Major League Baseball (MLB) has appointed the CSM Sport & Entertainment (CSM) agency to aid the delivery of its first regular season games in Europe.
London Series 2019 will see the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees play a two-game series at London Stadium on June 29-30. CSM won a competitive pitch and will be responsible for the strategic planning and production of venue operations, ticketing services, full event presentation, hospitality services, marketing and communications, as well as all fan-related activity in the lead up to and throughout the London Series in 2019 and 2020.
The London-based team will be collaborating with New York City headquartered CSM LeadDog in an effort to ensure a dynamic, authentic experience for fans, partners and key stakeholders.
The initial two-year contract, which was agreed in May, will see MLB games played at London Stadium, location for the 2012 summer Olympics and Paralympic Games and current home of Premier League football club West Ham United.
MLB will be responsible for all baseball operations including transforming London Stadium from a football venue to a major league ballpark with a minimum capacity of 57,000 fans per game.
Matt Vandrau, CSM Group CEO, said: “We are extremely privileged to be working with one of the most iconic organisations in professional sports. Major League Baseball is on the threshold of an exciting new era as it brings games to Europe for the first time.
“We believe that we are perfectly placed with a global footprint, and with a heritage in working closely with North American rights holders to deliver an excellent event and memorable fan experience.”
Charlie Hill, managing director of MLB EMEA, added: “As an organisation we have been planning to bring games to Europe for a number of years. It is important decision for MLB, one that we have taken time to ensure we get right.
“Throughout the process we have been impressed with CSM’s knowledge, breadth of service and dynamism to be at the heart of an undertaking that is breaking new ground for our organisation and our sport.”
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