PEORIA, Ariz. — On the eve of opening day of their Cactus League schedule, the Mariners announced that tickets for the opening day of the 2023 regular season — March 30 vs. the Guardians at T-Mobile Park — have sold out.
Following a 2022 season that saw the team end a postseason drought dating back to 2001, the anticipation for an even better season in 2023 and All-Star Game being played in Seattle, interest in the Mariners has steadily grown over the offseason with season ticket commitments growing.
While the Mariners usually have sellout crowds in their home opener or close to it, this is one of the earliest sellouts in recent memory.
Fans still interested in going to the season opener can go to the secondary market to find tickets. Per a search of Seat Geek, general admissions bleacher seats could be purchased for $30 each. Lower bowl tickets in the sections behind home plate ranged from $120 to $250 each. Seats in the lower bowl along the baselines ranged from $75 to $250 apiece.
There are plenty of tickets available for the remainder of the opening homestand, which features the three-game series vs. the Guardians followed by a three-game series with the Angels.
The Mariners will be giving away a Mariners-themed crossbody bag to the first 10,000 fans on March 31 — a Friday night game.
The game on Saturday, April 1 will feature Julio Rodriguez’s first bobblehead. The first 20,000 fans through the gate will receive the figuring commemorating the young superstar being named the American League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year.
Monday, April 3 will be the Mariners first Bark in the Park night where fans can bring their dog to a game and sit in view level (third deck) with their pets.
Mariners add Calhoun on minor league contract
Veteran outfielder Kole Calhoun was in the Mariners clubhouse early Thursday morning, introducing himself to players and unpacking gear. Team sources said Calhoun, 35, had agreed on a minor league contract with an invite to spring training. He is the 76th player in MLB camp.
“It’s pending physical,” Jerry Dipoto, Mariners president of baseball operations said on his weekly radio show on Seattle Sports 710. “So we still have one step to take, but I don’t really anticipate anything getting in the way and hopefully Kole gets in our camp as these games start tomorrow. Build a little depth here.”
Calhoun played in 125 games for the Rangers in 2022, posting a .196/.257/.330 slash line with 14 doubles, a triple, 12 homers, 49 RBI, 27 walks, 136 strikeouts and a -1.1 wins above replacement per FanGraphs.
A longshot to make the team, Calhoun would a be depth outfield option for Triple-A Tacoma or could see time if there was an injury to projected starting left fielder Jarred Kelenic.
“You’re not going to find a better clubhouse guy than Kole,” Dipoto said. “I’ve had experience with Kole dating back to my early years with the Angels when he first broke in at the big-league level. He has a lot of leadership qualities that you look for. He’s got energy, he’s got passion for it, he’s got the right amount of that fiery competitor, and that stands out. It really kind of rubs off on the other guys. So that plus, he’s a really good defensive outfielder who can really throw that has a history of hitting right-handed pitchers in this league.”
Calhoun had the reputation of tormenting the Mariners with either his hitting or his powerful outfield arm. Playing for the Angels and Rangers, Calhoun has played 129 career games vs. the Mariners, posting a .232/.304/.433 slash line with 19 doubles, a triple, 24 homers, 59 RBI, 67 runs scored, 46 walks and 112 strikeouts.
Also
Friday’s Cactus League opener will not be televised. A live radio broadcast with Dave Sims and Rick Rizzs can be heard on Seattle Sports 710 or mariners.com.
Left-hander Robbie Ray will start for Seattle while the Padres will start right-hander Nick Martinez. First pitch is set for 12:10 p.m. PT.