Last year, MLB Players Weekend made its return following a four-year hiatus that started after the 2019 season. The event is back again for 2025, scheduled to take place from Aug. 15-17, concluding with a matchup between the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners at the Little League Classic in Williamsport.
Three themes lie at the heart of Players Weekend, each aimed at giving athletes room for self-expression. The stretch of days allows each player to share their hobbies and creative pursuits that they enjoy beyond baseball, showcase the charitable and community initiatives they care about most, and recognize those who’ve played meaningful roles in their journey to the Majors.
Players will be able to exercise their right to self-expression during the weekend through the use of special equipment, including personalized bats and cleats. On-field caps again are going to feature each players’ jersey number on the side.
After the weekend concludes, players will have the opportunity to auction their custom bats and cleats through MLB to benefit charities of their choice.
Players Weekend has been a big hit since it was introduced in 2017. One of its most popular features, among fans and players alike, was the inclusion of nicknames on the back of jerseys. But they weren’t in use when the event made its return last season and that has continued into 2025.
Regardless, Players Weekend was a success for MLB in 2024, garnering 74.5 million total impressions and 2.4 million engagements on social media. It equated to a 30% boost in MLB-related conversations compared to the same timeframe in 2023.
MLB Rivalry Weekend boosts attendance
MLB’s first Rivalry Weekend came and went May 16-18, which saw 11 Interleague series and four non-Interleague matchups.
A classic matchup between the New York Mets and New York Yankees in the Subway Series served as the headliner, with the added intrigue of Juan Soto’s first time back at Yankee Stadium since signing his record-setting contract with the Mets.
The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted their geographic rival, Los Angeles Angels, for the annual Freeway Series at Dodger Stadium.
The inaugural Rivalry Weekend drew a combined attendance total of 1,608,475 across 45 games, which was good for MLB’s best weekend attendance and average (35,744) before Memorial Day Weekend since May 18-20, 2012.
