The Premier says a $500,000 sponsorship deal with the New York Mets is a home run to catching the interest of thousands of East Coast sports fans.

Tourism Minister Dr. Ewart Brown stepped up to the pitcher's mound at Shea Stadium last night to throw the ceremonial first pitch in the Mets' game against the Washington Nationals. Speaking from New York, the Mets fan said: "The first pitch was not a strike but I got it to the catcher. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

The Premier added: "At the moment I'm watching the banner (on the scoreboard) which says 'In two hours you can feel the love'. We think that's lovely. The atmosphere here is wonderful."

'Bermuda Night' was the first of two evenings — the second takes place on September 22, in which the home crowd were showered not only with rain but by 'Feel the Love' giveaways promoting the Island as a destination.

In a $500,000 sponsorship deal between the Department of Tourism and the world-famous sports franchise, Bermuda is this year's "official" Mets' destination. Advertising spreads in the Mets Yearbook and Mets Magazine reveal the Island's attractions, while at each home game if a player hits a grand slam in an inning, a fan will win a trip for two to Bermuda.

Home games will also feature the 'Feel the Love' branding on the scoreboard, while rotating television spots at concession stands and stadium signage will promote the tourism message. The marketing deal is aimed at encouraging more New Yorkers to visit the Island — up to 48,000 fans attend each Mets' home game.

Tourism Minister Dr. Brown dined with Mets chiefs prior to the game, during which he said they "reaffirmed their commitment to this arrangement".

"We think it's a great marriage between Bermuda and the Mets because the Mets are about to go on an upswing and I see our tourism going the same way," said the Premier. "The Mets are opening a new stadium next season and have acquired new players, and I feel we will grow and grow together in the number one market, which is New York."

Dr. Brown said the Tourism Department's sponsorship deal was inspired by a previous link-up with NBA basketball team Miami Heat to promote the new American Airlines flight between Miami and Bermuda.

"We engaged with them (Miami Heat) to support the Miami-Bermuda flight and it seems to have worked extremely well, so we were looking for an East Coast New York/Boston relationship to help us in a similar way.

"The Mets seemed to be the match for us."

Announcing the sponsorship deal last month, Dr. Brown said: "This partnership with the New York Mets puts us in a very strong marketing position, in a market that Bermuda Tourism cherishes the most — New York City. More visitors come to Bermuda from New York than any place else in the world, so we are well positioned now, with the help of the New York Mets, to grow that market even more."

As part of the sponsorship deal, Mets' broadcaster SNY — the SportsNet New York television station, will also air commercials during and after games, reaching a wider audience of sports fans in New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

Dr. Brown told The Royal Gazette last night: "I think this sponsorship deal will get the tourism message across. I'm not expecting thousands of baseball fans to come to Bermuda next week, but during the summer, with six flights a day between New York and Bermuda, I expect this will make a difference.

"All we need to do now is increase our hotel inventory and we'll be there."