Mariners prepare to host MLB All-Star Week festivities in July

SEATTLE — We are two months away from the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which will be played in Seattle for the first time in more than 20 years. As some of the game’s best players descend upon T-Mobile Park for the Midsummer Classic, fans are sure to have a great time as well.

The Mariners announced Monday that there will be batting cages, a virtual reality home run derby, a mascot home run derby, and a live panel with 20 former Mariners players like Bret Boone, Mike Cameron, and Edgar Martinez.

KIRO 7 got a chance to catch up with Martinez on Monday afternoon. He said he remembers the last time Seattle hosted the All-Star Game in 2001, and says the amount of energy around the Mariners and the sport of baseball in the city in recent months has been something to see.

“I came here when the last game was played here. And the energy that was in that ballpark, I haven’t seen that in many, many years,” Martinez said. “So, I know that the fans really love this team and is behind this team. So we are cheering for them.”

Martinez said he is looking forward to connecting with old teammates, including the ones who were with him during the Mariners’ historic 116-win season in 2001.

The village, dubbed Play Ball Park, opens July 8 and will go beyond the confines of T-Mobile Park with events being held at Lumen Field and the Lumen Field Event Center.

The All-Star Game festivities aren’t the only attractions that are happening over that weekend, as the 2023 MLB Draft also takes place in Seattle from July 9-11.

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