CSM Sport & Entertainment appointed to bring Major League Baseball to London

Mitel & MLB present London Series 2019 will see the Boston Red Sox & New York Yankees play a two-game series at London Stadium on June 29-30, 2019

Dubai, UAE, December 18, 2018:  CSM Sport & Entertainment (CSM) has been appointed to support Major League Baseball (MLB) as it takes regular season baseball to Europe for the first time in 2019.

The Mitel & MLB present London Series 2019, will see one of the most enduring rivalries in sport play out in the nation’s capital, when storied franchises Boston Red Sox face the New York Yankees in a two-game series.

CSM won a competitive pitch and are responsible for the strategic planning and production of venue operations, ticketing services, full event presentation, hospitality services, marketing and communications, as well as all fan-related activity in the lead up to and throughout the London Series in 2019 and 2020. The London based team will be collaborating with New York City headquartered CSM LeadDog to ensure a dynamic, authentic experience for fans, partners and key stakeholders.

The initial two-year period will see Major League baseball played at the iconic London Stadium, location for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games and current home of West Ham United Football Club.

MLB will be responsible for all baseball operations including transforming the London Stadium from a football stadium to a Major League ballpark with a minimum capacity of 57,000 fans per game. 

Matt Vandrau, CSM Group CEO said: “We are extremely privileged to be working with one of the most iconic organisations in professional sports. Major League Baseball is on the threshold of an exciting new era as it brings games to Europe for the first time.

“We believe that we are perfectly placed with a global footprint, and with a heritage in working closely with North American rights holders to deliver an excellent event and memorable fan experience.”
 
Charlie Hill, Managing Director MLB EMEA said; “As an organisation we have been planning to bring games to Europe for a number of years. It is important decision for MLB, one that we have taken time to ensure we get right.”

“Throughout the process we have been impressed with CSM’s knowledge, breadth of service and dynamism to be at the heart of an undertaking that is breaking new ground for our organisation and our sport.”

Sebastian Coe, Executive Chairman of CSM added: “It is fantastic for CSM to be working alongside Major League Baseball to bring another major sporting event to London. Staging a major Series like this, involving two of the most iconic teams in world sport, is more proof of London’s global reputation as a major sporting city. I know from London 2012 the public’s huge passion and appetite for live sport, and it’s great that UK fans will have the chance to see Major League Baseball take place at an iconic venue like the London Stadium.”