B-Mets to stay in New York, rebrand

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- At the Binghamton Mets' "New Owner Rollout" on Thursday, team president John Hughes announced that Double-A baseball is set to stay in Binghamton with a new, fresh look. Hughes revealed the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets will play at NYSEG Stadium under a new name starting in 2017.

The news came in addition to several other exciting changes for the organization.

"Since 1992, the Binghamton Mets and New York Mets have been proud affiliates -- one of the longest affiliations in the Eastern League. We're thrilled to be keeping Double-A, New York Mets baseball here in the community but with a new name that everyone in Binghamton can call its own. The new name will bring in a new era that proudly represents a crown jewel of the community," Hughes said at the Terra Cotta in downtown Binghamton.

The team will launch a "Name the Team" contest on Opening Day, April 7. Submissions will be accepted through April 25, when the top six possible team names will be unveiled. Fans can vote for their favorite name for two weeks via the team website. The new official name of the Double-A Mets will be revealed in October 2016.

"Support from the entire community has been incredibly humbling. I have met nothing but fantastically talented people. I am honored to have been graciously accepted into the community. I look forward to seeing friends, family, and co-workers at games in NYSEG Stadium for a fantastic, affordable visit throughout the season," Hughes added.

The team's new president shared additional details on several projects the team is tackling at his presentation:

RENOVATED TEAM STORE: The team store located on the NYSEG Stadium concourse behind home plate has been completely remodeled. The modern, open floor plan and team's new partnership with the official MiLB.com Store will allow more fans to get access to a fresh range of B-Mets merchandise.

UPDATED CONCESSIONS: The team is proud to announce Professional Sports Catering will handle concessions for the entire ballpark. With an eye toward pleasing every fan, PSC will offer an expansive variety of high quality, fresh options.

KIDS ZONE & PARTY DECK: Hughes unveiled plans for the expansion of the B-Mets Kids Zone and the addition of a raised party deck for the 2017 season.

FIELD IMPROVEMENT: The players themselves will feel the difference this season as the entire playing surface has been replaced. The future stars of the New York Mets will enjoy a completely new setup, from the infield play to the outfield walls. Hughes also revealed plans to update the stadium lighting and batting cage in the 2017 season.

PROMOTIONS: Hughes released a litany of promotions for the 2016 season, many of which are new such as the first-ever Bark in the Park Night (July 14), XPogo Stunt Team (May 27-28) and the Smoketown Helicopters Candy Drop (July 31). The team also will also be bringing back favorites such as Birdzerk & Zooperstars (Sept. 3-4), fireworks, and appearances from Mr. & Mrs. Met (July 15 & June 10).

OPENING NIGHT: Binghamton kicks off its 25th season in grand fashion on April 7. Liquid Altitude Free Fall Team will parachute into NYSEG Stadium to deliver the first-pitch ball that will be thrown by former Binghamton Met great and New York Met favorite Edgardo Alfonzo. The Binghamton Mets have even guaranteed that the temperature at game time will be 60 degrees. If the temperature does not hit 60 degrees, all fans in attendance will be able to redeem their ticket for any remaining home game in the month of April.