Cubs, Mets announce spring training series at Cashman Field

For the 12th consecutive season, the Chicago Cubs will visit Cashman Field for a spring training series on March 31-April 1.

This time they will face the host Las Vegas 51s' parent club, the National League champion New York Mets, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority announced Friday.

The series, which will end spring training for both teams, will feature a rematch of last fall's National League Championship Series. Both teams are expected to bring their final opening day rosters into the series.

The Cubs have sold out 16 games at Cashman Field during their past 11 visits. The Mets have made a previous visit to Cashman Field, facing the Cubs for two games in 2014.

Chicago is led by NL Rookie of the Year Kris Bryant, who is a Las Vegas native. The Mets will likely bring many former 51s, including Catcher Travis d'Arnaud, right-hander Jacob deGrom, first baseman Lucas Duda, right-hander Jeurys Familia , shortstop Wilmer Flores, outfield Juan Lagares and right-hander Noah Syndergaard.

"Big League Weekend has become an incredible tradition here in Las Vegas, and we're very excited to have Major League Baseball back for the 26th year," Rossi Ralenkotter, President/CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, said in a statement. "This year's games are taking Big League Weekend to a new level by having a rematch of last year's National League Championship Series. Having the Cubs battle the Mets for their final spring training games will be a great treat for the fans."

Game times for the Thursday-Friday event have yet to be announced. Ticket packages are on sale immediately at the 51s office.