The Department of Tourism aims to bring the warmth of Bermuda to New York later this month.

The second 'Bermuda Night' of the 2008 New York Mets baseball season takes place at Shea Stadium on September 22, as the team plays Chicago Cubs.

As part of the evening's festivities, Bermuda Idol winner Larrita Adderley will sing the US National Anthem while the Warwick Gombey Troupe will help to warm up the pre-game crowd.

A Government spokesman said: "Bermuda Night presents Tourism officials with the opportunity to showcase Bermuda as a visitor destination to fans in the stadium and watching on television."Both the Mets and Cubs are in hot pursuit of play-off spots, therefore the game is expected to draw 50,000-plus fans, with hundreds of thousands more watching on television.

"More visitors come to Bermuda from the New York area than anyplace else in the world."

Premier Ewart Brown is to throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the game, while tourism staff will hand out giveaways to fans.

The first 'Bermuda Night' took place on May 12, when the Mets played the Washington Nationals. At this event, Dr. Brown also threw out the first pitch and fans received 'Feel The Love' giveaways.

The two events are part of a $500,000 sponsorship deal with the baseball team, which aims to showcase the Island as a tourist destination to East Coast sports fans.