SEATTLE -- After a 19-year run with growing attendance and popularity, Mariners FanFest will take a one-year hiatus this offseason to avoid any problems with the newly installed playing surface at Safeco Field.
The two-day event, which is usually held shortly before the start of Spring Training, will return in January 2019.
New infield and outfield grass was put in last month as the entire playing surface was redone for the first time in the stadium's history.
"FanFest is predicated on our fans, especially our young fans, being able to take the field, run the bases, hit a home run and play catch in the outfield," said team president Kevin Mather.