It’s not unusual for fans to fall asleep during a baseball game, but sleeping in a baseball park overnight is unusual. The New York Mets, on the other hand, are collaborating with Airbnb Inc. (NASDAQ: ABNB) on an intriguing promotion that will allow some fans to stay overnight at Citi Field.
What happened was this: Mets fans can go to airbnb.com/mets starting July 8 at 12 p.m. EDT and request a one-night stay for up to four guests at Citi Field for $250 plus costs on July 28. This is not a contest, according to Airbnb, and visitors will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis.
According to Airbnb, the chosen fans would throw out the ceremonial first pitch and watch the game from a VIP suite with “unlimited stadium hotdogs and drinks.” Fans can work out in the team’s gym and use the locker room shower while the players are away.
Fans will be provided with a private suite consisting of one bedroom with two beds and a shared bathroom for the overnight hours. Former Mets great Bobby Bonilla is hosting the experience, according to Airbnb, though it’s unclear whether he’ll be sleeping at the stadium with the fans overnight.
See also: Bobby Bonilla Day: Bernie Madoff’s Role In The New York Mets’ Demise
What Else Occurred: The campaign was introduced on July 1, which is known among Mets fans as Bobby Bonilla Day, which serves as both a celebration of a famous athlete and a lesson on how not to negotiate a contract.
The Mets wanted to release Bonilla in 2000, but he had a contract that required them to retain him on the roster. The organization decided to buy out the contract’s remaining $5.9 million, but instead of paying a flat sum, it made an unusual offer: starting in 2011, Bonilla would receive annual payments of about $1.2 million for 25 years, with an 8% interest rate negotiated.
The Mets were offered the deferred payment plan because they were dealing with a well-known Wall Street financial adviser who promised them double-digit returns on their assets. Bernie Madoff was the name of the financial planner, and you can imagine what occurred.
“You make some poor and some good deals,” Mets Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon subsequently said.
(C) 2021. Photo courtesy of Airbnb. Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not offer financial advice. All intellectual property rights are reserved./n
