Mets Hall of Famer To Attend Dick's Grand Opening

The new Dick's Sporting Goods store on Route 58 in Riverhead will get a warm welcome from a sports legend this weekend.

New York Mets Hall of Fame member John Franco will be stopping by the new Dick's location at 1779 Old Country Road on Saturday from 11 until 1 p.m. and signing autographs for fans.

Dick's will have a three-day grand opening celebration, beginning on Friday, with special giveaways, including a free Mystery Gift Card from $5 to $500 for the first 100 adults in line on Friday and Saturday, a free Under Armour Tech T-shirt for the first 100 people in line on Saturday, and a free Scratch & Win card, where every card is a winner, for the first 100 adults in line on Sunday. 

Special extended store hours will be in effect for Friday and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Former Mets Captain Franco was a four time All-Star with 424 saves in his career, the fourth most in major league history and the most for any left-handed pitcher.

Beginning at 8 a.m., 350 wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis on Saturday for autographs by Franco; limit one wristband and one autograph per person. Fans must have a wristband and must be in the special appearance line by 11 a.m. to receive an autograph. 

 “We look forward to opening our new Dick's Sporting Goods in Riverhead, becoming part of the community and serving athletes of all ages by providing them the equipment they need to excel," said Lauren Hobart, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Dick's Sporting Goods.