Rays host Royals, Angels in eight-game homestand

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.—The Tampa Bay Rays return to Tropicana Field tomorrow for an eight-game homestand against the Kansas City Royals (August 18-21) and the Los Angeles Angels (August 22-25). The 2022 Rays season is presented by Bayfront Health St. Petersburg.

Thursday, August 18 vs. Kansas City Royals

• First Pitch: 7:10 p.m.
• Gates Open: 5:40 p.m.
• National Anthem: Will be performed by Doug Dierdorf.
• Ceremonial First Pitch: Rays Season Member Sergio Franco.

Friday, August 19 vs. Kansas City Royals

• First Pitch: 7:10 p.m.
• Gates Open: 5:40 p.m.
• National Anthem: Will be performed by Karen Dedier.
• Ceremonial First Pitch: Tom Krasniqi from the “Ronnie and TKras” show hosted on WDAE 95.3 FM/620 AM and Dr. Michael Jablonski, President of Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute and Chief Medical Officer of the 2022 Special Olympic USA Games.
• 7th Inning Stretch: Will be performed by Diego Ortiz, member of the Tampa Gladiators Special Olympics softball team.
• Partnership Recognition: The Rays Baseball Foundation will recognize its partnership with the Take Stock in Children of Manatee County and present them with a $15,000 grant.

Saturday, August 20 vs. Kansas City Royals

• First Pitch: 4:10 p.m.
• Gates Open: 2:40 p.m.
• National Anthem: Will be performed by Jacqueline Boehme.
• Ceremonial First Pitch: Tampa Bay Times columnist Stephanie Hayes.
• Promotion: Devil Rays Cooler presented by Florida Department of Transportation. Available to all fans while supplies last.
• Devil Rays Day: The Rays will wear their Nike white alternative throwback Devil Rays jerseys and navy blue New Era retro caps. This will be the fourth of five dates the Rays wear the throwback jerseys and caps.
• Chomp at the Trop: Fans can purchase a ticket package that includes a seat in the Lower Level and a Rays Chomp at the Trop Dri-Fit hat. Hats will be distributed through the 5th inning and can be picked up at the Redemption Center located behind section 108. The deadline to purchase tickets is tomorrow, August 18 at 11:59 p.m. For more information, visit RaysBaseball.com/UF.
• Partnership Recognition: The Rays Baseball Foundation will recognize its partnership with the Academy Prep Centers for Education and present each of them with a $20,000 grant, totaling $60,000.

Sunday, August 21 vs. Kansas City Royals

• First Pitch: 1:40 p.m.
• Gates Open: 12:10 p.m.
• National Anthem: Will be performed by Harihar Jeyabarath.
• Ceremonial First Pitch: Meredith Rickards on behalf of Coca-Cola Beverages Florida; Special Olympics Florida Pinellas County Softball Team member and Rays Concessions Staff member James Cupp.
• Rays Rookies Ticket Special: Members of the Rays Rookies Kids Club, presented by HI-CHEW, can receive 50 percent off tickets in the Lower Reserved and Rays Party Deck sections using the offer code sent to members via email. A maximum of six (6) tickets per account per date can be purchased.
• For The Kids: Sundays are Family Fun Days. Every Sunday home game will feature family fun performers, including face painters and balloon artists. Kids are invited to run the bases following the conclusion of the game.
• Partnership Recognition: The Rays Baseball Foundation will recognize its partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay and present them with a $20,000 grant.

Monday, August 22 vs. Los Angeles Angels

• First Pitch: 7:10 p.m.
• Gates Open: 5:40 p.m.
• National Anthem: Will be performed by Dessie Crotchett.
• Ceremonial First Pitch: Former NFL kicker Martín Gramática and Rays Season Member Wes Robinson.
• Salute to Service: Active-duty and retired military members, as well as first responders and teachers, can receive two (2) complimentary tickets. This offer expires the night before the game at midnight. To take advantage of the offer, visit RaysBaseball.com/Military, RaysBaseball.com/FirstResponders or RaysBaseball.com/Teachers and click “Get Verified” to be verified through ID.me and receive a coupon code.

Tuesday, August 23 vs. Los Angeles Angels

• First Pitch: 7:10 p.m.
• Gates Open: 5:40 p.m.
• National Anthem: Will be performed by Patrick Helm.
• Ceremonial First Pitch: Publix Merchandising Manager Bob Rossi.
• Tuesday’s Champion: Before every Tuesday home game, the Rays recognize a child from the Make-A-Wish Foundation or the Children’s Dream Fund as a part of the “Tuesday’s Champion” program, presented by RIPA & Associates. The Rays will recognize 13-year-old Asada McLaughlin from the Make-A-Wish Foundation with a ceremonial first pitch.

