Spring is in the air, which means baseball is almost back! While Opening Day and the All-Star Weekend are among the dates many MLB fans will have ringed on their calendars, baseball lovers in the UK and Europe are gearing up for an event they can call their own – MLB’s London Series.
Returning to the English Capital for the third time, the London Series has become a highlight of the sporting summer and will once again wow over 100,000 fans in 2024. Excitement is already growing for this year’s East Coast clash in East London, but whether you’re a baseball fanatic or brand-new to a ballgame, Koobit has all bases covered with this simple guide to the event.
- What is MLB London Series?
- MLB London Series History
- Which teams are playing in the 2024 London Series?
- When will MLB London Series take place in 2024?
- What time do MLB London Series games start?
- MLB London Series Tickets
- What else is there to do at MLB London Series?
What is MLB London Series?
MLB London Series sees 2 rival teams from Major League Baseball, the USA’s premier professional baseball league, travel to the UK to play 2 of their regular season games in London. The games are played across the course of a weekend in June, with one game taking place on Saturday and the other being played on Sunday.
The 2024 London Series will be the third edition of the event, with more than 50,000 fans set to attend each game.
MLB London Series History
The first London Series took place on 29–30 June 2019 with 2 of MLB’s most iconic franchises in action: the New York Yankees and their bitter rivals the Boston Red Sox. High scores were the order of the weekend during this inaugural event as the Yankees won the first game 17–13 and the second game 12–8. Attendances over 59,000 were recorded on both days.
Following the success of 2019, MLB was originally set to return to London in 2020, but the Covid-19 pandemic caused the event to be postponed. Baseball finally came back to London Stadium in 2023 in the shape of the Route 66 Rivalry – a battle between the Midwest’s Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals. Sellout crowds were in attendance once again across the weekend as the Cubs won 9–1 on Saturday 24 June and the Cardinals evened the series with a 7–5 victory on 25 June.
Which teams are playing in the 2024 London Series?
Another great MLB rivalry will go global at this year’s London Series as the city welcomes the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. Both teams are members of the National League East division, and close geographical proximity adds fuel to the fire – the East Coast cities of New York and Philadelphia are only around 95 miles, or a 2-hour drive, apart.
Based in Queens, New York, the Mets have won the World Series twice – in 1969 & 1986. Since billionaire Steve Cohen became owner of the franchise in 2020, the Mets have assembled one of the most star-studded lineups in the league and will harbor championship ambitions for 2024. Look out for big-hitting “Polar Bear” Pete Alonso and popular pitcher Edwin Diaz when the Mets come to London in June.
While the Philadelphia Phillies have a history dating back to 1883, most of the franchise’s success (including World Series victories in 1980 & 2008) occurred in the late 20th and early 21st Centuries. Even more recently, the team has been a force in the playoffs, enjoying deep Postseason runs in 2022 & 2023. Led by star players like Bryce Harper and Trea Turner, the Phillies will have their eyes on the World Series in 2024.
When will MLB London Series take place in 2024?
In 2024, MLB’s London Series will be held slightly earlier than usual on the weekend of 8–9 June. Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday 8 June, and Game 2 for Sunday 9 June.
What time do MLB London Series games start?
On Saturday 8 June, Game 1 of the London Series will begin at 18:10, with doors opening just over 3 hours earlier at 15:00.
On Sunday 9 June, Game 2 will start earlier at 15:10, with doors to London Stadium opening at 12:00 midday.
In 2023, the average baseball game lasted around 2 hours and 40 minutes, but games can be longer if scores are tied at the end of play and extra innings are required.
MLB London Series Tickets
Tickets for MLB’s London Series are on sale now, so there’s still time to catch the live action and be a part of this rare transatlantic experience. Standard tickets begin at just £39, with the cheapest options available for Game 2 on Sunday 9 June.
Alongside regular seating, the London Series also boasts a wide range of hospitality offerings, from VIP treatment in the Champions Lounge to elevated ballpark food, drink, and fun with the Hall of Fame package. Hospitality packages start from £474.
Click here to purchase tickets for Game 1 on Saturday 8 June.
Click here to purchase tickets for Game 2 on Sunday 9 June.
What else is there to do at MLB London Series?
The London Series is a family-friendly event with something for everyone to enjoy. When you’re not watching the action on the field, guests to London Stadium can sample classic ballpark food, shop for official merchandise, enjoy live music, or just soak up the gameday atmosphere with baseball-themed entertainment.
