Mets take on Pirates in 2026 home opener. Here's what to know.
Major League Baseball returned to New York City on Thursday as the Mets opened their 2026 season with an 11-7 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field.
Since 1970, no team has more wins on opening day than the Mets, but the players still have a bitter taste in their mouths after failing to make the playoffs last season.
Fans excited
One fan told CBS News New York that Thursday marked his 46th opening day, whereas another younger fan said it was his first, and he's hoping to start a tradition of his own.
Mets fans have endured a lot since their last World Series championship in 1986. There have been seasons that have felt like they were over before they began.
This season likely isn't one of them. This team is expected to compete for the pennant, but that's only part of why fans are excited. Mostly, they're giddy because the Mets are back, and baseball season is here.
One fan celebrating his 13th birthday Thursday told CBS News New York he was surprised when, instead of going to school, he received tickets to opening day.
"I've been in love with the Mets since [I was] 11 years old, and I just turned 68," another fan said.
Mets fans got their wish. Their undefeated season is still intact.
2026 Mets roster
The Mets have plenty of fresh faces, including rookie Carson Benge, who homered Thursday in his MLB debut as the starting right fielder.
Earlier this week, the team released a heartwarming video of manager Carlos Mendoza telling the top prospect that he made the opening day roster.
"Well, guess what? On Thursday, you're gonna get the opportunity. You made the team. You're gonna be in the lineup, and you're gonna be playing right field for the New York Mets," he said. "You're a big leaguer."
The 23-year-old was a first-round pick out of Oklahoma State in 2024.
Also expected to play a big role this season are a bunch of new additions, including infielders Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien and Jorge Polanco, outfielder Luis Robert Jr., and ace starting pitcher Freddy Peralta, who picked up the win on Thursday.
The official starting lineup on Thursday included those six, plus shortstop Francisco Lindor, left fielder Juan Soto, catcher Francisco Alvarez and designated hitter Brett Baty.
MTA offering discounts
The MTA announced it will have reduced rates for fans trying to get to Citi Field this season. The new "Take the Train to the Game" promotion gives fans $5 off certain Long Island Rail Road tickets.
There's a discount code on the TrainTime app that applies to Day Pass tickets, including a CityTicket Day Pass, that is only good for use on the day of the game.
To cash in on the special offer, add the "Take the Train to the Game" promotion at checkout or select a game from the special LIRR fare promotion page. If you choose the latter, you will receive an email with a link to the TrainTime app to purchase a Day Pass to Mets-Willets Point, and the discount will be automatically applied.
The code can be used on up to eight Day Passes or CityTicket Day Passes.
A CityTicket Day Pass is normally $14.50 during peak hours and $10.50 during off-peak.
New food on the Citi Field menu
There's a range of new cuisines available for the 2026 season.
"This year at the ballpark, we've got about 37 different food offerings here for everybody to try," said Jason Eksterowicz, the Aramark senior executive chef for Citi Field.
The stadium was also named the winner of the award for best baseball stadium food by USA Today 10Best.
There's something for everyone from Eat In The Cave's empanadas to Wok N'Roll's clam chowder egg rolls to The Queensboro's kimchi Reuben.
There's also New York classics like Chef Kwame's chopped cheese sandwich and Pat LaFrieda Chop House's dry-aged branded tomahawks, burgers and steaks.
Fans with a sweet tooth might enjoy Big Apple pie cheesecake, apple pie nachos, or Hildebrandt's Blue and Orange Skies ice cream, a Citi Field exclusive.