Wednesday, August 24 vs. Los Angeles Angels

• First Pitch: 7:10 p.m.
• Gates Open: 5:40 p.m.
• National Anthem: Will be performed by Alissa Musto.
• Ceremonial First Pitch: Tampa Bay Rowdies midfielder Leo Fernandes.

Thursday, August 25 vs. Los Angeles Angels

• First Pitch: 1:10 p.m.
• Gates Open: 11:40 a.m.
• National Anthem: Will be performed by Angelina Bella.
• Ceremonial First Pitch: Consulate-General of Japan in Miami Kazuhiro Nakai; Miss Florida USA Taylor Fulford and Miss Florida Teen Alyssa Khan.
• Partnership Recognition: The Rays Baseball Foundation will recognize its partnership with Pasco Education Foundation and present them with a $15,000 grant.

Additional Homestand Notes

• Coca-Cola Family Days: For home games from August 18-21 against the Kansas City Royals, fans can purchase a ticket package that includes a Lower Reserved ticket located in Right Field (sections 130-150) and a 20 oz. Coca-Cola product using the offer code COKE. Bottles can be picked up at the Grab-N-Go located near section 142. Fans must purchase a minimum of two (2) tickets for this offer and a maximum of six (6) tickets may be purchased. For more information, visit RaysBaseball.com/CokeOffer.
• Student Ticket Special: Students who are enrolled in a college or university and have a valid .edu email address are eligible to purchase $9 standing-room only tickets to Monday–Thursday home games. Limit two (2) tickets per game. For more information, visit RaysBaseball.com/Students.
• Kids Eat Free: At home games through the month of August, kids age 14 years and under can receive a free meal comprised of a small hot dog, chips, a small fountain drink and a HI-CHEW candy. The free meal is available exclusively via mobile ordering on the MLB Ballpark app at 11 concession locations throughout the ballpark through the 7th inning of each game: Beach Drive near section 125, Bird & Batter near sections 120 and 121, Central Burger near sections 118 and 119, Grand Slam Grill near section 140, Melted near section 138, Southern Fried near section 146, Whoa Doggy’s near sections 118 and 119, and Whoa Doggy’s Express near section 142. For more information, visit RaysBaseball.com/KidsEatFree.
• Papa John’s Rays 6 Promotion: When the Rays score six or more runs in a home or away game, fans can receive 50 percent off their pizza order using code RAYS6 the next day at PapaJohns.com or the Papa John’s Official app.
• Kane’s Furniture 10K Promotion: If Rays pitchers strike out 10 batters during a home game, take your mobile ticket located in the MLB Ballpark app or a print-at-home voucher to any Kane’s Furniture store within five days and receive a coupon for one free taco, chips and medium fountain drink at participating area Tijuana Flats locations. Restrictions apply. For more information, visit KanesStrikeout.com.
• Lowe’s Home Runs for Hope: For every home run Rays infielder Brandon Lowe hits, he and his wife, Madison, will donate $100 to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. The Rays Baseball Foundation will also contribute $100 per home run in support of Lowe’s “Home Runs for Hope” campaign. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay provides a range of services to ensure that no one in the community has to face a crisis alone. It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year as the community gateway to help. People who are struggling with a variety of crisis situations including sexual assault or abuse, domestic violence, financial distress, substance abuse, medical emergency, suicidal thoughts and other emotional or situational problems can connect to hope and healing.
• Budweiser Good Sport Designated Driver Program: Pledge to be a designated driver by abstaining from alcohol and signing up via the MLB Ballpark app. Provide your contact information, follow the confirmation link in your inbox and show at Gate 3 Guest Services. Each fan who signs up will receive a small cup good for soda or water at Coca-Cola Refresh Stations. One winner each game will also receive a Rays hat.
• 50/50 Charity Raffle: For all home games, fans can obtain 50/50 charity raffle tickets at Tropicana Field and online at RaysBaseball.com/5050. Online raffle tickets are open to all persons who are in the State of Florida (excluding Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties) and 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. Fans who obtain their raffle tickets prior to first pitch will receive twice the number of entries for their donation. Proceeds from the 50/50 charity raffle benefit the Rays Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization and the official charity of the Rays.