from 10,635 club and premium seats – 34.5 percent of 2014 pledged revenues – as well as concessions, parking fees and other costs related to the World Series will be used to pay down the debt, Moody’s said. But the 1969 Mets had another power arm in the pen for that World Series: Nolan Ryan, who would ultimately become baseball’s all-time strikeout king. Moody’s report showed that home attendance usually increases the following season for both the victor and loser.
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Competing for the Major League Baseball championship this year should generate excitement among fans next year too, helping the team fill its stadium, Citi Field, at home games. Moody’s anticipates at least a 5 percent growth in attendance next year.
